ROH §43-11.1
Why the city is adopting stormwater rules
Read the official text at honolulu.gov ↗This section explains the city council's reasons for passing the stormwater rules in this article. It says floods have hurt people and property, and building without proper drainage makes flooding worse. The city wants to protect water sources and use natural drainage methods.
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The ordinance, as written (Honolulu County) — Legislative findings - Intent
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) The council finds that:
(1) (A) Heavy rain storms have periodically created destructive floods in certain areas of the city threatening the lives of its inhabitants and causing heavy damage to property;
(B) The continued development of these areas without providing adequate drainage and appropriate flood control measures would only aggravate the conditions conducive to flooding; and
(C) Every effort should be made to minimize flood damage potential and to protect the lives and property of the inhabitants of the city.
(2) There is a growing need to protect our city’s natural watercourses and other vital water resources from contamination and pollution.
(3) Natural methods of drainage and soil infiltration, which absorb and slowly release runoff, are preferred methods of stormwater management.
(b) Therefore, the council deems it necessary to enact the ordinance codified in this article for the sound, economic development of the city and in the interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the inhabitants of the city.
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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.