Hawaii County, HI Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Hawaii County adopted the 2018 IRC and 2018 IBC through Bill 44 (2020-2022), administered by the Department of Public Works Building Division (101 Pauahi Street, Hilo). Residential pool barriers must comply with IRC Appendix G / IBC Section 3109, which require the top of the barrier to be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool. The maximum vertical clearance under the barrier is 2 inches above grade on the exterior side. Openings cannot allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere; spacing between vertical members cannot exceed 1-3/4 inches where the top of the barrier is less than 45 inches. Pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device. If the release mechanism is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, it must be on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top, with no openings greater than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release. Where a wall of the dwelling serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct access to the pool require an alarm complying with UL 2017 or a power safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. A building permit is required for all swimming pool construction in Hawaii County, and the barrier must be inspected and operational before water is introduced. Public pools serving the public, hotels, condos, and similar facilities must additionally obtain a permit to operate from the Hawaii Department of Health Sanitation Branch under HAR Title 11 Chapter 10 (authorized by HRS Sections 321-10 and 321-11), which requires perimeter enclosure to prevent unauthorized access.