Residence Hall Policies
1. Alcohol
All residents are expected to know and comply with all State laws and guidelines regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages on University premises as outlined in the University policy (E11.203 dated Sept. 1990) and the Community Standards. The legal drinking age in the State of Hawai`i is 21 years.
A. Residents and/or guests who are not 21 years of age or older may not possess, consume or be under the influence of alcohol. Possession of an open or empty alcohol container shall be interpreted as being consumed. If alcohol can be seen or smelled it can be assumed that a policy violation has occurred.
B. Alcohol must be consumed within the confines of the resident’s room/apartment. Any and all alcohol outside the room/apartment is strictly prohibited, including, but not limited to, in parking lots, couryards, BBQ areas, etc. Containers of alcohol that are transported through public and common areas must remain unopened.
C. Residents and/or guests of legal drinking age may possess or consume alcohol within the privacy of their room or apartment, so long as ALL guests and occupants of the room/apartment are 21 years of age or older. In order for a guest of legal drinking age to consume alcohol, the resident host must be of legal drinking age. University or Student Housing Services staff, acting in their official capacity, may request a government-issued picture identification to verify resident(s) and/or guest(s) ages.
D. Behavior, such as disruptive or destructive behavior, or conditions necessitating extra care, resulting from excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited. “Drinking games” or any activity that promotes excessive alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited.
E. Anyone who is 21 years of age or older is prohibited from distributing alcohol to anyone below the legal drinking age. The State of Hawai`i’s Social Host Liability Law makes it illegal to host underage drinking in a residence, and holds adults liable if they provide alcohol to a minor who then injures another person. Adults can be prosecuted for giving alcohol to minors. Resident hosts will be held responsible for distributing alcohol to anyone, resident and/or guest, under the age of 21.
F. Common source containers are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated. Common source containers include, but are not limited to: kegs, party balls, water jugs, jungle juice, beer bongs, etc.
G. The sale of alcohol for a form of payment, donation, or other benefit is prohibited. The advertisement of parties/gatherings where alcohol will be consumed is not allowed.
H. Regardless of age, all use of alcohol is prohibited in the four Hale Aloha residence halls and in public areas outside and outside of these buildings.
2. Appliances
A. Use of cooking appliances such as sandwich makers, George Foreman grills, coffee makers, and toasters is strictly prohibited in residence hall rooms, but may be stored in residence hall rooms for use in community kitchen areas. All appliances must have an “auto shut off” feature, and, when applicable, appliances must be energy star compliant.
B. Irons must be used on ironing boards. Use of irons on any other surface is strictly prohibited. Irons must not be left unattended, and must have an “auto shut off” feature.
C. Hair dryers and other hair styling appliances are permitted provided that they are used for their intended purpose and used in an appropriate space.
D. Microwaves must not exceed a stated FCC rating of 700 watts, and the FCC rating placard must be intact. Microwaves must also be plugged directly into a wall outlet and must be energy star compliant.
E. Refrigerators must not exceed 4.5 cubic feet. Refrigerators must also be Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) approved, be energy star compliant, and be kept clean and sanitary.
F. A maximum of one refrigerator and one microwave per room is allowed.
G. Any appliance with an open heating element not covered by a policy in this guide is prohibited for use or storage in residence hall rooms. Student Housing Services reserves the right to confiscate and/or require the removal of any appliance that exceeds wattage or space requirements, or that is otherwise deemed to be a safety hazard.
3. Arson
Arson is any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.
4. Abuse and Assault
Our on-campus residential communities are places in which all people should feel welcome, valued, and safe. A climate of fear or intimidation is not acceptable. All community members deserve to be treated with respect.
A. Physical Abuse/Assault: Physical Assault is defined as the act or instance which endangers the physical safety of another individual or group.
B. Sexual Abuse/Assault: Sexual Assault is any unwanted, forced, tricked, or coerced sexual activity without the person’s consent. Consent means that a person has fully agreed to engage in every type of sexual act performed. Under Hawai`i law, consent to engage in sexual activity is not considered valid if either party is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Acts of sexual assault include, but are not limited to, indecent exposure; touching of a sexual nature like forced kissing; fondling and/or rubbing up against another person in a sexual way, even if it is over clothes; forced oral, anal, or vaginal contact/penetration with a mouth, tongue, finger, penis, or object.
C. Written/Verbal Abuse: Statements which threaten or intimidate another member of the community are not tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, statements made in person, via telephone, on a whiteboard, and/or via any electronic medium.
D. Use of a Weapon or Threat of Weapon Use: Any use or threat of use of a weapon is considered a violation of this policy.
5. Barbecue Grills
Residents must barbecue within the designated barbecue areas only. See community desk for reservations and instructions concerning community barbeque grills.
6. Behavioral Misconduct
Behavior that threatens, harms, or causes to place danger on any person(s) or conduct which is lewd, indecent, obscene or disorderly, is prohibited. This includes intimidation, hazing and disregarding property.
7. Bicycles, Skates, Skateboards, Scooters, Mopeds
A. Bicycles, scooters, or mopeds may not be brought into resident rooms and apartments, with the exception of collapsible bicycles that can be stored without blocking any exits to the room and that do not infringe on roommates space in the room. Motorized equipment containing fuel may not be stored in rooms/apartments at any time.
B. Bicycles, skates, skateboards, scooters, or mopeds are not to be parked or ridden in public pedestrian areas (including residence hall hallways/ walkways) or any area marked as “no riding” or “no parking” zones. Student Housing Services reserves the right to immediately remove any bicycle or moped locked to poles, railings, or other places not specifically designated for bicycle or moped parking or securing. Any bicycles, skates, skateboard, scooter, or mopeds that are left or abandoned after checkouts will be disposed of at Student Housing Service’s discretion.
8. Cleaning Responsibilities
A. Individual living spaces: To ensure a safe, healthy environment, a reasonable level of cleanliness is expected in individual living spaces and community areas. If the environment in an individual living space is deemed unhealthy, the resident(s) responsible for that space will be required to clean or be billed for the cost to return the space to a healthy level.
B. Community/Public Areas: To ensure a safe, healthy environment, a reasonable level of cleanliness is expected in community areas. Assistance in keeping community spaces clean, such as restrooms, lounges, and lobbies is greatly appreciated. While Student Housing Services provides regular cleaning services, a community that fails to keep community spaces reasonably clean may lose privileges to that space or receive a community bill for costs associated with pest treatment, repairs, and/or cleaning. Trash left in community/public spaces may result in community billing.
9. Common and Public Area Guidelines/Loitering
Common and public area guidelines are those that govern any area other than a residence hall room or apartment.
A. Loitering: If at any time Student Housing Services staff or their designee such as Campus Security, determines that any common area needs to be cleared of residents, guests, or any activity, residents must comply with this request.
B. Gatherings: Student Housing Services staff reserves the right to ask resident hosts to discontinue any gathering that does not comply with community standards.
C. Public Area Games: The playing of outdoor-type sports and games is prohibited in interior public areas and on walkways, sidewalks, or other pedestrian areas in order to prevent disruption to the community and/or damage to University property.
10. Failure to Comply
Students must comply with a University or Student Housing Official’s request when such official is working within the performance of his/her duties. This policy is in place in the interior of all residential and dining facilities as well in in areas surrounding residential and dining facilities, including, but not limited to, parking lots, courtyards, grassy areas around the residence halls and apartments, etc.
A. When requested by a University or Housing Official, residents and guests must present proper identification. Anyone who does not provide this information will be required to leave the housing premises immediately and may be banned from future visitations.
B. Providing false or misleading information about self or others to a Housing or University Official is prohibited.
C. Failure to follow instructions during an incident or any other action that prevents or attempts to prevent a staff member from successfully completing her/his responsibilities is prohibited.
D. Failure to complete an assigned judicial sanction within the timeframe assigned is considered a violation of policy, and will result in further judicial action.
E. Residents must comply with all Student Housing Services and University posted signs and placards (i.e., no smoking signs, restroom gender designation, etc.)
11. Firearms, Weapons, Explosives
Possession of any type of firearm, weapon, explosives, or other hazardous material is not allowed in or around the on-campus housing communities. This policy also incorporates “toy” weapons, including, but not limited to, any “toy” that shoots a projectile; such as an air soft gun, paintball gun, BB gun, pellet gun, or a slingshot. Knives that have blades longer than 3 inches, and/or are not intended for use as a tool, are also prohibited. Other prohibited items include, but are not limited to: bows and arrows, axes, spears, machetes, crossbows, crossbow bolts, nunchucks, kendo sticks, ammunition, and throwing stars. Student Housing Services reserves the right to confiscate or require the removal of any item deemed dangerous in a community living environment.
12. Furniture
Residents must be aware that vacant spaces within a room or apartment are subject to assignment at any time. Vacant spaces must be left clear and must contain the appropriate furnishings in the event that an individual is assigned to that space.
A. Room or Apartment Furniture: All furniture must remain in the designated locations. Missing furniture will be the responsibility of the residents of that room or apartment; replacement costs will be assessed. Furniture that is moved within the room or apartment and is damaged or damages the walls, floor or other furnishings will be the responsibility of the residents of that room or apartment; damage, repair or replacement charges will be assessed. Unless an exception is approved by the Residence Director extra furniture is not permitted.
B. Public Area Furniture: Lounge and other public area furniture cannot be brought into resident’s rooms or apartments.
13. Guests and Visitation Policy
A guest is defined as a person other than the registered occupants of that particular residence hall room/apartment. Occupants are allowed to host guests in their rooms so long as they have the permission of their roommate(s). Violating a roommate’s right of entry or hindering a roommate’s ability to study and/or sleep within their room is considered a violation of guest privileges. Guests will be held responsible for following all Student Housing policies and any applicable Community or Roommate Agreements on file with a Student Housing Services staff member.
All guests must be registered on-line at www.surveymonkey.com/uhguest. It is not necessary to register a guest who is a UH-Manoa student who resides in an on-campus residential facility, but all other guests must be registered.
A. Host Responsibility: Hosts must escort guests at all times whenever guests are visiting and are responsible and accountable for the behavior of their guests. Non-residents violating University and Student Housing Services regulations are also subject to disciplinary action. All conduct matters concerning a non-resident student of the University will be forwarded to the Judicial Affairs Office.
B. Overnight Guests: Residents are permitted to have guests in rooms overnight as long as the roommate has given permission. The maximum guest stay is 72 hours (3 consecutive nights) and a resident may have guests a maximum of ten (10) nights per semester. Under all circumstances, the roommate who wishes to study will have priority over any guest. Resident hosts will be held accountable for any policy violations committed by guests. Student Housing reserves the right to require any guests who cause a community disruption to immediately leave campus.
C. Cohabitation: Cohabitation is not allowed in the residence halls and apartments. Cohabitation is defined as a person using a room or apartment as if that person were living in the room, but not actually being assigned as a resident of that room. Examples of this may include, but are not limited to, keeping clothing and other personal belongings in the room, sleeping overnight in the room on a regular basis and using the bathroom and shower facilities as if they were living in that room.
14. Harassment/Discrimination
Harassment and discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
A. Harassment: Harassment is defined as repeated tormenting or irritating another individual, which interferes with the individuals’ performance or living environment.
B. Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is defined as repeated or unwanted behavior that is sexual in nature, or based on gender.
C. Discrimination: Discrimination is any conduct that is based upon race, sex, age, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, veteran status, and/or any other aspect of identity that has the intent or effect of interfering with an individual’s educational or work performance.
D. Stalking: Stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior that is willful and/or malicious, and involves repeated following and harassing of another person that threatens his/her safety, and/or causes him/her reasonable fear. This policy also encompasses stalking via electronic medium.
E. Hate Crimes/Bias Incidents: Hate crimes or bias incidents include non-threatening name calling and using degrading language, graffiti or slurs because of a belief or perception about a person’s race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity and gender expression, and/or other aspect of identity. Incidents may also include actions against persons both physical and psychological, actions against property, and actions committed verbally and electronically.
15. Illegal Drugs/Controlled Substances
All residents are expected to know and comply with all State laws and guidelines regarding illegal drugs and controlled substances on University premises as outlined in the University Policy (E11.203 dated Sept. 1990) and the Community Standards.
A. Consumption of illegal drugs or illegal use of a controlled substance is prohibited.
B. Possession of illegal drugs or improperly obtained controlled substances is prohibited.
C. Possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited (i.e., bongs, rolling paper, etc.).
D. Disrupting the community while under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is prohibited.
E. State law prohibits “medical marijuana” on state property.
F. Sale, distribution, and gift of illegal drugs or controlled substances is prohibited.
16. Prohibited Items
In order to maintain a safe living environment, the following types of items are strictly prohibited:
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- Appliances not provided by the Office of Student Housing Services, unless otherwise specified in this Guide.
- Use or storage or any incendiary device, such as candles or incense.
- Use or storage of any device which utilizes an open flame.
- Storage of any flammable liquid, chemical, or other substance.
- Any furniture not provided by the Office of Student Housing Services, unless an exception is granted in writing from the Residence Director.
- Halogen lights/halogen lamps.
- Laser Pointers
- Automobile batteries and acids.
- Hookahs, bongs, pipes, rolling papers.
- Barbells in excess of 25 lbs each.
- Air conditioners or ceiling fans (in units where they are not already provided).
- Personal lofts or any other structure.
The Office of Student Housing Services reserves the right to require removal of any item deemed unsafe for a group living environment.
17. Pets and Service Animals
A. Pets. Fish are allowed in residence halls and apartments. They must be housed in properly equipped aquariums, 20 gallons or smaller, limit one tank per room (one tank per bedroom in the apartments). All other aquatic creatures must be pre-approved by the Residence Director. No other pets are allowed.
B. Service Animals. Residents with appropriate documentation for a service animal or emotional support animal may request permission for the animal to reside with them. These animals must be approved prior to occupancy. For information pertaining to the approval process, please work with the Kokua Program. See www.hawaii.edu/kokua or 808-956-7511.
18. Posting of Signage
A. All posters, flyers, banners and chalking to be used in any common areas must be approved by the Residence Director. Generally, postings are only allowed if they are educational in nature and/or promoting a Residential Life sponsored event. If a resident wishes to post signage for an event sponsored by a University of Hawaii affiliated office or program; and/or advertising for a commercial venture, they must do so in compliance with the Posting Policy. For a copy of the current Posting Policy, see your Residence Director and/or contact the Residential Life Office in Johnson Hall "A" basement, or call 808-956-8300.
B. Student Housing Services reserves the right to require the removal of any signage or symbols posted on the exterior of a room door or posted in a window that are disruptive to the community.
19. Quiet Hours, Noise, and Courtesy Hours
A. Quiet Hours: Quiet hours (the absence of loud noise or distractions) are in effect every evening, from 9 pm to 9 am Sunday through Thursday and Midnight to 9:00 am on Friday and Saturday and nights before state holidays in each hall, apartment, and common area. If you would like to suggest changes to the Quiet Hours, work with your Community Council or the Residence Hall Association.
B. Courtesy Hours: At other times, students are expected to exercise good judgment with respect to making excessive noise that intrudes on the privacy and the needs of others to sleep and study. Noise may be deemed disruptive if it can be heard through a closed door or window. Noise which is disruptive to other residents is prohibited, both inside and outside of residence halls, and courtesy and consideration for others is expected at all times. Residents are expected to respond positively to requests to reduce noise, and to respectfully approach others with requests for noise reduction.
C. Special 24 Hour Quiet Hours: Quiet hours will be in effect during the finals period, including any associated “Study Days” noted in the academic calendar. Flyers will be posted with specific dates.
20. ResNet Policy
Student Housing Services encourages responsible computing. Responsible computing is ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and an individual’s right to privacy and freedom from intimidation, harassment and unwarranted annoyance. The ResNet policy has been established to provide a set of rules and guidelines for the proper and responsible use of the University of Hawaii and Student Housing Services computing and network resources, effective protection of individual users, equitable access, and proper management of these resources. These guidelines are intended to supplement, not replace, existing laws, regulations, agreements, policies, and contracts, which currently apply to these services. Users of the Student Housing Services ResNet are bound by the University of Hawaii Executive Policy concerning the Management of Information Technology Resources.
The policy can be found at: www.hawaii.edu/infotech/policies/itpolicy.html
ResNet users are additionally bound by the following rules and regulations intended to preserve the integrity and accessibility of all computing resources:
A. Residents are responsible for ensuring that their computers are virus-free and secure before connecting to ResNet. Unintentional violations of ResNet policy due to a compromised computer may still result in sanctions.
B. The residential network may only be used for legal purposes and to access only those systems, software, and data for which the user is authorized. Accessing or providing access to copyrighted material including but not limited to music, movies, and software is prohibited.
C. The residential network is a shared resource. Network uses or applications that inhibit or interfere with the use of the network by others are prohibited. Examples include file sharing applications, E-mail spamming, unauthorized servers, or any other activity that consumes an excessive amount of bandwidth.
D. The residential network is provided for uses consistent with the academic mission of the institution. The network may not be used for commercial purposes or for unsolicited advertising.
E. Data jacks may not be used to provide network access to anyone other than the resident assigned to the data jack. Residents will be held responsible for all traffic passing or originating from their assigned connection. Hardware devices which extend the network such as routers must be secured and properly configured.
F. Servers of any kind are prohibited without authorization from the ResNet personnel. Examples include Web, FTP, Game, and SMTP servers. In addition, many hardware devices such as wireless routers include software components that act as servers and it is the responsibility of the resident to properly configure any such devices before they are connected to the network.
G. The network automatically provides network address information via DHCP. Individuals may use only the IP address assigned to them by Student Housing Services. Unauthorized use of a "fixed" or "static" IP address is prohibited.
H. Any malicious or hostile activities such as port scans, spamming, DOS attacks, or attempts to gain unauthorized access via the network are prohibited.
I. Forgery or other misrepresentation of one's identity via electronic or any other form of communication is prohibited. This includes the use of an IP address not specifically assigned to the individual using it, impersonating another user with the intent to slander in public areas, and the use of a forged or false identity in E-mail communications.
J. Respecting the rights of other users is required at all times on the network. These rights include, but are not limited to, privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom from harassment.
K. Administrators of the residential network have the authority to control or refuse access to the network to anyone who violates these policies or who threatens the rights of other users. Administrators have the authority to restrict or suspend network access without notice for a user or computer that is believed to have been the source of an alleged violation pending investigation of the violation and satisfactory resolution of the complaint.
L. Student Housing Services assumes the responsibility for the maintenance of computing resources provided within Student Housing Services facilities. In the event of a loss of service, all reasonable attempts will be made to restore the connection as quickly as possible. Student Housing Services is not responsible for any damages or losses incurred due to the use of the network or from loss of service.
Use of the ResNet constitutes FULL agreement and understanding of this Acceptable Use Policy and any future modifications there to. Violations of this policy may result in termination of connection, disciplinary sanctions, as well as possible legal ramifications. Student Housing Services reserves the right to modify, change, and reformat this document, as it deems necessary without permission or consent of its network users. Copies of this policy will remain available via the ResNet web site.
21. Robbery/Burglary/Theft
A. Theft of Property: Theft of personal property including computer files, programs, and data, or University property and possession of stolen property is prohibited.
B. Theft of Service: Unauthorized borrowing or unauthorized use of any service, including, but not limited to Internet, Cable TV, telephone, telephone calling cards, tampering with telephone and/or cable lines, food service cards, washing/drying machines, food vending machines, etc. is prohibited.
C. Burglary: Unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. This includes forcible entry, attempted forcible entry and non-forcible entry such as use of an unlocked door or window.
D. Robbery: Taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence.
22. Safety & Security
A. False reporting of emergencies and/or tampering with any safety devices is prohibited.
B. Fire Evacuation: All residents must evacuate at the sound of an alarm regardless of whether they believe it to be false.
C. Locks and Doors: Tampering with or damaging lock mechanisms is prohibited. Additional locks may not be added to doors or other University property or equipment. For the security of everyone, building doors should not be propped open at any time.
D. Unauthorized Entry/Restricted Areas: No person shall enter or attempt to enter any residence hall or apartment facility without proper authorization. Students are not permitted on residence hall roofs, ledges or overhangs. Students are not permitted to climb in or out of residence hall windows at any level.
E. Misuse of Keys: The possession of keys by anyone other than the person they were issued to is not allowed. Residents are prohibited from “lending” any keys assigned to them to any other person, including their roommate(s).
F. Lock-outs: Residents are responsible for carrying their key(s) at all times. Excessive lock-outs (contacting the hall staff for room/apartment entry) may result in disciplinary sanctions.
G. Temporary Lighting: Temporary light installations, such as string lights or decorative holiday lighting, shall be permitted between November 15 and January 15 only. In order to be complaint with Honolulu Fire Code, temporary lighting installations are not permitted during any other time of year, and any products used must be UL approved.
H. If a resident student has not been seen on campus for more than 24 hours and acquaintances do not know where the student may be, please notify Campus Security at 808-956-6911. Students under the age of 18 will have their parents notified if they are determined missing for more than 24 hours and law enforcement may be notified for any student missing for more than 24 hours. If a resident over 18 years of age is deemed to be missing, the University will, at it’s discretion, contact the Confidential Contact and/or the Emergency Contact on file. If a student has been seen in the company of an individual(s) indicating that he/she may be in danger, Campus Security and/or the Honolulu Police Department (call 911), should be notified immediately.
23. Smoking
A. ALL University residence halls and apartments are smoke-free.
B. Smoking is also prohibited in 1) interior building courtyards, breezeways, and terraces, on exterior spaces and access ramps, and outdoor dining patios, terraces, and lanais. 2) Within 20 feet of building entrances, exits, air intake ducts, vents, and windows of buildings that are not air conditioned. 3) Within 50 feet of designated pick-up and drop-off points for campus and public bus transportation. 4) Any other areas designated and marked “no smoking” by UHM Personnel.
The University’s website contains full details of this policy: www.hawaii.edu/smokingpolicy.
24. Soliciation & Sales
Solicitation and sales are not permitted in any Housing facility by residents or non-residents except by authorization from the Director of Student Housing or his/her designee. Such authorization may be made only for items which are of service to the residents and only after a written request has been submitted and reviewed. Students may not act as agents for business firms which entail solicitations or receiving of business offers or goods on University property. University or Student Housing Services communication systems may not be used for selling or offers to sell merchandise, services, etc. Student residences may not be used for business purposes of any nature. Examples of violations include, but are not limited to: posting of materials/advertising in any format without prior approval; using the residence hall/apartment address for business purposes; using the room/apartment for storage and/or distribution of goods or collection of monies; receipt and distribution of business related materials via the community desk/mailroom; the use of University or Student Housing Services technology resources for business purposes. Residents must also comply with all University policies.
25. Vandalism
Vandalism is willful or malicious destruction of property. Students may be assessed restitution for any damages incurred. Damage assessments are based on the cost (materials and labor) to restore to the original state through repair/replacement of the damaged item or area.
Group Assessment: Group assessments may be charged for any vandalism damages to unit/common areas. In situations where the individual(s) does not come forward to claim responsibility, a group assessment may be levied. The group assessment fee (minimum $1.00) will include the cost of repairing/replacing the damaged item(s) and the cost of labor (if applicable). When possible, residents will be notified of damage costs and possible group assessments through public notices.
26. Windows, Balconies/Lanais, Ledges and Building Exteriors
A. Throwing/discarding of items of any type from windows, balconies/lanais, and ledges is strictly prohibited.
B. Windows and screens may not be removed. Residents may be assessed charges for the replacement/repair of windows and screens. Sliding screens must be closed at all times.
C. Erecting of antennas/aerials/satellite dishes or any other objects on the exterior of buildings or grounds is prohibited.
D. Placing, hanging, or storing items outside of a window or on window ledges is prohibited.
**This section of the Guide was last updated on December 10, 2012. The "Safety and Security" policy was updated.
