HCC §5A-1-5
Rules for older buildings that were already allowed
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗This section says that buildings that were legally used before this law was adopted can keep being used the same way, as long as they are safe. If you change, repair, add to, or change the use of such a building, you must follow the rules in chapter 34 of the International Building Code for existing structures, until the County adopts a different code.
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The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Existing buildings
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) Permitted buildings in existence at the time of the adoption of this chapter may have their existing permitted use or occupancy continued if such use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this chapter, provided such continued use does not constitute a hazard to the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public. (b) Alteration, repair, addition, and change of occupancy. Alteration, repair, addition, and change of occupancy to a building or structure in existence at the time of the adoption of this chapter shall comply with the requirements of chapter 34 of the International Building Code, relating to existing structures, until the adoption by the County of the International Existing Building Code. (2020, ord 20-61, sec 3.) 5A-1-5
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.