2020-03-06 Arborist Advisory Meeting minutes

Home

Vice Chair Sudler said there were two private tree trimming companies willing to volunteer their service to trim and maintain the monkeypod trees at the Panaewa Equestrian Center. However, need to be a non-profit organization, a 501 ( c ) (3) to make donation of service. Friends of Panaewa could do it but they are not a recognized non-profit organization. The Outdoor Circle can assist with trimming of the tree crowns and with root mitigation issues. STATUS ON COMMITTEE MEMBER EXCEPTIONAL TREE NOMINATIONS Vice Chair Sudler said an individual was approached to have their tree nominated but person was not interested. There was a suggestion that the grove (which grove???) in Panaewa be nominated as exceptional trees. J Sudler asked for the process for nomination. EA Messina agreed to follow-up with obtaining the procedure to nominate. There were discussions on how to identify and which trees should be nominated. National Park trees, native trees, and those in public lands were mentioned. Chair Bisel said there are lots of trees to identify as exceptional trees. Need to do an inventory of trees and forward list to the County Council for approval. J Friday shared that exceptional and rare trees should be protected from those interested in harvesting them, especially trees in public lands, hence it is important to identify and protect these trees. He mentioned trees should be at least 150 feet to be considered as an exceptional tree. J Sudler asked whether it was possible for the County to identify the obvious exceptional trees in public lands. He informed the group there are approximately 1100 trees listed in the State registry and County of Hawaii only has approximately 31 and should have the largest inventory. B Camara suggested to spotlight endemic trees. STATUS OF RETRIEVAL OF COUNTY ORDINANCES RELATING TO EXISTING EXCEPTIONAL TREES The new County website now has the list of exceptional trees. The Committee had copies of database containing the lists of exceptional trees in Hawaii county. It was suggested that each member look at the lists and see if the trees are still in existence. The Committee divided the responsibilities among themselves to determine status of the trees and to subsequently submit their findings to the group. ANNOUNCEMENTS JB Friday announced that the botanical garden (note: JB, which one?) has opened. J Sudler announced the Outdoor Circle received a $15k grant from the Arbor Day Foundation. Funds will be used for their annual Tree Giveaway scheduled for October 17, 2020 across the Ah Fook Chinen Civic Auditorium.