Native Plants: Honolulu vs Kapolei
How do native plants rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kapolei, HI?
Honolulu and Kapolei 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 →Kapolei, HI
Honolulu County
Kapolei landscape designs may substitute native Hawaiian species for standard street trees under LUO Sec. 21-4.70; no mandatory native-only rule applies.
View full Kapolei rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| 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 for natives |
| Climate fit | - | Leeward drought palette |
| 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.
Kapolei FAQ
Can Kapolei businesses landscape only with natives?
Yes. LUO Sec. 21-4.70 allows natives as substitutes for standard street trees and accepts them toward landscape area requirements if design standards are met.
Do Kapolei residents get incentives for natives?
The Board of Water Supply Xeriscape Program and Oahu Planting Guide offer technical help and sometimes rebates aimed at leeward areas like Kapolei.
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