HCC §27-13
Rules for older buildings that don't meet flood rules
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗Buildings that were already nonconforming in 1982 or became nonconforming because flood maps changed can keep standing, but any major repair, rebuild, or addition must follow current flood rules. If a building in a floodway is badly damaged or torn down, you cannot rebuild it bigger unless you get a special permission.
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The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Nonconforming structures
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.
Any nonconforming structure existing on May 5, 1982 or made nonconforming by a change in the special flood hazard area may continue, subject to the following conditions: (a) Any repair, reconstruction, improvement, or addition to a nonconforming structure, if it is considered to be substantial improvement, shall comply with the applicable standards of this chapter. (b) All relocated structures shall comply with the applicable standards of this chapter. (c) Substantial improvement of a damaged, destroyed, or demolished structure located in a floodway shall not be allowed unless a variance from the flood requirements is obtained. (1993, ord 93-78, sec 3; am 1997, ord 97-116, sec 2.)27-13 Article 3. Administration.
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.