Honolulu County, HI Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- dumping refuse in public places
- Fine
- up to $2,500 per violation
- Vehicle use
- also banned, § 42-1.10(b)
- Citation target
- registered vehicle owner
- Who can cite
- any city inspector
Summary
Throwing, dropping or dumping refuse or bulky waste on any street, alley, highway or public place anywhere on Oahu is banned, with fines up to $2,500 per violation under ROH §§ 42-1.10 and 42-5.1(f).
No person shall throw, drop, place, dump, or deposit refuse, to include bulky wastes, on a street, roadside, alley, highway, or public place except as provided in this chapter. No person shall operate or use a vehicle in committing a violation of subsection (a). ... Any person violating § 42-1.10 shall be subject to a civil fine not exceeding $2,500 for each violation; provided that any person violating both §§ 42-1.4(d) and 42-1.10 shall be subject only to the civil fine set forth in subsection (a).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-10: Supplement 10, 12-2025 Ordinance No. 25-40 through Ordinance No. 25-56).
Full Breakdown
No person may throw, drop, place, dump or deposit refuse, including bulky wastes, on a street, roadside, alley, highway or public place, and no one may operate or use a vehicle to commit that violation. An inspector can issue a written citation on witnessing a violation, on a citizen report, or on probable cause; if a vehicle is involved, the citation goes to the registered owner, identified by license plate.
Violations & Fines
Each violation of § 42-1.10 draws a civil fine up to $2,500 under § 42-5.1(f); if the same act also violates § 42-1.4(d), only the lower base fine in § 42-5.1(a) applies instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the maximum fine for illegal dumping on Oahu?
Can I be cited if someone dumps trash from my car?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Honolulu County
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