Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Honolulu vs Kapolei
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kapolei, HI?
Honolulu and Kapolei 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 →Kapolei, HI
Honolulu County
Removing a designated exceptional tree in Kapolei requires a Parks and Recreation permit under ROH Chapter 40, Article 8.
View full Kapolei rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Register | - | ROH Sec. 40-8.7 |
| Emergencies | - | ROH Sec. 40-8.9 |
| State law | - | HRS Chapter 58 |
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.
Kapolei FAQ
How do I check if my Kapolei tree is exceptional?
Look up the Oahu Exceptional Tree Register maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation, which lists specific Kapolei specimens by location and species.
Can I remove a non-exceptional tree in my Kapolei yard?
Yes. Routine private tree removal is allowed if the tree is not on the Register. Public right-of-way trees still need permits under ROH Sec. 10-1.4.
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