Hawaii Statewide Rule

Hawaii Open Burning Prohibition Under State Air Rules

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Hawaii (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: HRS Chapter 342B
Rules: HAR 11-60.1 Subchapter 3
Backyard burning: Banned statewide
Ag permit term: One year
Max daily penalty: $10,000

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Hawaii State Legislature

Summary

Hawaii prohibits open burning statewide under HRS Chapter 342B and HAR Title 11 Chapter 60.1 Subchapter 3, with limited exceptions for cooking, fire training, and permitted agricultural burning regulated by the Department of Health Clean Air Branch.

The issuance of permits shall be at the discretion of the issuing officer who shall take into account whether the issuance of a permit is compatible with safety. Holders of permits shall start no fires during a heavy wind or without sufficient help present to control same and shall maintain a constant watch over the fires until they have been extinguished.

Source: Hawaii State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under HRS Chapter 342B (Air Pollution Control) and Hawaii Administrative Rules 11-60.1, open burning is prohibited on all Hawaiian islands. Backyard burning of household waste, yard trimmings, and construction debris is banned statewide. Limited exceptions include small recreational cooking fires, fire department training, agricultural burning by permit, and certain emergency or ceremonial fires. Agricultural operators burning green waste must obtain a permit from the DOH Clean Air Branch valid for one year, and must comply with no-burn periods declared based on weather and air-quality conditions. Penalties for unlawful open burning may reach $10,000 per day per violation under HRS 342B-39.

Violations & Penalties

Unlawful open burning under HRS 342B and HAR 11-60.1 is subject to civil penalties up to $10,000 per day per violation, plus injunctive relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn yard waste at my Hawaii residence?

No. Backyard burning of yard waste, leaves, and household trash is prohibited statewide under HAR 11-60.1. Residents must use county green-waste collection or composting instead.

Are recreational fires like beach bonfires allowed?

Small cooking fires using clean fuel are exempt from open-burning rules, but beach and park bonfires often require county or state park permits and may be banned in specific locations.

How do farmers obtain agricultural burning permits?

Agricultural operators apply to the Department of Health Clean Air Branch under HAR 11-60.1-51 through 11-60.1-58. Permits are valid one year and require compliance with declared no-burn periods.

Sources

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