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Hawaii County, HI Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law: HCC Article 9, Sections 14-50 to 14-55.1
Curfew: Most nonexempt fixtures off 11 p.m. to sunrise
Shielding trigger: Full shielding required above 4,050 lumens
Mercury vapor lamps: Banned; removal deadline was August 17, 1998
Penalty: Up to $500 per day, per violation
Enforcing agency: Building official, Department of Public Works

Summary

Hawai'i County Code Article 9 (Sections 14-50 to 14-55.1) requires shielding, curfews and lamp-type limits on almost every outdoor light fixture installed since September 1, 1988. Fixtures above 4,050 lumens must be fully shielded, mercury vapor lamps have been banned since August 17, 1998, and most Class II and III lights must switch off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise. The building official enforces compliance through the electrical permit process.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hawaii County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(a) Standard fixture. All class types of outdoor light fixtures shall follow the requirements set forth in Table 14-A. (b) Shielding. All outdoor lights shall be shielded pursuant to the requirements set forth in Table 14-A. (c) Hours of operation. All outdoor light fixtures shall be subject to the hours of operation as required by Table 14-A. (d) Mercury vapor lights prohibited. Mercury vapor lamps shall not be used for any new outdoor lighting installations or for the replacement of any existing installation. All existing mercury vapor outdoor lighting fixtures shall be removed by August 17, 1998.

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Full Breakdown

The article defines a "fully shielded" fixture as one built so all light is projected below the horizontal plane of its lowest point, and "partially shielded" as at least ninety percent projected below that plane (Section 14-51). to sunrise unless a bona fide business or recreational activity is under way. Mercury vapor lamps cannot be installed new or used as replacements, and every mercury vapor fixture already in place had to be removed by August 17, 1998 (Section 14-52). , and required emergency lighting. Anyone installing a nonexempt fixture must submit site plans, fixture locations and manufacturer's cut sheets to the building official under Section 14-54, who may approve an alternate design only if it is at least equivalent to the article's requirements and meets its intent.

Violations & Fines

Violating any part of Article 9 carries a fine of up to $500 upon conviction, and Section 14-55.1 makes each day the violation continues a separate offense. Paying the fine does not excuse the property owner from fixing the noncompliant fixture, and the County can still bring a separate action to force its removal or correction alongside the criminal penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hawaii County require dark-sky shielding on outdoor lights?

Yes. Article 9 of the County Code requires every outdoor light fixture installed since September 1, 1988 to meet Table 14-A, and any fixture producing more than 4,050 lumens in Class II or III use must be fully shielded so no light escapes above the horizontal plane of the fixture. Older fixtures installed and approved before that date stay exempt until they need replacing.

Can I leave outdoor business lighting on all night?

Only if a bona fide business or recreational activity is actually taking place. Table 14-A's footnote lets qualifying fixtures stay lit past 11:00 p.m. for genuine use, but otherwise most nonexempt fixtures above 4,050 lumens must switch off from 11:00 p.m. until sunrise under Section 14-52(c).

Are holiday lights or tiki torches exempt from the lighting code?

Yes. Section 14-53 exempts low-wattage holiday decorative lighting and any outdoor fixture that burns fossil fuel directly, such as kerosene lamps or tiki torches, from the shielding and curfew requirements that apply to electric fixtures. Emergency lighting required for public safety is exempt too.

What happens if my outdoor lighting violates the County code?

Code enforcement can cite the fixture owner under Section 14-55.1, which sets a fine of up to $500 per violation and treats each day the noncompliant light stays in place as a separate offense. Paying the fine does not resolve the case: the County can still require the fixture be corrected or removed.

Sources & Official References

[1]Hawai'i County Code, Chapter 14, Article 9 (Outdoor Lighting)

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