Bills & Ordinances

Ordinances, or new City laws, start with the creation of a bill. For a bill to become a law, it must be approved by the City Council at three separate meetings, or readings. After the bill passes its third and final reading, the bill is presented to the mayor for signature.

If not vetoed, the bill becomes an ordinance and joins the existing code of law for the City, the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH).

Relating to the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency

This Ordinance codifies the duties, responsibilities, and reporting requirements of the Resilience Office to ensure the City meets its climate change and sustainability goals and objectives.

Relating to Off-Street Parking and Loading

This ordinances updates Honolulu’s Land Use Ordinance to reduce parking minimums and create a more effective and efficient transportation network. For more information on the changes introduced by Ordinance 20-41 related to off-street parking and loading, view this brochure.

Relating to Clean Energy Projects

This ordinance streamlines permitting procedures for residential clean energy projects and electric vehicle charging equipment to reduce costs and increase access to renewable energy for more residents.

Relating to the Adoption of the State Energy Conservation Code

This ordinance updates the City’s Energy Code to the 2015 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with local amendments that expand access to energy efficiency improvements, solar power, and electric vehicles for O‘ahu residents, including a new requirement for residential and commercial buildings to ensure a percentage of new parks stalls built are EV-ready. Watch this webinar about the energy code amendments and view this EV-Readiness Guide for more information and FAQ on how to get your building ready for electric vehicles.

Relating to Plastic

This ordinance, now called the Disposable Food Ware Ordinance, reduces single use plastic pollution on O‘ahu. Effective January 1, 2021, this ordinance amends the plastic bag ban, phases out polystyrene foam food ware at City functions, phases out disposable plastic service ware, and dictates that disposable service ware may only be provided upon request. Effective January 1, 2022, disposable plastic food ware and all polystyrene foam food ware will be phased out and shall not be sold; disposable plastic service ware shall also not be sold.

Relating to the Adoption of the State Electrical Code

This ordinance updates the City’s Electrical Code to the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC). In addition to providing the latest safety requirements, the new code provides clarity for battery storage, electrical vehicle charging, and off-grid solar PV installations that support the City’s climate resilience and renewable energy goals.