Environmental Rules in Hawaii (2026)
15 rules on the books across Hawaii, 3 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Stormwater Management
Requirements for managing rainwater runoff on your property, including retention basins, permeable surfaces, and drainage plans.
Hawaii: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsHawaii Department of Health administers federal NPDES stormwater permits statewide. Construction sites disturbing one…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Significant RestrictionsHonolulu bans dumping pollutants or unpermitted effluent into drainage facilities and requires a chief engineer permit…
Read full rule →Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawaii County regulates drainage facilities under HCC Chapter 27, Floodplain Management. Any new construction or…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsMaui County prohibits any illicit discharge into its storm-drainage system under Chapter 14.80 through 14.82 of the…
Read full rule →Erosion Control
Rules to prevent soil erosion during construction and landscaping, including required sediment barriers and ground cover standards.
Hawaii: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsHawaii regulates shoreline erosion through state Coastal Zone Management law. Statewide setback rules and special…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Significant RestrictionsHonolulu requires an approved erosion and sediment control plan for any land-disturbing activity needing a building…
Read full rule →Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawaii County requires a grading permit before any excavation or fill, a separate grubbing permit before clearing…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsMaui County Code Chapter 20.08 requires a grading permit before any grading or stockpiling and a separate grubbing…
Read full rule →Coastal Development
Building restrictions near coastlines, including setbacks from the water, dune protection rules, and coastal commission permits.
Flood Zones
Building requirements for properties in FEMA flood zones, including elevation standards, flood insurance mandates, and construction limits.
Hawaii County
Significant RestrictionsNew construction and substantial improvements in Hawaii County's special flood hazard areas must be elevated at least…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Significant RestrictionsAny development in Honolulu's general floodplain zone A needs the director's review and approval before construction…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsMaui County requires a special flood hazard area development permit from the Department of Public Works before any…
Read full rule →Flood Elevation Requirements
FEMA NFIP minimum base flood elevation (BFE) construction standards for properties in mapped flood zones, including freeboard requirements above BFE.
Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawai'i County's floodplain chapter sets a hard number for anyone building in a mapped special flood hazard area…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsIn Oahu's flood fringe zones AE and AH, new residential construction and substantial improvements must have the lowest…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsNew construction and substantially improved buildings in Maui County's mapped flood zones must have the lowest floor…
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