HCC §5A-3-26
Rules for building traditional Hawaiian hale structures
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗This section sets rules for building Indigenous Hawaiian Architecture Structures, called hale. It covers what materials can be used, where hale can be placed, what they can be used for, and fire safety. It also lists prohibited activities and maintenance duties.
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The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Appendix X; Indigenous Hawaiian Architecture 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.
Appendix X is added to read as follows: “APPENDIX X INDIGENOUS HAWAIIAN ARCHITECTURE STRUCTURES SECTION X101 GENERAL X101.1 Scope. The provisions of this appendix shall apply exclusively to Indigenous Hawaiian Architecture Structures. The purpose of these provisions is to acknowledge and establish procedures for designing and constructing indigenous Hawaiian architecture structures. X101.2 Publications incorporated by reference. The following publications are incorporated by reference and made a part of these provisions. Where there is a conflict between Appendix X and the referenced documents, Appendix X shall prevail. (1) “Hawaiian Thatched House” (1971), by Russell A. Apple, published by the United States Department of the Interior, (2) “Hale Construction Standards” (2000), by Francis Sinenci and Bill Sides, (3) “The Hawaiian Grass House in Bishop Museum” (1988), by Catherine C. Summers, and SUPP. 9 (1-2021) 5A-60 BUILDING CODE § 5A-3-26 (4) “Arts and Crafts of Hawaii, Section II, Houses” (1957) by Te Rangi Hiroa (Peter H. Buck) X101.3 Definitions. For purposes of this appendix, the following words and terms shall have the meanings shown herein. Refer to Chapter 2 for general definitions. “CERTIFIED HALE BUILDER. Means a person who has obtained a certificate of completion for satisfactorily completing a course in Hawaiian hale construction from the University of Hawai‘i, or any of its community colleges, or as approved by the Building Official.” “GROUP OF STRUCTURES. A group of indigenous Hawaiian architecture structures that are in close proximity to each other and have an aggregate floor area of 1,800 square feet or less.” “INDIGENOUS HAWAIIAN ARCHITECTURE STRUCTURE or HALE. A structure that is consistent with the design, construction methods and uses of structures built by Hawaiians in the 1800’s, which uses natural materials found in the Hawaiian islands, and complies with this appendix and references.” “SEPARATION. The clear distance between two structures.” “SETBACK. The clear distance between a structure and a property line.” SECTION X201 MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS X201.1 Hale materials. Hale shall be constructed using only materials grown and harvested in the State of Hawai‘i. X201.2 Wood framing material. The wood members for the hale, such as posts and rafters, shall be, but not limited to hardwoods of unmilled, straight sections of trunks or branches of the following species: (1) Casaurina equisitafolia (ironwood). (2) Prosopis-allid (kiawe). (3) Eucalyptus robusta (eucalyptus). (4) Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava). (5) Metrosideros polymorpha (ohia). (6) Rizophora mangle (mangrove). 5A-61 SUPP. 9 (1-2021) Exception: Ardisia elliptica (inkberry) may be used only for roof purlins as an alternative to specified woods listed in Items 1 through 6. X201.3 Roofing and siding. Thatched roofing and siding materials for the hale may be any grass or leaf material grown and harvested in the State of Hawai‘i, to include but not be limited to pili, kualohia, pueo, kawelu, sugar-cane leaves, and ti leaves. X201.4 Cord. Natural or synthetic cord used for lashing structural members of the hale shall be 400 pound test. Cord used for tying floating purlins and thatched materials shall be 100 pound test. All cord used on the hale shall be shades of green, tan, brown or black. X201.5 Metal prohibited. Metal shall not be used for the construction of the hale. SECTION X202 SIZE AND LOCATION X202.1 Height and size limitation. Hale shall be one-story, detached structure(s) not to exceed 1,800 square feet. Hale shall not exceed the size indicated in Table X202.1. TABLE X202.1 MAXIMUM SIZE OF HALE (FEET) Hale Halawai Hale Ku‘ai Hale Noa Hale Wa‘a 30 X 60 14 X 20 14 X 24 30 X 60 X202.2 Zoning requirements. Hale shall comply with minimum yard requirements in Chapter 25, Zoning Code, Hawai‘i County Code. X202.3 Minimum separation. The minimum separation between a hale and another structure shall be at least 10 feet for a one-story structure; 15 feet for a two-story structure; or a distance equal to the height of the hale, whichever is more. The minimum separation between two hale shall be at least 10 feet or a distance equal to the height of the taller hale. X202.4 Hale Noa. Hale noa structures may only be constructed on property where a separate residence exists on the property. SUPP. 9 (1-2021) 5A-62 BUILDING CODE § 5A-3-26 SECTION X203 ALLOWABLE AND PROHIBITED USES X203.1 Allowable uses. To the extent permitted by other applicable law, allowable uses for hale structures shall be in accordance with Table X203.1. TABLE X203.1 ALLOWABLE USE FOR EACH HALE TYPE Hale Use Hale Ku‘ai Hale Noa Hale Wa‘a Halawai Eating (ai) Allowed Allowed Not permitted Allowed Assembling Allowed Allowed Not permitted Allowed (halawai) Sleeping Not Not Not Allowed (moe) permitted permitted permitted Retailing (e.g., fruits) Allowed Allowed Not permitted Allowed (ku‘ai) Storage Not Allowed Not permitted Allowed (papa‘a) permitted X203.2 Prohibited uses and activities. The following uses and activities shall be prohibited from occurring within or near the hale: (1) Cooking. (2) Open flames. (3) Generators. (4) Extension cords. (5) Electrical switches, fixtures, or outlets. (6) Plumbing faucets, fixtures, or drains. (7) Power tools. (8) No screen, mesh, plastic or any other similar material shall be attached to the hale. (9) Hale shall not be used as a food establishment as defined in the administrative rules adopted by the State of Hawai‘i, Department of Health. X203.3 Maintenance. The hale shall be maintained by the owner to ensure structural integrity. Repairs for maintenance of the hale shall not require additional building permits. 5A-63 SUPP. 9 (1-2021) SECTION X301 FIRE PROTECTION X301.1 Fire protection classifications. Fire protection for Indigenous Hawaiian architecture structures shall be as required in Table X301.1. TABLE X301.1 FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS BASED ON SETBACK FIRE CLASS SETBACK REQUIREMENTS PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS The structure (or a group of structures) is: 1. Located at least 100 feet from any existing structure on the same or neighboring properties; and 2. Located at least 100 feet from any property line, except as follows: a. If the property line abuts a public way, the 100 feet minimum setback for that property line shall be reduced by the width of the No fire protection is public way, A required for the b. If the property line abuts the shoreline, the structure. minimum setback for that property line shall be the shoreline setback, or c. For any Hale Ku‘ai in the agricultural district that is less than 200 square feet, that is completely open on three sides, and that is used as an agricultural products stand and if the property line abuts a public way, the minimum setback for that property line shall be 15 feet. Automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in The structure (or a group of structures) that accordance with conforms to applicable zoning setback B design standards in requirements but does not satisfy Class A setback Section X301.2. An requirements. electrical permit is required for fire sprinklers systems. SUPP. 9 (1-2021) 5A-64 BUILDING CODE § 5A-3-26 X301.2 Automatic fire sprinklers. The design standards for automatic fire sprinklers for Class B indigenous Hawaiian architecture structures shall be in accordance with NFPA 13. Exception: The design standards for automatic fire sprinklers for Class B indigenous Hawaiian architecture structures shall be permitted as follows: (1) 18 gallons per minute for a single head at 140 square feet maximum coverage of roof area. (2) 13 gallons per minute for each subsequent head at 140 square feet maximum coverage of roof area per head. (3) The minimum supply pressure at the base of the riser shall not be less than 40 pounds per square inch. (4) The minimum residual pressure at the highest sprinkler shall be not less than 12 pounds per square inch. (5) Sprinkler head spacing shall not exceed 14 feet. (6) Sprinkler heads shall be open type upright, pendent, or sidewall with 1/2-inch or 17/32-inch orifice and have a wax corrosion resistant coating. (7) The total number of sprinklers on a branch shall not exceed 6 heads. (8) The total number of sprinklers shall not exceed the quantity shown in the following table: Piping Size Number of Sprinklers 1 inch diameter 2 sprinklers 1-1/4 inch diameter 3 sprinklers 1-1/2 inch diameter 5 sprinklers 2 inch diameter 10 sprinklers 2-1/2 inch diameter 30 sprinklers 3 inch diameter 60 sprinklers (9) The above pipe schedule shall not apply to hydraulically designed systems. (10) The water density shall not be less than 0.10 gpm per square foot. (11) The source of water may be by domestic water meters, detector check meter, underground well, storage tank, swimming pool, ponds, etc., but must meet the design requirements for adequate pressure and duration. 5A-65 SUPP. 9 (1-2021) (12) Water supply shall be sufficient to provide 30 minutes duration. (13) If domestic water meters are used as the source of water for the fire sprinklers, without a storage tank and booster pump, the maximum number of heads shall not exceed the following table: Size of Water Meter Number of Sprinklers 5/8 inch water meter 1 sprinkler 3/4 inch water meter 2 sprinklers 1 inch water meter 3 sprinklers 1-1/2 inch water meter 7 sprinklers 2 inch water meter 11 sprinklers 3 inch water meter 27 sprinklers (14) The piping material shall be hard drawn copper with silver solder or brazed fittings, or carbon steel with corrosion- resistant coatings. Plastic pipes shall not be allowed, except for below grade supply pipes. (15) Fire sprinkler system shall be actuated by smoke detectors located at the highest points of the roof and spaced as recommended by the manufacturer. (16) Flow control valves shall be either hydraulically or electrically operated with a manual override switch. (17) Where the width of a roof exceeds the width allowed for one row of sprinklers, two or more rows of sprinklers shall be placed such that the entire roof area is protected. (18) Prevailing wind direction shall be considered in the placement of sprinklers. (19) Deflectors for sprinklers shall be parallel with the roof surface or tilted slightly towards the peak of the roof. (20) Fire sprinklers system shall have a local alarm activated by a smoke detector. X301.3 Certification of water supply. For any hale that requires fire protection pursuant to X301.1, the applicant shall provide a certification from a licensed engineer or a licensed C-20 contractor that the water supply for the fire sprinkler system has been tested and is capable of delivering the required fire flow for 30 minutes duration. SUPP. 9 (1-2021) 5A-66 BUILDING CODE § 5A-3-26 X302 Smoke alarm. Any hale used for sleeping shall have an approved battery operated smoke alarm installed in the hale. SECTION X401 DESIGN STANDARDS X401.1 General design standards. All types of hale shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the standards set out in this section. (1) The minimum diameter size of all structural members shall be measured at the member’s midpoint, except that the minimum diameter size of posts shall be measured at the smaller end. For structure sizes not specifically shown in the tables, the requirements in the next larger width size shall be applicable. (2) The specifications for structural members were estimated based on no wind loads. Hale shall be constructed to allow all thatching materials to separate from the structure prior to adding significant loads. (3) The mix formula for mortar specified in these rules shall be one part portland cement, four parts clean sand, and sufficient fresh water to make the mixture workable. (4) Every hale, except Hale Noa, shall have at least two sides completely open. (5) Lashing and thatching methods shall comply with illustrations found in “Arts and Crafts of Hawai‘i” or “The Hawaiian Grass House in Bishop Museum.” X402 Allowable designs. Hale shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements in Sections 402.1 through 402.4. 5A-67 SUPP. 9 (1-2021) X402.1 Hale Halawai. Each end of the Hale Halawai may be open or thatched. The ends may also be constructed with a thatched roof hip as an alternate design. Hale Halawai shall be designed in accordance with the following schematics and illustrations. Structural components for Hale Halawai shall meet the size and spacing requirements in Table X402.1(a). Foundations for Hale Halawai shall be designed in accordance with Table X402.1(b). HALE HALAWAI Open End Style HALE HALAWAI Thatched End Style SUPP. 9 (1-2021) 5A-68 BUILDING CODE § 5A-3-26 FRAMING SCHEMATIC TABLE X402.1(a) SIZE AND SPACING REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS USED IN HALE HALAWAI Pou Kukuna Kuaiole Size Pou Pou Maximum Maximum & Pouomanu O‘a & Kauhuhu Lohelau Kihi Hana post rafter WxLx Pou Kaha Holo spacing spacing H (feet) (feet) Minimum Diameter (inches) 12' x 20' x 7' 4 3½ 4 4 3½ 2½ 3 3 5 3 14' x 24' x 7' 4 4 4½ 4½ 3½ 2½ 3 3½ 5 3 24' x 30' x 7' 5 4½ 4½ 4½ 4 2½ 3 3½ 5 3 25' x 50' x 7' 5½ 5 5½ 5½ 4 2½ 3 3½ 5 3 30' x 60' x 7' 6 5½ 6 6 4½ 2½ 3 4 5 3 5A-69 SUPP. 9 (1-2021) SUPP. 9 (1-2021) 5A-70 BUILDING CODE § 5A-3-26 TABLE X402.1(b) FOUNDATION DESIGN FOR HALE HALAWAI Foundation Type Size (W x L x H) Kahua Pa Pohaku Pou Kanu Diameter x Width x Height x Diameter x Height Length Depth 12' x 20' x 7' 3'6"φ x 24"H 2'6"W x 2'8"H x 4'0"L 30"φ x 2'8"D 14' x 24' x 7' 3'8"φ x 24"H 2'6"W x 2'8"H x 4'0"L 30"φ x 2'9"D 24' x 30' x 7' 4'0"φ x 30"H 3'0"W x 3'0"H x 4'0"L 36"φ x 3'0"D 25' x 50' x 7' 4'0"φ x 30"H 3'0"W x 3'0"H x 4'0"L 36"φ x 3'0"D 30' x 60' x 7' 4'0"φ x 30"H 3'0"W x 3'3"H x 4'0"L 36"φ x 3'3"D 5A-71 SUPP. 9 (1-2021) X402.2 Hale Ku‘ai. Hale Ku‘ai shall be designed in accordance with the following schematics and illustrations. Structural components for Hale Ku‘ai shall meet the size and spacing requirements in Table X402.2(a). Foundations for Hale Ku‘ai shall be designed in accordance with Table X402.2(b). HALE KU‘AI SHED STYLE HALE KU‘AI GABLE STYLE SUPP. 9 (1-2021) 5A-72 BUILDING CODE § 5A-3-26 FRAMING SCHEMATIC 1 FRAMING SCHEMATIC 2 TABLE X402.2(a) SIZE AND SPACING REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS USED IN HALE KU‘AI Maximum Size Pou Pou Pou Pouo Kuaiole rafter Kihia Kahaa Hanab Manub O‘a & Kauhuhu Lohelau (W x L x H) spacing Holo (feet) Minimum Diameter (inches) 5' x 10' x 5' 4 3 3 4 3 2 3 2 4 9' x 12' x 5' 4 3 3 4 3 2 3½ 2 4 12' x 16' x 5' 4½ 3½ 4 4 3½ 2 4 2½ 4 14' x 20' x 5' 4½ 3½ 4 4 3½ 2½ 4½ 2½ 4 a. The maximum post spacing for pou kihi and pou kaha is five feet. b. The maximum post spacing for pou hana and pouomanu is twelve feet. 5A-73 SUPP. 9 (1-2021) TABLE X402.2(b) FOUNDATION DESIGN FOR HALE KU‘AI Foundation Type Size Kahua Pa Pohaku Pou Kanu (W x L x H) Diameter x Width x Height x Diameter x Height Length Depth 5' x 10' x 5' 3'0"φ x 24"H 2'6"W x 2'0"H x 4'0"L 30"φ x 2'6"D 9' x 12' x 5' 3'4"φ x 24"H 2'6"W x 2'0"H x 4'0"L 30"φ x 2'6"D 12' x 16' x 5' 3'6"φ x 24"H 2'6"W x 2'8"H x 4'0"L 30"φ x 2'8"D 14' x 20' x 5' 3'8"φ x 24"H 2'6"W x 2'8"H x 4'0"L 30"φ x 2'9"D SUPP. 9 (1-2021) 5A-74 BUILDING CODE § 5A-3-26 402.3 Hale Noa. Hale Noa shall have at least two openings. One opening shall be at least 3 feet wide and 5 feet high, and the other opening shall be at least 2 feet wide and 3 feet high. Hale Noa shall be designed in accordance with the following schematics and illustrations. Structural components for Hale Noa shall meet the size and spacing requirements in Table X402.3(a). Foundations for Hale Noa shall be designed in accordance with Table X402.3(b). HALE NOA 5A-75 SUPP. 9 (1-2021) FRAMING SCHEMATIC TABLE X402.3(a) SIZE AND SPACING REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS USED IN HALE NOA Pou Kukuna Kuaiole Pou Pou Maximum Maximum Size & Pouomanu O‘a & Kauhuhu Lohelau Kihi Hana post rafter Pou Holo WxLxH Kaha spacing spacing (feet) (feet) Minimum Diameter (inches) 9' x 12' x 7' 3½ 3 4 3 3 2½ 3½ 2½ 6 4 12' x 20' x 7' 4 4½ 4 3 3½ 2½ 3½ 2½ 6 4 4' x 24' x 7' 5½ 4½ 4 3 3½ 2½ 3½ 3 6 4 SUPP. 9 (1-2021) 5A-76 BUILDING CODE § 5A-3-26 402.4 Hale Wa‘a. Hale Wa‘a shall be designed in accordance with the following schematics and illustrations. Structural components for Hale Wa‘a shall meet the size and spacing requirements in Table X402.4. HALE WA‘A 5A-77 SUPP. 9 (1-2021) FRAMING SCHEMATIC TABLE X402.4 SIZE AND SPACING REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS USED IN HALE WA‘A Size Kuaiole Spacing Minimum O‘a & Kauhuhu between ridge (W x L) Holo Rafters Height (H) 20' x 60' 4" 3" 4" 4' to 5' 22½' 25' x 60' 5" 3" 4" 4' to 5' 27½' 30' X 60' 5½" 3" 4" 4' to 5' 27½' SUPP. 9 (1-2021) 5A-78 BUILDING CODE § 5A-3-26 (2020, ord 20-61, sec 3.) 5A-3-26
Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.
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