Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Honolulu vs Waipahu
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI?
Honolulu and Waipahu 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 →Waipahu, HI
Honolulu County
Waipahu's historic plantation-era trees, some designated exceptional, cannot be removed without a Parks and Recreation permit under ROH Chapter 40, Article 8.
View full Waipahu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Waipahu |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Waipahu FAQ
Are plantation-era Waipahu trees automatically protected?
Not automatically. Protection applies only to trees officially added to the Exceptional Tree Register under ROH Sec. 40-8.7; confirm status before any removal.
What if a heritage tree falls on my Waipahu house during a storm?
Emergency removal under ROH Sec. 40-8.9 is allowed when imminent danger exists, but the city should be notified and documentation retained for any follow-up.
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