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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Native Plants

East Honolulu vs Honolulu

How do native plants rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Honolulu, HI?

East Honolulu and Honolulu have similar restriction levels.

East Honolulu, HI

Honolulu County

Few Restrictions

East Honolulu landscaping follows LUO Sec. 21-4.70. Native Hawaiian species are permitted substitutions, making them a strong drought option for dry Hawaii Kai and Portlock lots.

View full East Honolulu rules β†’

Honolulu, HI

Honolulu County

Few Restrictions

Honolulu County permits native Hawaiian species as landscape substitutions under LUO Sec. 21-4.70 but does not mandate native-only planting; voluntary guidance comes from the Board of Water Supply Xeriscape Program.

View full Honolulu rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactEast HonoluluHonolulu
CodeLUO Sec. 21-4.70-
MandateVoluntary, not required-
GuidanceBWS Xeriscape Program-
Climate fitLeeward dry coastal-
Code section-LUO Sec. 21-4.70
Native mandate-None
Substitution allowed-Yes for street trees
Voluntary program-BWS Xeriscape
Applies to-All Oahu zoning districts

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

East Honolulu FAQ

Do I have to use native plants in my East Honolulu yard?

No. Natives are permitted substitutions under LUO Sec. 21-4.70 but are not required. They are encouraged for xeriscape water savings.

Can I plant a native street tree instead of a standard species?

Yes. Native Hawaiian species are allowed as substitutions in landscape designs, subject to Department of Planning and Permitting plan approval.

Honolulu FAQ

Does Honolulu require native plants in new landscaping?

No. LUO Sec. 21-4.70 allows native species as substitutions but does not require them. Voluntary guidance from BWS and UH CTAHR supports native plant selection.

Can I replace a required street tree with a native species?

Yes. The Land Use Ordinance permits approved native Hawaiian species as landscape substitutions with acceptance from the Department of Planning and Permitting.

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