Honolulu vs Kailua
How do native plants rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI?
Honolulu and Kailua have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu County permits native Hawaiian species as landscape substitutions under LUO Sec. 21-4.70 but does not mandate native-only planting; voluntary guidance comes from the Board of Water Supply Xeriscape Program.
View full Honolulu rules →Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
Kailua landscaping may substitute native Hawaiian species for standard plantings under LUO Sec. 21-4.70; no native-only mandate exists.
View full Kailua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kailua |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | LUO Sec. 21-4.70 | - |
| Native mandate | None | - |
| Substitution allowed | Yes for street trees | - |
| Voluntary program | BWS Xeriscape | - |
| Applies to | All Oahu zoning districts | - |
| Code | - | LUO Sec. 21-4.70 |
| Mandate | - | None, substitution allowed |
| Resources | - | BWS Xeriscape Program |
| Shoreline use | - | Often required for revegetation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Does Honolulu require native plants in new landscaping?
No. LUO Sec. 21-4.70 allows native species as substitutions but does not require them. Voluntary guidance from BWS and UH CTAHR supports native plant selection.
Can I replace a required street tree with a native species?
Yes. The Land Use Ordinance permits approved native Hawaiian species as landscape substitutions with acceptance from the Department of Planning and Permitting.
Kailua FAQ
Can I replant my Kailua Beach dune with native naupaka?
Yes, and it is frequently required as part of shoreline revegetation plans. Native species substitute freely under LUO Sec. 21-4.70.
Are there grants for native planting in Kailua?
No direct city grants, but BWS Xeriscape incentives and nonprofit restoration programs occasionally offer plants or credits for native conversions.
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