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Hawaii County, HI Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

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

Key Facts

County dumping ban
HCC 20-03-03(a)
County civil fine
Up to $1,000 per day
State litter fine
$100-$500 per offense (HRS 339-8)
Solid-waste dumps
Up to $10,000/day (HRS 342H)
Report to
Dept. of Environmental Management

Summary

Illegally dumping rubbish, appliances, or a derelict vehicle on public land, roads, or another person's property is prohibited by Hawai'i County Code Chapter 20 and by state litter law (HRS Chapter 339). County civil fines run up to $1,000 per day; state litter fines run $100 to $500 per offense.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hawaii County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person shall leave, abandon, or place any wrecked or nonoperational automobile or construction equipment or part or portion of a wrecked or nonoperational automobile or construction equipment, or scrap iron, or other similar material, upon any part of a public highway, public property, or private property of another.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under HCC 20-03-03(a) no person may leave wrecked vehicles, scrap iron, or similar material on any public highway, public property, or another's private property, and HCC 20-03-01 requires all waste to go to an approved facility. Statewide, HRS 339-4 bars discarding litter in any public place, on private property, or in state waters except at designated facilities. Solid-waste dumping can also violate HRS Chapter 342H, which carries administrative and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for open/illegal dumps. Report dumping to the Department of Environmental Management.

Violations & Fines

County: civil fines up to $1,000 per day (HCC 20-02-22) and petty misdemeanor up to $1,000 and/or 30 days (HCC 20-02-23). State litter: $100-$500 per offense plus cleanup and community service (HRS 339-8). HRS 342H: up to $10,000/day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the fine for illegal dumping on the Big Island?
County code allows civil fines up to $1,000 per day (HCC 20-02-22) and a petty misdemeanor charge. State litter law adds $100 to $500 per offense (HRS 339-8), and solid-waste dumps can reach $10,000/day under HRS 342H.
Is it illegal to dump on my own vacant land?
Dumping solid waste anywhere other than an approved facility violates HCC 20-03-01, and a resulting open dump can violate HRS 342H regardless of ownership. Waste must go to a county SWD facility.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hawaii County

Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Hawaii County rules

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