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🌳 Tree Protection/Heritage & Protected Trees

Heritage & Protected Trees: Kapolei vs Urban Honolulu

How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Kapolei, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?

Kapolei and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.

Kapolei, HI

Honolulu County

Heavy Restrictions

Kapolei trees listed under ROH Chapter 40 Article 8 as Exceptional Trees cannot be removed without City Council approval, and any alteration requires a Department of Parks and Recreation permit.

View full Kapolei rules →

Urban Honolulu, HI

Honolulu County

Heavy Restrictions

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

FactKapoleiUrban Honolulu
--
Article-ROH §40-8
Removal Approval-City Council
Permits-DPR required
Register-§40-8.7

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Kapolei FAQ

How do I check if a tree is exceptional?

Review the Register of Exceptional Trees held by the Department of Parks and Recreation or contact their Urban Forestry staff.

Can a hazard-tree be removed quickly?

Yes. ROH §40-8.9 allows emergency action for imminent hazards, but the city must be notified promptly.

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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