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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

East Honolulu vs Kapolei

How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Kapolei, HI?

East Honolulu and Kapolei have similar restriction levels.

East Honolulu, HI

Honolulu County

Heavy Restrictions

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 β†’

Kapolei, HI

Honolulu County

Heavy Restrictions

Removing a designated exceptional tree in Kapolei requires a Parks and Recreation permit under ROH Chapter 40, Article 8.

View full Kapolei rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactEast HonoluluKapolei
CodeROH Secs. 40-8.1 through 40-8.9ROH Secs. 40-8.1 to 40-8.9
Permit issuerParks and Recreation Department-
Emergency clauseROH Sec. 40-8.9-
State referenceHRS Chapter 58-
Register-ROH Sec. 40-8.7
Emergencies-ROH Sec. 40-8.9
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.

Kapolei FAQ

How do I check if my Kapolei tree is exceptional?

Look up the Oahu Exceptional Tree Register maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation, which lists specific Kapolei specimens by location and species.

Can I remove a non-exceptional tree in my Kapolei yard?

Yes. Routine private tree removal is allowed if the tree is not on the Register. Public right-of-way trees still need permits under ROH Sec. 10-1.4.

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