SW

Stormwater Directory

Hawaii

Hawaii Department of Health, Clean Water Branch

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Quick Summary

For most Hawaii projects disturbing 1 acre or more, you need a state NPDES permit and a SWPPP prepared and signed by a licensed PE or CPESC. Hawaii's unique island ecosystems require strict BMP adherence to protect coral reefs and coastal waters.

State-DelegatedVerified 2026-03

Construction Permit

Permit Document ↗
Permit Name
NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity (Permit No. HIG960001 / HIR100001)
Threshold
≥ 1 acre of land disturbance (or < 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development or sale); some activities < 1 acre may require an individual NPDES permit depending on proximity to sensitive waters
NOI Lead Time
NOI must be submitted to DOH Clean Water Branch at least 10 days prior to the commencement of construction activity; permit coverage is not effective until the NOI is acknowledged
Application Method
Paper NOI submitted to DOH Clean Water Branch, Environmental Management Division; Hawaii does not currently have a statewide online NOI portal for construction stormwater — check DOH CWB for updated submission options
Fee
$200 NOI filing fee; additional annual permit compliance fees apply based on acreage (verify current schedule with DOH Clean Water Branch)
Permit Expires
July 14, 2027
Apply for Permit ↗

SWPPP Requirements

Permit Document ↗
SWPPP Required
Yes
PE Cert Required
Yes
Template Available
No
Hawaii requires a SWPPP to be prepared and certified by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) registered in Hawaii, or a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC). The SWPPP must be site-specific and available on-site during all construction activity. Hawaii DOH does not provide a standard SWPPP template but does issue guidance. The SWPPP must be updated when site conditions or BMP effectiveness changes.

Inspection Requirements

Permit Document ↗
Frequency
At least every 14 calendar days during active construction and within 24 hours after a rainfall event producing ≥ 0.5 inches; some site classifications may require more frequent inspections
Rain Trigger
Within 24 hours of a rainfall event producing ≥ 0.5 inches
Inspector Qualification
Inspections must be conducted by a qualified individual — defined as someone knowledgeable about the SWPPP and BMP implementation; Hawaii does not currently have a state-specific inspector certification program, but CPESC or equivalent professional credential is accepted
Accepted Certifications
No state-specific cert required; inspector must be a 'qualified individual' knowledgeable in E&SC; CPESC, CESSWI accepted

Discharge Standards

Permit Document ↗
Turbidity Limit
No numeric NTU turbidity limit specified in the general permit; narrative standards apply — discharges must not cause or contribute to violations of Hawaii's water quality standards
Hawaii water quality standards (Haw. Admin. Rules § 11-54) are among the most protective in the nation due to the ecological sensitivity of coastal and reef waters. Hawaii has Class AA and Class A coastal waters where enhanced protections apply. Turbidity, sedimentation, and altered water clarity are specifically prohibited where they would harm aquatic life or coral reefs. Some sites may require individual permits with numeric effluent limits.

Post-Construction

DOH-CWB ↗
Required
Yes
Post-construction stormwater management requirements are addressed through county-level ordinances, particularly in Honolulu (City and County of Honolulu Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System MS4 permit). Hawaii's unique island geography and sensitive coral reef ecosystems make post-construction runoff management critically important. The state requires permanent stormwater management measures to be incorporated into project designs that meet long-term water quality goals.

Impaired Waterbody / TMDL Requirements

Standard Provisions

Hawaii's construction stormwater general permit has standard provisions. No specific heightened conditions are triggered by impaired water body status in the general permit; standard stormwater BMPs apply statewide.

Program Contact

Contact Page ↗
Email
cwb@doh.hawaii.gov

State-Specific Notes

Hawaii is notable for its stringent environmental standards driven by the fragility of its coral reef ecosystems and groundwater-dependent ecosystems. The state's 'Anti-degradation' policy is strictly enforced. Hawaii requires PE or CPESC sign-off on the SWPPP, which is unusual among states. County ordinances (especially Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii County, and Kauai) layer additional stormwater controls on top of state NPDES requirements. Projects near streams classified as 'waters of the State' require extra care due to cultural and environmental significance. Hawaii also has separate grading permit requirements through county building departments that interact with the NPDES program.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory requirements. Always consult the DOH-CWB website and applicable regulations before beginning any construction activity.