Landscaping Rules in Urban Honolulu, HI (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Urban Honolulu regulates overgrown vegetation as a public nuisance under ROH Chapter 16A without a numeric grass height, with dense enforcement pressure in Waikiki, Kakaako, and Ala Moana neighborhoods.
Urban Honolulu Overgrown Vegetation Public Nuisance Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Urban Honolulu requires Department of Parks and Recreation permits under ROH Sec. 10-1.4 for any work on street trees, a frequent issue along Kalakaua Avenue monkeypods and Ala Moana Boulevard shower trees.
Urban Honolulu Street Tree Trimming and Pruning Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Urban Honolulu enforces ROH Chapter 40 Article 8 on exceptional trees that line Manoa, Makiki, and Nuuanu residential streets, blocking removal without a Parks and Recreation permit except under Sec. 40-8.9 emergencies.
Urban Honolulu Exceptional Tree Removal Protection Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Urban Honolulu enforces ROH Sec. 16A-2.1 et seq. on vacant lots in Kakaako redevelopment areas, downtown infill parcels, and Iwilei industrial edges, with a 30-day notice before city abatement.
Urban Honolulu Weeds on Vacant Property Abatement Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Urban Honolulu follows ROH Sec. 30-2.3 for water conservation authority, with Board of Water Supply shortage-stage rules hitting high-rise condos in Waikiki and Ala Moana through landscape irrigation limits.
Urban Honolulu Water Conservation and Shortage Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Urban Honolulu has no ordinance restricting rainwater harvesting; Board of Water Supply rebates target rain barrels at single-family homes in Kaimuki, Manoa, and Palolo rather than high-rise condos.
Urban Honolulu Residential Rainwater Catchment Guidelines
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Urban Honolulu allows native Hawaiian species as substitutions under LUO Sec. 21-4.70 but does not require native-only landscaping, with voluntary xeriscape guidance used in Kakaako and downtown streetscapes.
Urban Honolulu Native Hawaiian Plant Landscape Provisions
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Urban Honolulu has no specific artificial turf ordinance; LUO Sec. 21-4.70 landscape rules apply citywide, with DPP deciding case-by-case whether turf counts toward required landscape area in dense projects.
Urban Honolulu Artificial Turf Landscape Rules
Few RestrictionsComposting
Urban Honolulu implements ROH Sec. 42-3.5 food waste recycling, with Ordinance 23-30 rolling out G.R.O.W. curbside collection by April 1, 2025 and mandatory diversion for Waikiki and Ala Moana food establishments.
Urban Honolulu Food Waste Recycling and Composting Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Honolulu County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Urban Honolulu city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Honolulu County →