2006-05-18 Arborist Advisory Committee Minutes

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NEW BUSINESS 2. Letter dated April 17, 2006 from Hawaii Outdoor Tours, Inc. dba Naniloa Volcanoes Resort regarding trimming of two Banyan Trees along Banyan Drive. Hawaii Outdoor Tours, Inc. was required by the Planning Director to obtain comments from the Committee regarding the trimming of these trees since the Banyan Drive Scenic Area is listed as a site of natural beauty in the County of Hawaiis General Plan. Chair Bisel stated that he did not have any problems with the pruning if it was a safety issue. He has noticed an accumulation of deadwood in the trees and mentioned that pruning is necessary for any tree in public spaces. However, it should be done by a qualified arborist or a qualified professional for the health and safety of the tree while still respecting the aesthetics of the tree. J. Hayashi of Hawaii Outdoor Tours, Inc. stated that they had no problems with using a qualified arborist. He inquired as to whether the County could do the work and their company would compensate a shared cost. Counsel Noda replied that generally private property owners are responsible for overhang on public streets. P&R Deputy Director Mizuno confirmed that the County pruned the trees two years ago. J. Anderson mentioned that because of safety and liability and cost issues, trimming gets way out of hand. She was discouragedanddisappointedthatinthenameofsafetyandcost,thetreesareusuallynot trimmed properly and aesthetically. Chair Bisel moved and S. Stanbro seconded the motion to allow the pruning as long as it is done professionally with an emphasis on cleaning the deadwood for safety and for the health of the tree. 3 ayes (Chair Bisel, S. Stanbro and E. Imamura) and 1 abstain (J. Anderson). Motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1.Traffic Safety Regarding the Banyan Tree at the Old Green Onion Restaurant site. Chair Bisel reported that, based on traffic reports, R. Thiel at Traffic (Department of Public Works) did not find any significant accidents to substantiate this concern. Chair Bisel will follow up with a letter to F. Benevides, Sr. explaining this finding. 2.Status on the Placement of the Mango Groves signs. Due to lack of time and resources, the mappinq required by the The One Call Center has not been accomplished. 3.Display of Logo Contest Entries. J. Anderson mentioned that the materials for the display have been acquired and that she and S.Stanbrowillworkonit.Shewillalsoplaceanannouncementinthenewspaper.E. Imamura will post a copy of the announcement on the Countys website.