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Honolulu County, HI Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

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

Key Facts

Districts
AG-1 (restricted) and AG-2 (general)
AG-1 focus
Prime/unique farmland over 5 acres
AG-2 focus
Farmland parcels under 5 acres
Accessory uses
Must support existing on-site farm

Summary

Oahu's AG-1 and AG-2 zoning districts exist specifically to conserve farmland and keep incompatible uses off agricultural land.

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

The purpose of the agricultural zoning districts is to maintain a strong agricultural economic base, to prevent unnecessary conflicts among incompatible uses, to minimize the cost of providing public improvements and services, and to manage the rate and location of physical development consistent with the city’s adopted land use policies. To promote the viability and economic feasibility of an existing agricultural operation, accessory agricultural uses and secondary supporting uses may be permitted on the same site as an adjunct to agricultural uses. The accessory agricultural uses and secondary supporting uses must be compatible with the onsite agricultural operation and surrounding land uses, and the onsite agricultural operation must be in existence prior to the issuance of any land use permit or building permit for the accessory agricultural use or secondary supporting use.

(b)   The intent of the AG-1 restricted agricultural zoning district is to conserve and protect important agricultural lands for the performance of agricultural functions by permitting only those uses that perpetuate the retention of these lands in the production of food, feed, forage, fiber crops, and horticultural plants. Only accessory agricultural uses and secondary supporting uses that meet the above intent will be permitted in this zoning district.

(c)   The following guidelines shall be used to identify lands that may be considered for the AG-1 restricted agricultural district:

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-10: Supplement 10, 12-2025 Ordinance No. 25-40 through Ordinance No. 25-56).

Full Breakdown

The Land Use Ordinance states the purpose of the agricultural zoning districts is to maintain a strong agricultural economic base and prevent unnecessary conflicts among incompatible uses. AG-1 restricted agricultural land is reserved to perpetuate food, feed, forage, fiber crop and horticultural production, while AG-2 general agricultural districts protect farming on smaller parcels. Only accessory and secondary uses that support an existing farm operation may be added.

Violations & Fines

Not a violation category: this is a zoning-purpose statute; specific agricultural use standards elsewhere in Chapter 21-5.40 carry their own permit and setback requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Honolulu have separate AG-1 and AG-2 districts?
AG-1 protects prime farmland on larger parcels for food production, while AG-2 protects agricultural activity on smaller parcels, per ROH § 21-3.50.
Can I add a non-farm business on AG-zoned land?
Only if it's an accessory or secondary use supporting an already-existing agricultural operation on that same site.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Honolulu County

All Honolulu County rules

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