Changes To Honolulu's Coastal Zone Management Ordinances

On March 9, 2023, Mayor Blangiardi signed into law two bills that significantly affect properties on and near O?ahu's shoreline. The enacted ordinances, Ordinances 23-3 and 23-4, are the culmination of a yearlong process to increase the regulation of land within the shoreline setback and the special management area (SMA). In part, the changes to the law are intended to respond to predicted sea level rise and coastal erosion by implementing more stringent restrictions on structures and activities that may be susceptible to coastal hazards.

Shoreline Setbacks – Ordinance 23-3

Under state law and the City's current rules, the shoreline setback line runs 40 feet inland from and parallel to the certified shoreline. The land between the shoreline setback line and the certified shoreline is known as the shoreline setback area, within which new structures and activities are generally prohibited.