Honolulu has no snow-clearing law because snow does not fall at sea level, but property owners must keep sidewalks free of debris, overgrowth, and obstructions under Chapter 13.
Oahu is a tropical jurisdiction and has no snow or ice-clearing ordinance. However, ROH Chapter 13 governs streets, sidewalks, malls, and other public places, and prohibits obstructing or damaging sidewalks abutting your property. Related provisions in Chapter 14, Article 3 cover sidewalk construction and repair permits. Owners must keep branches, vegetation, and private property clutter from extending into the public walkway. Damaged or displaced sidewalk sections may require the owner to obtain a repair permit. During heavy rain or tropical storms, owners remain responsible for clearing their sidewalk of fallen fronds, branches, and debris that pose a tripping hazard.
Leaving a sidewalk obstructed or in disrepair can result in notices under Chapter 13, city-performed cleanup, civil fines, and liability for injuries caused by the obstruction.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu protects designated 'exceptional trees' under Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Chapter 40, Article 8. Removing or destroying any exceptional tre...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. HOA and condo covenants under HRS 421J and 514B commonly regulate ornament...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size and blower noise are governed by HOA and condo covenants under HRS 42...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants ...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu requires DPP building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas line plumbing, electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures, or structural roofs/pergolas. Stand...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no smoker-specific ordinance. Hawaii Department of Health air pollution rules under HAR Chapter 11-60.1 apply to large commercial sources, not r...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle snow & sidewalk clearing.
See how Honolulu's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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