Trees in the public right-of-way or in city parks belong to the City and County of Honolulu, and removal requires a permit and arborist review under ROH chapters 14 and 41.
Under ROH Chapter 14 Article 18, trees planted in the public right-of-way in front of private property are city street trees, even if the abutting owner waters them. The Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Urban Forestry issues permits for removal, transplanting, or significant pruning, after a City Arborist site visit. Replacement trees from the city's approved list are usually required, and dead or diseased trees are documented with photos. ROH Chapter 41 reinforces the rules for trees in parks and on Council-designated scenic ways. Coconut palms get extra attention because falling fronds and nuts pose a public safety risk.
Cutting or topping a city street tree without a permit can bring fines based on the tree's appraised value, plus required replacement planting and a multi-year monitoring period.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu protects designated 'exceptional trees' under Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Chapter 40, Article 8. Removing or destroying any exceptional tre...
Honolulu, HI
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Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size and blower noise are governed by HOA and condo covenants under HRS 42...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants ...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu requires DPP building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas line plumbing, electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures, or structural roofs/pergolas. Stand...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no smoker-specific ordinance. Hawaii Department of Health air pollution rules under HAR Chapter 11-60.1 apply to large commercial sources, not r...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle tree removal permits.
See how Honolulu's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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