Property owners on Oʻahu must control rats and mice on their premises under ROH Chapter 7. Hawaiʻi DOH oversees vector control and leptospirosis surveillance, especially after heavy rain events.
ROH Chapter 7 Article 5 requires owners and occupants of buildings, lots, and yards to keep premises rat-free and to remove harborage like dense vegetation, junk piles, and uncovered food/garbage. Honolulu Department of Environmental Services and the state DOH Vector Control Branch jointly handle complaints. Hawaii has the highest US leptospirosis rate, spread via rat urine in standing water and streams, so rodent control has public-health weight. After major storms, DOH issues advisories. Restaurants must implement integrated pest management plans under HAR 11-50 and bait stations are required around dumpsters and food storage.
Notice to abate; failure carries fines up to $1,000 per day plus city-charged abatement costs under ROH Chapter 7 Article 5 enforcement provisions.
See how Honolulu's rodent control rules stack up against other locations.
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