Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Honolulu vs Pearl City
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Pearl City, HI?
Honolulu and Pearl City 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 →Pearl City, HI
Honolulu County
Designated exceptional trees in Pearl City, including historic specimens near older Pearlridge neighborhoods, cannot be removed without a permit under ROH Chapter 40, Article 8.
View full Pearl City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Pearl City |
|---|---|---|
| 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 through 40-8.9 |
| Permit issuer | - | Parks and Recreation Department |
| Emergency clause | - | ROH Sec. 40-8.9 |
| State reference | - | 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.
Pearl City FAQ
How do I verify if my Pearl City tree is exceptional?
Check the Exceptional Tree Register maintained under ROH Sec. 40-8.7 through the Parks and Recreation Department before any removal work is scheduled.
What if a tree is threatening my condo's foundation?
Non-emergency removal still requires a permit. Emergency provisions in Sec. 40-8.9 apply only to imminent danger situations requiring immediate action.
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