2006-02-16 Arborist Advisory Committee Minutes

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PUBLIC STATEMENTS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Change in agenda order to accommodate the public: 2.Signs for the Mango groves: R. Siracusa reported that while she, L. Bisel, E. Imamura and J. Anderson were on a site inspection in Puna to mark the placements for the four Mango Grove signs, a County crew was cutting mango saplings and branches along with some lama, hala, noni, albezia and cecropia trees. Since it appeared to be more than clearing in the Countys right-of- way for line-of-sight, she contacted Ralph Fike (Department of Public Works, District Road Overseer of Puna) and mentioned that there are procedures required by the Exceptional Tree Ordinance prior to any work on the Mango Grove trees. She also mentioned that there may be native species which are on the list of Federal Endangered Species within the Grove. R. Siracusa mentioned that Malama O Puna was willing to set up workshops and put together educational material to help the crew identify the Exception Trees and the endangeredspecies.AfterconsultingwithR.FikeandJ.SumadaoftheDepartmentof Public Works, it was agreed that 3 lists be prepared: 1) endangered native trees, 2) native trees that are not endangered, and 3) rubbish trees. Illustrations, their probable location on the island, as well as leaf templates are proposed to be placed in trucks to aid the County crews. A University of Hawaii at Hilo student will be helping to put together the materials. Anyone interested in helping or who has suggestions or sources of materials can call R. Siracusa at 965-2000. R. Siracusa also suggested that the Committee write a letter to the Department of Public Works to inform them that if the trees are listed as an endangered species, its protected even if its not on the Exceptional Tree list. Chair Bisel will prepare and forward a draft letter to Corp. Counsel Noda for her review. Corp. Counsel Noda did state that although its not within the parameters of the Committee as set forth by the County Code, it was a consensus of the group. She recommended that a copy of the letter be sent to the Mayor. NEW BUSINESS 1.Mr. Francis Benevides, Sr.s traffic safety concerns regarding the Banyan Tree at the formerGreenOnionRestaurantsiteonKilaueaAvenue: G.HeitconcurredwithMr.Krausthattoaeratethetreewouldirreparablydestroythe integrity of the tree. Thetreewas recently maintained and the canopy raised. Since the concernwasrelatedtotrafficsafety,ChairBiselwillfollowupwithPublicWorks.