ROH §16-12.4
What key terms mean in this building code section
Read the official text at honolulu.gov ↗This section defines special words used in the rules about Hawaiian-style structures. It explains who a Certified Hale Builder is, what counts as a group of structures, what a hale is, and how separation and setback are measured.
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The ordinance, as written (Honolulu County) — Definitions
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.
For the purposes of this article, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
Certified Hale Builder. A person who has obtained a certificate of completion for satisfactorily completing a course in Hawaiian hale construction from the University of Hawaii, 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 article and references.
Separation. The clear distance between two structures.
Setback. The clear distance between a structure and a property line.
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.