Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Honolulu and Urban Honolulu 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 →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu enforces ROH Chapter 40 Article 8 on exceptional trees that line Manoa, Makiki, and Nuuanu residential streets, blocking removal without a Parks and Recreation permit except under Sec. 40-8.9 emergencies.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 sections | - | ROH 40-8.1 to 40-8.9 |
| Permit agency | - | Parks and Recreation |
| Register section | - | Sec. 40-8.7 |
| Emergency rule | - | Sec. 40-8.9 |
| Key neighborhoods | - | Manoa, Makiki, Nuuanu |
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.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
How do I check if a tree on my urban lot is exceptional?
Search the Honolulu Exceptional Tree Register maintained under ROH Sec. 40-8.7 and confirm with the Department of Parks and Recreation before scheduling any work.
Can redevelopment proceed around an exceptional tree?
Yes, but plans must protect the tree. Design changes, construction fencing, and root-zone protection are standard conditions imposed by Parks and Recreation.
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