ROH §13-21.1
No sleeping on public sidewalks unless shelter is offered
Read the official text at honolulu.gov ↗This rule says no one may sleep or stay on public sidewalks or other public places. Police can only enforce this if shelter space is available, they offer a ride, and they tell the person to move. If the person refuses after an hour, they can be cited or arrested.
everyone
The ordinance, as written (Honolulu County) — Prohibition - -Exceptions - Citations
A copy, taken August 22, 2026. The version published by Honolulu is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
(a) No person shall lodge on a public sidewalk or other public place.
(b) No law enforcement officer shall issue a citation, make an arrest, or otherwise enforce this section against any person unless:
(1) Shelter space is readily available;
(2) An offer has been made to transport the person to the available shelter; and
(3) The officer requests or orders the person to refrain from the alleged violation of this section.
(c) A person may be cited or arrested for a violation of this section if the person fails to comply after receiving the oral request or order and refuses to go to or to be transported to the available shelter after being given one hour to relocate from the sidewalk or other public place.
(d) As used in this section:
Lodge or Lodging. To sleep; to come to rest and refuse to vacate the area when requested pursuant to subsection (b) above.
Public Place. Has the same meaning as defined in § 13-1.1 .
Public Sidewalk. Has the same meaning as defined in § 13-15.1 (d).
Shelter. A facility that provides temporary housing for individuals or families. A shelter may include an incarceration diversion program, a medical facility, or related supportive services.
(e) This article does not apply to any person engaging in an activity pursuant to a permit or license issued by the State, city, or federal government.
Published by the City and County of Honolulu through American Legal Publishing.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.