Homesteading in Hawaii

Water Rights

System: Hybrid

Public trust doctrine combined with regulated permits. State Commission on Water Resource Management administers permits in designated water management areas.

Statute: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 174C-1 et seq.

Building Codes

Statewide IRC: Yes (statewide)

Counties adopt and enforce building codes; all four counties use codes based on IBC/IRC.

Statute: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 107-1 et seq.

Gun Laws

Open Carry: No

Constitutional Carry: No

Permit to acquire required for all firearms. Concealed carry license available (shall-issue per Bruen). Open carry effectively prohibited. 10-day waiting period and registration required.

Statute: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-2; Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-9

Right to Farm

Protected: Yes

Protects agricultural operations from nuisance actions if conducted in a reasonable manner consistent with generally accepted agricultural practices. Applies to operations in agricultural districts.

Statute: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 165-4