In ascertaining the construction or meaning of the Code the following rules shall be observed unless it shall be apparent from the context that a different construction or meaning is intended:
(a) 
General Rule. All words and phrases shall be understood according to the common and approved usage of the language, but technical words and phrases that may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in the law shall be understood according to that peculiar and appropriate meaning.
(b) 
Ambiguous Context. Where the words of a law are ambiguous the meaning may be sought by examining the context with which the ambiguous words, phrases, and sentences may be compared, in order to ascertain their true meaning. In addition, the reason and spirit of the law, and the cause which induced the Council to enact it, may be considered to discover its true meaning. Finally, every construction which leads to an absurdity shall be rejected.
(c) 
Ordinances in Pari Materia. Ordinances in pari materia, or upon the same subject matter, shall be construed with reference to each other. What is clear in one ordinance may be called in aid to explain what is doubtful in another.
(d) 
Number and Gender. Every word in the Code shall extend to and be applied to all genders; and every word in singular or plural number shall signify both the singular and plural number.
(e) 
Tenses. Every word used in the present tense shall include the future.
(f) 
"Must" and "Shall," "May." The terms "must" and "shall" are mandatory. The term "may" is permissive.
(g) 
"Or," "And." Each of the terms "or" and "and" has the meaning of the other or of both.
(h) 
Acts by Subordinate Officer. When any provision in the Code requires an act to be done, which may by law as well be done by a subordinate officer as by the superior officer, the requirement shall include all acts when done by an authorized subordinate officer.
(i) 
Computation of Time. The time within which an act is to be done as provided in any provision in this Code, when expressed in days, shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last, unless the last day is a Sunday or holiday, in which case it is also excluded.
(Sec. 1-2.1, R.C.O. 1976)
The rules of construction as set forth in Section 1-2.1 shall not be applied to any provision of the Code which shall contain any express provision excluding that construction, or when the subject matter or context of a provision of the Code may be repugnant thereto.
(Sec. 1-2.2, R.C.O. 1976)
In addition to the rules of construction specified in Section 1-2.1, the following rules shall be observed in the construction of the provisions of the Code:
(a) 
All references to titles, chapters, articles or sections are to the titles, chapters, articles and sections of the Code unless otherwise specified.
(b) 
If the provisions of different chapters of the Code conflict with or contravene each other, the provisions of each chapter shall prevail as to matters and questions growing out of the subject matter of the chapter.
(c) 
If conflicting provisions are found in different sections of the same chapter, the provisions of the section which are enacted later in time shall prevail unless the construction is inconsistent with the meaning of the chapter.
(Sec. 1-2.3, R.C.O. 1976)
In any case where there shall be a violation of any of the criminal provisions of the Code for which no penalty is provided, the person violating the provision shall be subject to a fine of not more than $100 for each offense.
(Sec. 1-2.4, R.C.O. 1976)
Any person who violates any provision of the Kaua'i County Charter shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed one year, or both for each offense.
(Ord. No. 149, April 8, 1971; Sec. 1-2.4, R.C.O. 1976)