ANSWER: To plant a tree in that public area, you need a variance for surface encroachment from the City Department of Public Works.
Write a letter requesting the variance to plant a tree and say what kind of tree you'd like to plant. Enclose a rough sketch of your property and indicate the spot where you want the tree to grow. Provide your address and your tax map key, if you know it. Send your request to Kenneth Sprague, Director, City Department of Public Works, 650 S. King St., Honolulu 96813.
Public Works will send out a field investigator to check the area, and will mail you the forms you need to complete and send back to various utility companies, said Dawn Kimura, civil engineer in the construction branch service section.
Public works also will check with the City Department of Parks and Recreation and provide some clues on the kinds of trees suitable for your area. You can count on banyans and monkey pods not being approved.
Once approved by Parks and Recreation, the utilities, and Public Works, you will be notified you can go ahead with your planting.
There is no charge to obtain a variance for surface encroachment.
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