Burn bans in Hawaii
Hawaii has no county-level burn ban system like mainland states. Instead, a county mayor can sign an emergency proclamation under HRS § 127A-29 banning outdoor burning, open flames, and 'hot work' (welding, grinding, and similar spark-producing work) — almost always issued in direct response to a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning, and often scoped to the specific fire-weather zone the warning covers rather than the whole county. Separately, DLNR can close state conservation land (forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries) during fire-danger periods under HRS § 185-7, and county fire departments run an ordinary year-round agricultural/open-burning permit program independent of any active emergency.
All counties in Hawaii
| county | Status | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | Unconfirmed | Aug 16, 2026 |
| Honolulu | Unconfirmed | Aug 16, 2026 |
| Kalawao | Unconfirmed | Aug 16, 2026 |
| Kauai | Unconfirmed | Aug 16, 2026 |
| Maui | Unconfirmed | Aug 16, 2026 |
How Hawaii decides
- Hawaii has 5 counties, but the actual ban is a mayor's proclamation, not a standing county rule — and it often covers only the specific fire-weather zone under an active Red Flag Warning, not the whole island.
- A Red Flag Warning itself is not a ban — it's the National Weather Service's forecast trigger. The county mayor still has to sign a separate proclamation for outdoor burning to actually become illegal.
- "Hot work" — welding, grinding, flame cutting, and other spark-producing work — is typically banned right alongside outdoor burning and open flames during an active proclamation.
- Under HRS § 708-825.4, damaging someone else's property by fire is automatically upgraded to a Class C felony (up to 5 years) if it happens during an active Red Flag Warning in that area — whether or not you knew the warning was in effect.
Penalties in Hawaii
Under HRS § 127A-29, a mayor's emergency proclamation sets its own penalty for violations — Hawai'i County's August 2025 outdoor-burning proclamation set a fine of up to $1,000 per violation. If a proclamation doesn't specify a penalty, the statute's own default applies: a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,000 and up to 1 year in jail. Separately, violating a DLNR fire-danger closure under HRS § 185-7 is a misdemeanor with a fine of $250 to $4,000 plus restitution for suppression costs and damages.
Classification: Misdemeanor (proclamation-specific fine, or statutory default) · Maximum fine: set by each proclamation (Hawai'i County has cited up to $1,000/violation); statutory default up to $2,000 and 1 year in jail if unspecified
Common questions about Hawaii burn bans
Is there a burn ban in Hawaii right now?
No county-level burn ban is currently reported by Hawaii Emergency Management Agency / county mayors for Hawaii. Municipal rules within a county may still apply.
How does Hawaii issue a burn ban?
Hawaii has no county-level burn ban system like mainland states. Instead, a county mayor can sign an emergency proclamation under HRS § 127A-29 banning outdoor burning, open flames, and 'hot work' (welding, grinding, and similar spark-producing work) — almost always issued in direct response to a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning, and often scoped to the specific fire-weather zone the warning covers rather than the whole county. Separately, DLNR can close state conservation land (forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries) during fire-danger periods under HRS § 185-7, and county fire departments run an ordinary year-round agricultural/open-burning permit program independent of any active emergency.
How long does a burn ban last in Hawaii?
Bans are issued by county officials and typically stay in effect until conditions improve or the order expires. Some counties set explicit expiration dates; others leave a ban open-ended until lifted. Check each county's page for the expiration listed on the current order.
What are the penalties for violating a burn ban in Hawaii?
Under HRS § 127A-29, a mayor's emergency proclamation sets its own penalty for violations — Hawai'i County's August 2025 outdoor-burning proclamation set a fine of up to $1,000 per violation. If a proclamation doesn't specify a penalty, the statute's own default applies: a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,000 and up to 1 year in jail. Separately, violating a DLNR fire-danger closure under HRS § 185-7 is a misdemeanor with a fine of $250 to $4,000 plus restitution for suppression costs and damages.
burnbanradar reports the counties-level orders as published by Hawaii Emergency Management Agency / county mayors. Municipal ordinances may impose stricter rules. When Hawaii Emergency Management Agency / county mayors does not list a county, that does not mean no ban exists — verify with the county office. The published order governs.