ROH §20-5.1
What key terms mean in this housing law
Read the official text at honolulu.gov ↗This section defines important words used in the housing rules. It explains what counts as a building code, a dwelling unit, an existing highrise residential building, and a smoke detector. These definitions apply unless the context clearly says otherwise.
condominium associationscondominium ownerscontractorsdevelopershomeownerslandlordstenants
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.
Building Code. Chapter 16 , which is in effect on the date of approval of this article.
Dwelling Unit. Any portion of an existing highrise residential building that contains living facilities, including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, as required by the building code, for not more than one family.
Existing Highrise Residential Building. Any building that has floors used for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the highest grade, contains dwelling units, and that was erected before the date of approval of this article, or one for which a legal building permit has been issued.
Smoke Detector. An independent, stand-alone approved device as defined in the building code.
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.