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 County protects designated exceptional trees island-wide under ROH Chapter 40, Article 8, prohibiting removal or destruction without a Parks and Recreation permit except in emergencies under Sec. 40-8.9.
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 sections | - | ROH 40-8.1 to 40-8.9 |
| Permit agency | - | Parks and Recreation |
| Emergency rule | - | Sec. 40-8.9 |
| Register section | - | Sec. 40-8.7 |
| State law | - | HRS Chapter 58 |
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
How do I find out if a tree is exceptional?
Check the Honolulu Exceptional Tree Register maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation under ROH Sec. 40-8.7 before scheduling any removal or major pruning.
Can I cut an exceptional tree in an emergency?
ROH Sec. 40-8.9 allows emergency action for imminent threats, but the department expects prompt notification and documentation of the conditions justifying the removal.
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