Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Honolulu vs Mililani Town
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Mililani Town, HI?
Honolulu and Mililani Town 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 →Mililani Town, HI
Honolulu County
Mililani Town property owners cannot remove registered exceptional trees without a Parks and Recreation permit under ROH Chapter 40, Article 8.
View full Mililani Town rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Mililani Town |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Mililani Town FAQ
Does Mililani Town have many exceptional trees?
Relatively few compared to older Oahu communities. Check the Parks and Recreation Exceptional Tree Register before any significant tree work or remodel.
Can I remove a protected tree blocking solar panels?
Not without a Chapter 40 permit. Shading issues are not emergency hazards. Consider tree trimming under Sec. 10-1.4 with Parks and Recreation instead.
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