KCC §12-5.1
Where thatched roofs and walls are allowed
Read the official text at ecode360.com ↗This rule says thatched material (like grass or leaves) can only be used on buildings used for certain non-housing purposes, like stores or exhibit halls. It cannot be used on homes or their sheds. If you use thatch, you must also install a sprinkler system.
businesseshomeownerslandowners
The ordinance, as written (Kauaʻi County) — Applicability
A copy, taken August 22, 2026. The version published by Kauaʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
Thatched material on the exterior of buildings, including the roof, shall be permitted only for buildings used primarily for assembly, demonstration, exhibit, mercantile or nonresidential purposes. Thatched material may be any grass or leaf cultivated, grown and harvested in the State of Hawai'i.Thatched material shall not be permitted on any buildings or structures housing Group R, Division 3 Occupancies or any accessory buildings or structures of Group U Occupancies relating to Group R, Division 3 Occupancies.The thatched material permitted in this Article shall be used for decorative purposes on the roof or wall of buildings. The entire building, except for the thatched materials, shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Building Code.When thatched material is used as permitted in this Article, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed. Automatic sprinkler systems and standpipes shall be provided pursuant to the Fire Code.
The County of Kauaʻi publishes this code through eCode360 and states that it is provided for information only and should not be considered the official version of the Code.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.