HCC §25-2-51
When can a property owner get a variance?
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗This section explains the only reasons a variance can be granted. The property must have special or unusual conditions that take away substantial rights or block its best use. There must be no other reasonable way to fix the problem, and the variance must fit the area's rules and not harm the public or neighbors.
The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Grounds for variance
A copy, taken August 21, 2026. The version published by Hawaiʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
A variance may only be granted if the following is found: (a) There are special or unusual circumstances applying to the subject real property which exist either to a degree which deprives the owner or applicant of substantial property rights that would otherwise be available, or to a degree which obviously interferes with the best use or manner of development of that property; and (b) There are no other reasonable alternatives that would resolve the difficulty; and (c) The variance is consistent with the general purpose of the district, the intent and purpose of this chapter, and the general plan, and will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or cause substantial, adverse impact to an area’s character or to adjoining properties. (1996, ord 96-160, sec 2; ratified April 6, 1999.)25-2-51
Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.