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Honolulu County, HI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Permit fee
$200 filing fee
Approving official
Chief engineer, DPW
Removal notice window
20 to 60 days
Applies
Island-wide on Oahu

Summary

Honolulu requires a written permit and $200 fee before anyone places walls, fences, or benches in the sidewalk area on Oahu.

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.

Other surface encroachments. The chief engineer may also authorize the placement of walls, fences, benches, and other surface encroachments in the sidewalk area; provided that application for such encroachments are made in writing to the chief engineer, and provided further, that such encroachments do not unduly interfere with the public use of such space for utilities and pedestrian traffic. Such encroachments shall be removed at the owner’s expense upon notification by the director when recommended by the chief engineer that the space is needed for public use.

(3)   Notice. The director upon such recommendation by the chief engineer shall issue a notice in writing to the owner directing the owner to remove the encroachments or improvements. The work shall be done within such reasonable time limit as shall be stated in such notice that in no case shall be less than 20 days nor more than 60 days. The notice may be given by personal service or by mailing a copy of such notice by certified mail to the owner.

(4)   Failure to remove encroachments. Upon failure of the owner to comply with such notice within the time mentioned therein, the director shall cause such encroachments to be removed. The costs thereby incurred by the city shall be billed to such owner and shall, if not paid to the city by such owner within 30 days after such billing date, become a lien upon the property abutting such encroachments.

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

Under ROH § 14-3.8(b)(2), the chief engineer may authorize walls, fences, benches, and other surface encroachments in the sidewalk area, but only after a written application and only if the encroachment does not unduly interfere with public use of the space for utilities and pedestrian traffic. Encroachments can later be ordered removed at the owner's expense if the space is needed for public use. A $200 filing fee applies under § 14-3.8(c).

Violations & Fines

Unauthorized sidewalk encroachments can be ordered removed by the director; failure to comply within the notice period lets the city remove them and bill the owner, with unpaid costs becoming a lien on the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a fence or bench in the sidewalk area in Honolulu?
Only with written approval from the chief engineer under ROH § 14-3.8(b)(2), and it must not interfere with pedestrian or utility use of the space.
What does an encroachment permit cost?
A $200 non-refundable filing fee is required under ROH § 14-3.8(c), deposited into the highway fund.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Honolulu County

All Honolulu County rules

Compare Honolulu County to another location·View the Hawaii sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview

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