East Honolulu vs Honolulu
How do tree trimming rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Honolulu, HI?
East Honolulu and Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
East Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
East Honolulu homeowners along Kalanianaole Highway and residential streets must follow ROH Sec. 10-1.4 permit rules for trimming or pruning street trees in the public right-of-way.
View full East Honolulu rules →Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu requires permits for trimming, pruning, or removing street trees in the public right-of-way (ROH § 10-1.4) and for any work on city-designated exceptional trees under ROH Ch. 40, Art. 8. Fines up to $1,000 apply for violations.
View full Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ROH Sec. 10-1.4 | - |
| Permit issuer | Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry | - |
| Applies to | Street trees and right-of-way | - |
| Exceptional trees | ROH Chapter 40, Article 8 | - |
| Street tree permit | - | Required – apply via DPR |
| Exceptional tree permit | - | DPR + qualified arborist required |
| Max fine | - | Up to $1,000 |
| Removal authority | - | City Council approval needed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
East Honolulu FAQ
Can I trim a street tree branch hanging over my Hawaii Kai yard?
Light trimming of private-side branches is generally allowed, but structural pruning or work on the trunk requires an Urban Forestry permit under ROH Sec. 10-1.4.
Who maintains street trees in front of my East Honolulu home?
The Division of Urban Forestry maintains designated street trees, but homeowners often coordinate with the city for routine shaping along coastal corridors.
Honolulu FAQ
Can I trim a street tree that overhangs my property?
Not without a permit. ROH § 10-1.4 requires a DPR permit for any trimming of street trees in the public right-of-way, even by adjacent property owners.
How do I know if a tree is an 'exceptional tree'?
The DPR maintains a register of exceptional trees under ROH § 40-8.7. Contact DPR's Division of Urban Forestry or check the register before doing any tree work.
Compare other topics
See how East Honolulu and Honolulu compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool