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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Kailua vs Pearl City

How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Kailua, HI and Pearl City, HI?

Kailua and Pearl City have similar restriction levels.

Kailua, HI

Honolulu County

Heavy Restrictions

Kailua property owners cannot remove designated exceptional trees, including notable monkeypods near Kailua Beach, without a Parks and Recreation permit under ROH Chapter 40.

View full Kailua rules β†’

Pearl City, HI

Honolulu County

Heavy Restrictions

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 β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactKailuaPearl City
CodeROH Secs. 40-8.1 to 40-8.9ROH Secs. 40-8.1 through 40-8.9
Permit issuerParks and RecreationParks and Recreation Department
Emergency removalSec. 40-8.9 process-
Street treesSee ROH Sec. 10-1.4-
Emergency clause-ROH Sec. 40-8.9
State reference-HRS Chapter 58

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Kailua FAQ

How do I know if my Kailua property has an exceptional tree?

Check the Oahu Exceptional Tree Register kept by Parks and Recreation. Title reports sometimes flag designations. Arborists can confirm using DBH and species.

Can I remove a tree that dropped a branch on my Kailua house?

Emergency hazard removals are allowed under Sec. 40-8.9, but you must notify Parks and Recreation and document the hazard to avoid violation.

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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