Tree Removal Permit Requirements in Hawaii (HI)
Hawaii has a strict level of tree removal regulation. The state has a tree protection law: State and county permits for native trees and exceptional trees. Heritage trees are generally defined as 18" DBH or larger. Tree replacement is required at a 1:1 to 3:1 ratio. An arborist report is typically required for removals. Hawaii protects exceptional trees through HRS Chapter 58 (the Exceptional Trees Act) and county ordinances. The statute names no protected species; a tree or stand of trees qualifies for designation by a county arborist advisory committee on a case-by-case basis based on historic or cultural value, or age, rarity, location, size, aesthetic quality, or endemic status (trees planted for commercial forestry are excluded). Honolulu's Exceptional Tree program is among the most protective in the nation. There is no statewide list of protected species such as koa, ohia, or wiliwili - designation always requires individual county review.
Key Requirements in Hawaii
Tree Regulations by City in Hawaii
Some cities in Hawaii have stricter tree regulations than the state average. Local ordinances often apply on top of any state-level rules. Check the specific city requirements below before removing any trees.
| City | Regulation Level | Local Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu Stricter than state | Very Strict | Exceptional Tree Act protects trees of exceptional size, age, historic significance, or species rarity. Permit required from city arborist. Removal of exceptional trees rarely approved. Street tree removal requires permit. |
| Hilo | Moderate | Hawaii County tree regulations apply. Native species and large trees protected. Agricultural land trees may have different rules. |
| Kailua-Kona | Moderate | Hawaii County regulations. Native tree protections apply. Development requires tree surveys. |
How Hawaii Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Hawaii with five states that have similar tree removal regulation levels. This comparison helps illustrate where Hawaii stands nationally.
| State | Regulation | State Law | Protected Species | Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (HI) | Strict | Yes | None specifically listed | Yes |
| California (CA) | Strict | Yes | None specifically listed | No |
| District of Columbia (DC) | Strict | Yes | None specifically listed | Yes |
| Maryland (MD) | Strict | Yes | None specifically listed | Yes |
| New Jersey (NJ) | Strict | Yes | None specifically listed | Yes |
| Oregon (OR) | Strict | Yes | None specifically listed | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal in Hawaii
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Hawaii?
Hawaii has state-level tree regulations: State and county permits for native trees and exceptional trees. In addition to state rules, your city or county may have its own tree ordinance with additional requirements. Always check local regulations before removing a tree.
What are the fines for illegal tree removal in Hawaii?
Fines for unauthorized tree removal in Hawaii range from $500 - $25,000. Penalties may also include mandatory replacement plantings, restoration costs, and in some cases, criminal charges.
Can I remove a dead or dangerous tree in Hawaii without a permit?
Yes, Hawaii generally allows emergency removal of trees that pose an imminent hazard to life or property. However, you may still need to document the emergency (photographs, arborist assessment) and notify your local authority afterwards. For non-emergency dead tree removal, check whether your municipality still requires a permit.
Do I need to plant replacement trees in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii requires replacement plantings when trees are removed. The typical replacement ratio is 1:1 to 3:1. Some jurisdictions allow payment into a tree fund as an alternative when on-site replanting is not feasible. Check with your local planning department for specific replacement requirements in your area.
Do I need an arborist report in Hawaii?
Hawaii generally requires an arborist report (from an ISA-certified arborist) as part of the tree removal permit application process. The report assesses the tree's health, structural condition, species, and whether alternatives to removal exist. Arborist reports typically cost $200-$500. Some exemptions may exist for dead or imminently hazardous trees.
What qualifies as a heritage tree in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, heritage (or significant/specimen) trees are generally defined as trees with a minimum diameter of 18 inches DBH (diameter at breast height, measured at 4.5 feet above ground). Heritage trees receive the highest level of protection and typically cannot be removed unless they are dead, imminently hazardous, or causing unavoidable infrastructure damage. Removal of heritage trees often requires additional review, public hearings, or tree commission approval.
Check Your Specific City
Tree regulations often vary significantly between cities within Hawaii. Use our tree permit lookup tool to find the exact requirements for your city, or browse all 50 states to compare tree regulations across the country. Remember: when state and local rules differ, the stricter rule typically applies.