Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: East Honolulu vs Honolulu
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Honolulu, HI?
East Honolulu and Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
East Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Designated exceptional trees in East Honolulu, including mature specimens in Aina Haina and Niu Valley estates, cannot be removed without a Parks and Recreation permit under ROH Chapter 40, Article 8.
View full East Honolulu rules →Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu protects designated 'exceptional trees' under Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Chapter 40, Article 8. Removing or destroying any exceptional tree without City Council approval is unlawful (ROH § 40-8.8). Any pruning of branches or alteration of an exceptional tree's characteristic shape requires a permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation (Division of Urban Forestry). Street trees in the public right-of-way are City property and always require a permit.
View full Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ROH Secs. 40-8.1 through 40-8.9 | - |
| Permit issuer | Parks and Recreation Department | - |
| Emergency clause | ROH Sec. 40-8.9 | - |
| State reference | HRS Chapter 58 | - |
| Code Section | - | ROH Ch. 40, Art. 8 (§§ 40-8.2 to 40-8.9) |
| Exceptional Tree Permit | - | DPR Division of Urban Forestry |
| Removal Approval | - | City Council required |
| Max Fine | - | $1,000 per violation (ROH 40-8.8) |
| Contact | - | (808) 971-7151, duf@honolulu.gov |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
East Honolulu FAQ
How do I know if my tree is designated exceptional?
Check the Exceptional Tree Register maintained under ROH Sec. 40-8.7 through Parks and Recreation. Most residential trees are not listed, but many neighborhood landmarks are.
Can I remove an exceptional tree after storm damage?
Emergency removals are allowed under ROH Sec. 40-8.9 when the tree poses imminent danger, but the city must be notified and documentation kept.
Honolulu FAQ
Can I remove a tree on my own private property in Honolulu?
Generally yes for non-exceptional trees, but if your tree is on the Register of Exceptional Trees, removal requires City Council approval (ROH § 40-8.8). Any pruning of an exceptional tree's shape or branches needs a DPR permit. Street trees are City property and cannot be cut.
What is an 'exceptional tree' in Honolulu?
Under ROH § 40-8.2, a tree designated by the City Council based on age, rarity, location, size, aesthetic quality, endemic status, or historic/cultural value. The Arborist Advisory Committee reviews nominations. Many monkeypod and banyan trees on the official Register qualify.
What's the penalty for cutting an exceptional tree?
ROH § 40-8.8 sets a maximum fine of $1,000 per violation for unauthorized removal, destruction, or branch alteration. Restoration may also be required. Emergency removal is allowed only with DPR director approval under ROH § 40-8.9.
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