Honolulu vs Kaneohe
How do native plants rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kaneohe, HI?
Honolulu and Kaneohe 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 →Kaneohe, HI
Honolulu County
Kaneohe landscaping may substitute native Hawaiian species for standard plantings under LUO Sec. 21-4.70; no native-only mandate exists.
View full Kaneohe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kaneohe |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Local resource | - | Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden |
| Guidance | - | BWS Xeriscape Program |
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.
Kaneohe FAQ
Can I plant koa in my Kaneohe yard?
Yes. Native species substitution is permitted under LUO Sec. 21-4.70. Koa prefers upland drier spots; lower Kaneohe yards may struggle with wet feet.
Does Kaneohe require any particular buffer trees?
Buffer requirements vary by zoning. Native species usually satisfy standard plantings, but commercial projects should confirm with DPP during permit review.
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