Heritage & Protected Trees: Kailua vs Urban Honolulu
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Kailua, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Kailua and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
Kailua trees designated under ROH Chapter 40 Article 8 as Exceptional Trees cannot be removed without prior City Council approval, and any alteration requires a permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation.
View full Kailua rules →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Iconic Urban Honolulu trees, including banyans in Waikiki and historic specimens on Capitol grounds, can be listed as exceptional and protected under ROH 40-8.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kailua | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Article | - | ROH §40-8 |
| Removal Approval | - | City Council |
| Permits | - | DPR required |
| Register | - | §40-8.7 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kailua FAQ
How do I find out if a tree is exceptional?
Check the public Register of Exceptional Trees maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation, or call DPR directly.
Can a storm-damaged exceptional tree be removed quickly?
Yes. Section 40-8.9 allows emergency action when the tree presents an imminent hazard, but the city must be notified.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Is every old banyan in Waikiki exceptional?
No. Only trees formally designated and added to the register under §40-8.7 receive full Chapter 40 Article 8 protection; nomination triggers committee review.
Can emergency work be done on a protected tree?
Section 40-8.9 contains emergency provisions allowing certain protective actions, but routine alteration still requires a permit from Parks and Recreation.
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