It is strictly regulated.
Hawaii’s urban goat-keeping laws hinge on county ordinances and state agricultural codes, with Honolulu’s 2026 zoning amendments tightening backyard livestock restrictions. While small goat flocks are permitted in agricultural zones, residential areas face strict limits on herd size, slaughter, and fencing. Violations risk citations under the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s livestock regulations or county nuisance ordinances.
Key Regulations for Keeping Goats in the City in Hawaii
- Zoning Compliance: Honolulu’s revised 2026 zoning code restricts goats to Agricultural (A) or Agricultural-Residential (AR) zones; residential (R) zones prohibit goats entirely unless grandfathered. Maui and Kauai enforce similar zoning barriers, requiring conditional use permits for urban areas.
- Herd Size Caps: Counties cap goat numbers at 2–6 animals per parcel, with Honolulu’s new rules capping flocks at 4 goats in AR zones. Exceeding limits triggers mandatory removal under HRS §157-15.
- Sanitation & Nuisance Protocols: All counties mandate secure fencing (minimum 5-foot height) and waste management plans to prevent odor or fly infestations. Violations may invoke nuisance abatement under HRS §46-17.1, with fines up to $5,000.