Honolulu County, HI Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

2). "Weeds" are defined by six hazard tests: fire risk when dry, harboring rats, mice, mosquitoes or vermin, obstructing a road, sidewalk, beach or park, blocking a stream, ditch, sewer, or canal, concealing trespassing or other illegal activity, or spreading onto a neighboring parcel. 3 is simple: the owner must maintain the premises free of weeds, garbage, trash, and waste at all times. 4, the Director of Planning and Permitting notifies the owner by certified mail, publication, or posting, and the owner has 30 calendar days to begin cutting and removal.

If the owner does nothing, the city may cut and remove the material itself (or hire a contractor) and bill the owner for the cost plus overhead, with 7 percent annual interest accruing 31 days after the bill is mailed. An unpaid bill becomes a lien recorded with the Director of Budget and Fiscal Services and referred to the Corporation Counsel, which may pursue a mechanic's and materialman's lien under HRS Chapter 507, Part II. 5 lets the director skip straight to administrative enforcement: an order can require correction within a stated time and impose a civil fine up to $5,000, plus up to $5,000 per day the violation continues, after a hearing opportunity before the Building Board of Appeals. The order becomes final 30 calendar days after delivery unless a written appeal is filed with the Building Board of Appeals before that deadline.