ROH §40-8.8
Rules for removing or trimming exceptional trees
Read the official text at honolulu.gov ↗This section makes it illegal to remove or destroy a city-designated exceptional tree without council approval, and to change its shape or remove branches without a parks department permit. Violators can be fined up to $1,000. The parks department can make rules for permits.
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The ordinance, as written (Honolulu County) — Regulations
A copy, taken August 22, 2026. The version published by Honolulu is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
(a) Tree removal or destruction. It is unlawful for any person, corporation, public agency, or other entity to remove or otherwise destroy any tree in the city that has been designated “exceptional” without approval from the council, except as provided in § 40-8.9 . Any person who violates this section shall be fined not more than $1,000.
(b) Tree maintenance.
(1) It is unlawful for any person, corporation, public agency, or other entity to alter the characteristic shape of any “exceptional” tree or remove any branch without first obtaining a permit issued by the department of parks and recreation.
(2) The department of parks and recreation shall have the necessary powers to make rules, pursuant to HRS Chapter 91, to establish the criteria, standards, and conditions under which a permit may be issued.
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LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.