How to Nominate a Tree for Exceptional Status
Nominating a tree for exceptional status is an easy process! Anyone can nominate a tree throughout Hawaii, however, trees located on private property must have the owner of the land sign the nomination form for the application to be considered.
A tree can be considered for exceptional status if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Age
- Size
- Rarity
- Historical/Cultural Value
- Aesthetic Value
- Endemic Status
- Location
A tree can be considered for exceptional status if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Age
- Size
- Rarity
- Historical/Cultural Value
- Aesthetic Value
- Endemic Status
- Location
Each county has its own Exceptional Tree nomination form (see below). Once the nomination form has been sent in, the respective Arborist Advisory Committee will review the document to determine if a tree should be deemed exceptional. Newly recognized exceptional trees will be officially added to the respective county's exceptional tree register once per year through an ordinance change that must pass all three readings by the city/county council. This means that it could take up to one year for a tree to receive exceptional status and the protections and tax deductions it provides.
Tips to help ensure the nomination form is completed correctly:
1) Include all relevant selection criteria as to why the tree should be considered for exceptional status.
2) For trees being nominated for age and/or historical/cultural value, provide supporting documentation to justify this claim. For example, records or photos that can be used to verify the age and/or historical/cultural significance.
3) Include high quality images of the tree(s) being nominated.
4) Include the property owners signature on the nomination form for trees on private property.
5) When asked to provide physical metrics for the tree(s) being nominated (height, diameter, crown spread), if you don't have access to measurement equipment, use your best judgement. Often the Arborist Advisory Committee reviewing the nomination form will conduct a site visit to ensure these metric values are correct and to also confirm that the tree(s) is healthy.
To nominate a tree, the county where the tree is located. Click the relevant links below for contact information:
Maui County
City and County of Honolulu
Kaua`i County
Hawai`i County
To learn more about the nomination process and exceptional tree program more broadly, please email The Outdoor Circle's Programs Director, Myles Ritchie ([email protected])
Tips to help ensure the nomination form is completed correctly:
1) Include all relevant selection criteria as to why the tree should be considered for exceptional status.
2) For trees being nominated for age and/or historical/cultural value, provide supporting documentation to justify this claim. For example, records or photos that can be used to verify the age and/or historical/cultural significance.
3) Include high quality images of the tree(s) being nominated.
4) Include the property owners signature on the nomination form for trees on private property.
5) When asked to provide physical metrics for the tree(s) being nominated (height, diameter, crown spread), if you don't have access to measurement equipment, use your best judgement. Often the Arborist Advisory Committee reviewing the nomination form will conduct a site visit to ensure these metric values are correct and to also confirm that the tree(s) is healthy.
To nominate a tree, the county where the tree is located. Click the relevant links below for contact information:
Maui County
City and County of Honolulu
Kaua`i County
Hawai`i County
To learn more about the nomination process and exceptional tree program more broadly, please email The Outdoor Circle's Programs Director, Myles Ritchie ([email protected])
The Outdoor Circle's Programs Director, Myles Ritchie, describes several aspects of Hawaii's Exceptional Tree Program.
Photo Source: Myles Ritchie
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Photo Source: The Outdoor Circle
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