HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-05 Arborist Advisory Committee minutes
ARBORIST ADVISORY COMMITTEE
c/o Office of the Mayor, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
ARBORIST ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APRIL 5, 2019 MEETING MINUTES
HAWAI‘I COUNTY BUILDING, PUNA CONFERENCE ROOM – HILO
25 AUPUNI STREET, SUITE 1501, HILO, HAWAI‘I
ATTENDANCE
Committee Members Present: Leonard Bisel, Chairperson
Jonathan Sudler, Vice-Chairperson
Bobby Camara
Roy Takemoto (partial attendance)
Carol Wyban
Absent: James Boyd Friday
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also present: Dennis Kauka, Jr., Office of the Mayor
Ronald Kim, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Renee Siracusa
Natasha Soriano, Planning Department
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Bisel called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m.
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rene Siracusa:
Advocated to have Arborist Advisory Committee reactivated after a few years.
We’ve lost trees due to hurricanes, lava flows rapid ‘ōhi’a death and old age so
we no longer know what we have. An important first step is to conduct a survey
to see how many trees are still there. The Committee can then go through
process of having any trees on the exceptional list that no longer exist removed
from inventory ordinance. Once know what we have, identify GPS location for
and erect signage.
Regarding signage, there was previously submissions of ideas for logos for of the
Committee’s designated Exceptional Trees. She did not like the one with “Dutch
boys in a circle”. The Committee should look at the old suggestions if they can be
found. She also suggested having a local artist, such as Nelson Makua,
conceptualize a sign design. In the meantime, the Committee should consider
accepting nominations.
Arborist Advisory Committee
April 5, 2019 meeting minutes
STATUS OF POHOIKI MANGO GROVE AFTER ERUPTION
The Committee will determine how best to assess the status after eruption.
DISCUSSION ON SIGNAGE/PLAQUES FOR DESIGNATED TREES
Chairperson Bisel presented the plaque signage that was commissioned by the
previous Committee (pictured). He checked with Planning Department staff. There is a
working prototype and may need a company to fabricate any signs going forward.
Mauna Kea Signs may have been used before.
Mr. Bisel said, in the past, the Committee conducted a design competition and the
selection was adopted by the County Council.
Future signage could be posted on a pedestal with concrete foundation.
REVIEW OF PENDING EXCEPTIONAL TREE NOMINATIONS
Chairperson Bisel checked with Planning Department personnel who supported the
Committee in the past. According to staff, there are no pending Exceptional Tree
nominations. Regarding Kaimu Milo Grove per an inquiry from John Carse, the
Committee will again ensure with the Department there are no records of outstanding
requests for designation consideration. Interested parties who believe there is a past
nomination may have to resubmit.
DISCUSSION ON ARBORIST EVALUATION OF NOMINATIONS
The Committee will explore finding a professional arborist to serve. Alternatively, the
County could create an arborist position, possibly using Public Access, Open Space,
and Natural resources preservation Commission (PONC) funds. An option is to also list
for an open contract.
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Arborist Advisory Committee
April 5, 2019 meeting minutes
An arborist serving the Committee could take an Exceptional Tree application, visit the
site and make an evaluation on the tree’s status, determining if it is “healthy” or
“compromised”. An arborist can also help with the need for education. While the work
County and State personnel do is appreciated, they do not consistently follow the
international standard of tree trimming.
STATUS OF COMPLETE STREETS STANDARDS
Ms. Natasha Soriano, a Planner with the Planning Department, presented information
on the County’s planned “Complete Streets” initiatives to the Committee.
A consultant will produce species list based on natives, easily maintained, climate-
appropriate. Ms. Soriano can arrange for the consultant to meet with the Committee on
the species list.
The discussion included:
Steady loss of canopy on O’ahu street trees. Ms. Soriano mentioned that the
General Plan environmental sections would be of interest to the Committee. July
is a possible release time the General Plan draft.
Idealistically, Complete Streets standards should be developed based on what is
best for the island vs. what County Department of Public Works feels it can
manage.
The Committee will review appropriate maintenance assignment of
responsibilities to determine which agency would be most appropriate and
resources required.
For public facility projects, can there be a portion of budget set aside for
landscaping comparable to how it is for art? Review standard contract
specifications for pruning-- require compliance with international standards.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(none)
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.
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