Hawai'i County's dark-sky ordinance (HCC Ch. 14) controls light trespass by requiring outdoor fixtures to be shielded and, for many lights, turned off from 11:00 p.m. to sunrise. Fully shielded, downward-directed lighting is the standard to keep glare off neighbors and the night sky.
Chapter 14 addresses stray and upward light. Section 14-52(b) requires all outdoor lights to be shielded pursuant to Table 14-A, which specifies shielding by fixture class and lamp type (ranging up to 'fully shielded'). Section 14-52(c) imposes hours-of-operation limits; Table 14-A directs certain fixtures 'Off from 11:00 p.m. to sunrise,' with an exception that 'these lights may remain on after 11:00 p.m. if bona fide business or recreational activities are taking place.' Together these provisions curb light trespass onto neighboring properties and the observatories. Because the ordinance is island-wide, all residents must use shielded fixtures rather than exposed or upward-aimed lamps.
Section 14-55.1 sets a fine not to exceed $500 per violation upon conviction; the County may require retrofitting or shielding of non-compliant fixtures.
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