No, burning trash is illegal statewide in Hawaii under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 342H-45 and Department of Health rules, with no residential exemptions. Violations carry fines up to $10,000 under Act 213 (2021), and the 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan bans all open burning to meet zero-waste goals. Only federally approved incineration facilities with air permits may operate, subject to Clean Air Act enforcement by the Hawaii Clean Air Branch.
Key Regulations for Burning Trash in Hawaii
- Statewide Ban: HRS § 342H-45 prohibits open burning of household, commercial, or construction waste, including yard trimmings, across all islands. Violations are enforced by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) and county prosecutors.
- Permitted Exceptions: Only agricultural burning (with DOH-issued permits) and ceremonial fires (e.g., traditional Hawaiian protocols) are allowed, both requiring prior approval and compliance with air quality standards.
- Penalties & Enforcement: Fines escalate to $10,000 per violation under Act 213, with repeat offenders facing injunctions. The DOH’s 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan mandates phased elimination of all non-permitted burning by 2026.
Local ordinances (e.g., Honolulu County Code § 22-2.1) mirror state law, reinforcing the prohibition. Residents must use county-provided waste collection or permitted transfer stations. Non-compliance risks civil liability and criminal charges under environmental statutes.