tod street tree master plan
The Street Tree Master Plan (STMP) provides guidance for the incorporation of street trees into development projects within TOD areas of the City, including the consideration of public and private roadways adjacent to the project site. The intention is to further the City’s goals of unifying Honolulu’s existing street trees and strengthening the urban forest by adding tree canopy. The STMP is designed to be incorporated into existing permitting procedures and tree installation procedures established by the City and is not intended to replace such regulations.
what is an urban tree canopy?
Tree canopy refers to the leaves, branches, and stems that cover the ground when viewed from above, and that provide shade below. Urban tree canopy is generally interspersed among streets, sidewalks, and buildings, providing a natural contrast to the built environment.
why do we need street trees?
Urban tree canopies provide numerous environmental benefits, including reduced air pollution, less heat, and more wildlife habitat, not to mention their positive aesthetic, social, and economic impacts. In TOD neighborhoods, street trees can create an identity through coordinated plantings of particular species, reduce energy consumption and costs by lowering ambient air temperature, provide shade for pedestrians, act as a wind and sound barrier, and reduce flooding from stormwater runoff.
goals
This STMP aims to ensure that developments in TOD areas incorporate street trees in a manner that furthers the following goals:
shade
Provide canopy cover and evaporative cooling to enhance comfort, reduce energy use, and mitigate urban heat island effect.
sense of place
Enhance neighborhood character, support recreation and education, and create an inviting pedestrian experience and streetscape using native trees whenever possible.
consistency
Street tree selection, placement, and maintenance conforms to existing City plans and policies.
safety & accessibility
Contribute to traffic calming and pedestrian comfort while ensuring that trees provide adequate clearance and do not obstruct walkways and travel ways.
resource conservation
Use trees appropriate to the setting, soil, and climate that require minimal watering and maintenance.
ecological benefits
Contribute to carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water, air, and soil quality, stormwater filtration, and wildlife habitat.
process
- Developers within TOD areas should consult the STMP during the design process to determine street tree requirements and recommendations.
- Design should occur with the participation and input of stakeholders, including residents, business owners, landowners, and agencies. Consultation with the DPP is recommended before a submittal.
If needed, the process to develop or revise street tree plans within the STMP for a specific location, corridor, or neighborhood includes the steps listed below. (click to expand)
1
Consult the street tree plan and boundary of the applicable neighborhood (Street Tree Plans and Matrices page).
2
Refer to the neighborhood matrix to identify existing conditions and recommended tree species for each affected street (Street Tree Plans and Matrices page). If new streets are proposed, consult the existing conditions where streets are proposed, and adjacent streets’ recommended species, in the matrix. Consult any applicable provisions of the LUO identified in the matrix for the affected street(s).
3
Consult the design principles on Design Principles page for recommended street tree placement and other design considerations.
4
Retain a qualified arborist and landscape architect to evaluate existing conditions and determine constraints, opportunities for retaining existing street trees, and needs for adding or replacing street trees.
5
Consult the installation options on Installation Options page, including contingency options where constraints exist.
6
Consult the accessibility and maintenance requirements/considerations on Maintenance page.
7
Select trees for each street from the priority species listed in the matrix (Street Tree Plans and Matrices page). The highest priority species should be selected wherever site conditions allow. Lower priority species may be selected due to constraints or other site-specific conditions. Exceptional trees as listed in ROH Sec. 40-8.7 should be retained. Mitigation requirements for CRB and the use of palms must be followed as applicable.
8
Prepare a preliminary street tree plan and check it for consistency with the applicable neighborhood plan and matrix (Street Tree Plans and Matrices page).
9
Check the preliminary street tree plan against the Hawai‘i Weed Risk Assessment to ensure it excludes high risk species.
10
Submit the proposed street tree plan that will amend this STMP to DUF for comment, and revise as needed, before submitting it to DPP.
If a large development is being proposed, a new street tree plan may be proposed along with the development’s master plan. However, the new or revised street tree plan must adhere to the design principles and options included herein. Species may be selected based on the surrounding neighborhood plan, or a modification may be proposed to the existing neighborhood street tree plan.
DOCUMENT SECTIONS
related documents
TOD Street Tree Master Plan – September 2026
Urban Tree Plan (Draft) – March 2019
Honolulu Complete Streets Design Manual – September 2016
Street Tree Review and Approval Procedures – August 2005
Standards and Procedures for the Planting of Street Trees – July 1999
Rules and Regulations Relative to Planting and Maintenance of Street Trees – June 1971
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