Residential pools must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high under the county-adopted building code. Openings cannot pass a 4-inch sphere, and gates must be self-closing with a self-latching device opening away from the pool.
The County of Hawai'i adopts the state building code for pool barriers. The top of the barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool, and the gap between grade and the bottom of the barrier cannot exceed 2 inches. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere. Pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching. These provisions apply to pools deeper than about 18-24 inches.
A non-compliant or missing barrier fails building inspection and blocks permit final approval; unpermitted work triggers Public Works stop-work orders and correction requirements.
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