HCC §5-3-24
Plumbing work that does not need a permit
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗You don't need a permit for simple plumbing fixes like clearing clogs, repairing leaks, or replacing sinks and toilets in homes or county buildings, as long as you don't move or replace pipes or valves. But any work that involves moving or replacing pipes or valves still needs a permit, and all work must be done by a licensed plumber and follow other plumbing rules.
contractorshomeownerslandlords
The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Plumbing work; exempt
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) A permit shall not be required for the following plumbing work: (1) Plumbing work and installations to which the provisions of this chapter and chapter 5F, the plumbing code, are expressly declared to be not applicable. (2) Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, when such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures. (3) Replacement or repair of disposals, faucets, and fixtures, to include sinks and water closets, for non-commercial residential and County of Hawai‘i government occupancies only. Repairs that involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves or pipes do require a permit as they are not included in this exemption. All repair or replacement work shall be done by licensed plumbers in accordance with section 444, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes. (4) Maintenance work by a licensed plumber pursuant to chapter 448E, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, provided, maintenance work that involves or requires the repair, replacement, or rearrangement of valves or pipes requires a permit as it is not included in this exemption. (b) The foregoing exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to: (1) Allow any plumbing work to be done in a manner contrary to other provisions of the construction code; or (2) Authorize violation of chapter 5F, the plumbing code, or other applicable laws. (2020, ord 20-61, sec 2.) 5-3-24
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.