Tree removal permit rules in Urban Honolulu, HI — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
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.
ROH Secs. 40-8.1 through 40-8.9 protect designated exceptional trees, with the Register under Sec. 40-8.7 and Regulations under Sec. 40-8.8. Emergency exceptions apply only when a tree poses imminent threat per Sec. 40-8.9. In urban Honolulu, the program protects mature banyans near Iolani Palace, towering monkeypods in Manoa and Makiki yards, and significant specimens along Nuuanu Avenue. Demolition and redevelopment projects in dense areas like Moiliili and Kaimuki often hinge on whether a lot contains a listed exceptional tree. State law reference is HRS Chapter 58.
Unauthorized removal of an exceptional tree is prosecutable and can carry substantial civil penalties, replacement tree obligations, and restoration assessments.
Urban Honolulu, HI
ROH 15-14.5 drives Schedule XXII no-parking signs throughout Urban Honolulu, while ROH 15-13.5 sets how close to the curb vehicles must park.
Urban Honolulu, HI
LUO 21-6.60 requires EV-ready stalls in new multi-family (8+ stalls) and commercial (12+ stalls) parking across Urban Honolulu, with compact resizing allowed...
Urban Honolulu, HI
ROH 15-16.6 prohibits storage parking of commercial vehicles on Urban Honolulu streets without posted signs; LUO 21-6.20 sets the companion off-street parkin...
Urban Honolulu, HI
Urban Honolulu has no blanket overnight parking ban; ROH 15-14.6 enforces parking prohibited during certain hours only on sign-posted routes.
Urban Honolulu, HI
ROH 15-14.1 prohibits stopping, standing, or parking in front of any public or private driveway or within 4 feet of either side across dense Urban Honolulu n...
Urban Honolulu, HI
Urban Honolulu property owners obtain fence and wall permits from the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting under ROH 18-3.1, which exempts retainin...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Urban Honolulu's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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