Big Island protection targets 'exceptional trees.' Under HRS Chapter 58, the county must provide special review before an exceptional tree is destroyed. A County Arborist Advisory Committee designates protected trees; removing one needs county review, not a routine permit.
Hawai'i's protective framework is the state Exceptional Tree Act (HRS Chapter 58). It requires each county — including Hawai'i County — to enact regulations that designate exceptional trees and 'provide for special county review prior to destruction of exceptional trees.' A County Arborist Advisory Committee researches and recommends trees for protection, advises owners, and reviews actions that could endanger them. Ordinary private trees are not permit-controlled, but once a tree is designated exceptional, you cannot remove or destroy it (or let conditions destroy it) without going through county review, and the county can seek injunctive relief to stop unauthorized removal.
Destroying a designated exceptional tree can trigger special county review and injunctive relief against the removal or destruction under HRS 58-3.
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See how Hawaii County's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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