Arborist Advisory Committee Minutes - April 29, 2026

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ARBORIST ADVISORY COMMITTEE c/o Office of the Mayor, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 ARBORIST ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026, 2:00 PM HAWAI‘I COUNTY BUILDING, PUNA CONFERENCE ROOM 25 AUPUNI STREET, SUITE 2601, HILO, HAWAI‘I CALL TO ORDER Chair Wagner called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m. ATTENDANCE Present:George Applegate, Member Joel Rathje, Member (Planning Director’s Designee) (Via Zoom) Jill M. Wagner, Chair (Via Zoom) Michelle “Michi” Hanano, Vice Chair (Via Zoom) Not Present: Ty Medeiros, Member Jill Kubojiri, Member Also present: Micah Alameda, Office of the Mayor Jean Campbell, Deputy Corporation Counsel STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC 1) Winston Welch, Nicole Garcia, Alison Higgins, Ruth Bennett, Katie Getchell, Rob Talbert, Bobby Camara, Emma Waters, Laura Lahilahi Desoto McCollum testified in support of agenda item 4(a)5. Darde Gamayo testified in opposition to agenda item 4(a)5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the meeting minutes of March 25, 2026. 1) Chair Wagner called for public testimony. There being no public testimony, the meeting continued as follows. Action: Chair Wagner called for a motion to approve. A motion was made by Member George Applegate to approve the regular meeting minutes of March 25, 2026, which was seconded by Vice Chair Michi Hanano. The motion was carried by a vote of 5:0. BUSINESS a. Review exceptional tree applications. 1) TMK 2-4-001:167 - Spectabilis Palm: Site visit update deferred to next month due to the reporting member's absence. No action taken; discussion and decision postponed. 2) TMK 5-2-009:053 – The committee confirmed that the tree is within an easement but does not obstruct access.