HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0599.000 2002-2004 ?v or
Harry Kim
Mayor
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County of Hawaii
ARBORIST ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Aupuui Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone (808)961-8288 • Fax (808)961-8742
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April 1, 2004 ~
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Chairman James Arakaki and Council Members
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Council Members:
Arborist Advisory Committee Ordinance re: Exceptional Trees
On behalf of the Hawaii County Arborist Advisory Committee, I am transmitting the attached
ordinance for your consideration.
Our committee reviewed the existing County ordinances regarding exceptional trees and felt that
protection of these magnificent trees needed to be strengthened. The current ordinance only
provides a penalty if a tree is removed or otherwise destroyed. There are times when trees are
not removed or destroyed, but may be substantially damaged by vandals.
The County's exceptional trees are specimens of trees that are usually very old and irreplaceable
because of the time it took for the tree to grow large enough to be designated as an exceptional
tree or because of the rarity of the tree specimen. They are deserving of additional protection.
We also proposed an amendment to allow the penalty to be assessed "per tree or incident" in
recognition of places where a grove or stand of trees has been designated as exceptional.
Our Committee unanimously endorses the proposed ordinance. One of the things that makes the
Big Island a wonderful place to live is the lush vegetation and variety of trees
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Ref. Uate APR 4 7 . ~4
Chairman James Arakaki and Council Members
Hawaii County Council
Page 2
April 1, 2004
that grow here. We need to ensure that the "exceptional" trees that add to our quality of
life are adequately protected for our children and grandchildren as well as visitors to enjoy.
Sinc ely,
Leonard Bisel
Chairperson
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