Urban Honolulu's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Ordinances

Honolulu protects designated Exceptional Trees under ROH Chapter 41. Trimming, relocation, or removal of an Exceptional Tree requires approval from the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Key details: Authority: ROH Chapter 41 protects designated Exceptional Trees. Permit/License: Permit from DPR required to trim or remove Exceptional Trees. Authority: HRS Chapter 58 provides tax deductions for tree care. Measurement: Arborist Advisory Committee recommends designations. Measurement: City maintains most street trees.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

This is one of the stricter rules in Urban Honolulu's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Tree Removal Permits

Urban Honolulu street trees along Kalakaua, King, and Beretania require a permit before removal, trimming, or replacement under ROH 10-1.4.

Key details: Code Section: ROH §10-1.4. Scope: Public right-of-way. Permits: Pre-approval required. Private Trees: Only if exceptional.

Unauthorized damage to a street tree can draw civil penalties, restoration orders, and referrals under rules adopted by the Department.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Iconic Urban Honolulu trees, including banyans in Waikiki and historic specimens on Capitol grounds, can be listed as exceptional and protected under ROH 40-8.

Key details: Article: ROH §40-8. Removal Approval: City Council. Permits: DPR required. Register: §40-8.7.

Unauthorized removal or significant alteration can result in civil fines and restoration orders, with the Arborist Advisory Committee reviewing contested actions.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Urban Honolulu actively enforces its heritage & protected trees requirements.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Urban Honolulu imposes replacement through Chapter 40 Article 8 conditions and ROH 10-1.4 street tree permits rather than a single replacement chapter.

Key details: Exceptional: ROH §40-8. Street Trees: ROH §10-1.4. Development: LUO landscaping. Agencies: DPR and DPP.

Failure to satisfy replacement conditions can lead to permit revocation, civil fines, and corrective planting orders.

The Bottom Line

Urban Honolulu is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Urban Honolulu, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Urban Honolulu's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.