ROH §26-1.6
Repairing and rebuilding nonconforming structures near the shoreline
Read the official text at honolulu.gov ↗This section explains when you can fix or change a building that doesn't meet current shoreline rules. You can repair it if the work doesn't make it more out of compliance and stays within cost limits. If the building is destroyed more than half, you must rebuild to current rules.
homeownerslandowners
The ordinance, as written (Honolulu County) — Nonconforming structures
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) A nonconforming structure may be repaired or altered; provided that the repairs or alterations do not increase or intensify the nonconformity, and the cumulative valuation of the repairs or alterations:
(1) Does not exceed 50 percent of the replacement cost over a 10-year period of that portion of the structure that is nonconforming and located 40 feet or less from the certified shoreline; or
(2) Does not exceed 75 percent of the replacement cost over a 10-year period of that portion of the structure that is nonconforming and located more than 40 feet from the certified shoreline but makai of the shoreline setback line.
(b) If a nonconforming structure is destroyed by any means to an extent of more than 50 percent of its replacement cost at the time of destruction, it may not be reconstructed except in conformity with this chapter and the shoreline setback rules, as may be amended or superseded.
(c) Reconstruction of a nonconforming structure within the shoreline setback area requires a shoreline setback variance.
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.