Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Honolulu vs Kailua
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI?
Honolulu and Kailua have similar restriction levels.
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 →Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
Kailua property owners cannot remove designated exceptional trees, including notable monkeypods near Kailua Beach, without a Parks and Recreation permit under ROH Chapter 40.
View full Kailua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kailua |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code | - | ROH Secs. 40-8.1 to 40-8.9 |
| Permit issuer | - | Parks and Recreation |
| Emergency removal | - | Sec. 40-8.9 process |
| Street trees | - | See ROH Sec. 10-1.4 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Kailua FAQ
How do I know if my Kailua property has an exceptional tree?
Check the Oahu Exceptional Tree Register kept by Parks and Recreation. Title reports sometimes flag designations. Arborists can confirm using DBH and species.
Can I remove a tree that dropped a branch on my Kailua house?
Emergency hazard removals are allowed under Sec. 40-8.9, but you must notify Parks and Recreation and document the hazard to avoid violation.
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