Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Ewa Gentry vs Honolulu
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Ewa Gentry, HI and Honolulu, HI?
Ewa Gentry and Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
Ewa Gentry, HI
Honolulu County
Removing a designated exceptional tree on an Ewa Gentry lot requires a Parks and Recreation permit under ROH Chapter 40, Article 8.
View full Ewa Gentry 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 | Ewa Gentry | Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ROH Secs. 40-8.1 to 40-8.9 | - |
| Register | ROH Sec. 40-8.7 | - |
| Emergencies | ROH Sec. 40-8.9 | - |
| State law | 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.
Ewa Gentry FAQ
How do I know if my Ewa Gentry tree is exceptional?
Check the Oahu Exceptional Tree Register maintained by Parks and Recreation. Listed trees are usually large legacy specimens, not typical Gentry subdivision plantings.
Can I remove a dead tree in my Ewa Gentry yard?
Routine removal of non-exceptional private trees is allowed. If the tree is registered or sits in the public right-of-way, permits under Chapter 40 or Sec. 10-1.4 apply.
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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