Kailua vs Urban Honolulu
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Kailua, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Kailua and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
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 →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 | Kailua | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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