ROH §16-4.1
When thatched building materials are allowed
Read the official text at honolulu.gov ↗Thatched material on the outside of buildings is only allowed in resort zones that mainly serve tourists, and only with the building official's approval. It can only be used for decoration on roofs or walls, and the building must still meet all other rules. If used, you need a permit and outside sprinklers for fire protection.
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The ordinance, as written (Honolulu County) — Applicability
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) Thatched material on the exterior of buildings shall be permitted only upon buildings located in areas zoned for resort use which primarily service the tourist trade when approved by the building official.
(b) The thatched material permitted in this article shall be used for decorative purposes on the roof or wall of buildings. The building, independent of the thatched material, shall comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter.
(c) When thatched material is used as permitted in this article, and an appropriate permit is obtained therefor in accordance with Article 1 , outside sprinklers for protection against exposure fires shall be required as hereinafter provided.
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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.