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Harry Kim Christopher J. Yuen
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Roy R. Takemoto
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PLANNING DEPARTMENT
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-3043
808)961-8288 Fax(808) 961-8742
September l0, 2003
Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman
and Members of the County Council
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo HI 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Members:
Arborist Advisory Committee
Recommendations for Exceptional Tree Designation
1) Monkeypod Tree -TMK: 2-6-12:10 (Alae Cemetery)
2) Ohi`a Lehua-TMK: 1-5-1:56 (Ka`ohe Homesteads, Pahoa)
By letter dated August 28, 2003, the Arborist Advisory Committee transmitted an
ordinance amending Section 14-65, of the Hawaii County Code which would provide
Exceptional Tree status for these trees.
For your information, we are enclosing a copy of the minutes of the February 20, 2003
meeting which includes public and government agency comments on these trees.
Sincerely,
l C TOPHERJ.YUEN
PI ing Director
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ARBOR[ST ADVISORY COMMITTEE
COUNTY OF HAWAII
Minutes
Meeting on February 20, 2003
Planning Department Conference Room, Aupuni Center
PRESENT: AAC members: Leonard Bisel, Janet Anderson, Michael Kraus, Michael Isanhart
Roy Takemoto, Deputy Planning Director (designee)
State and County Agency Representatives:
Craig Masuda, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Earl Lucero, Planning Department
Jeff Darrow, Planning Department
Pam Mizuno. Parks & Recreation
Bert Mukai, Parks & Recreation (Maintenance)
Wendall Hatada, Mayor's Office
Public:
Renc Siracusa, Malama O Puna
Elfie Wilkins, Leleiwi Assn.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 10:13 a.m. by Leonard Bisel, Committee Chair.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:
1. Minutes from the November 14, 2002 and January 16, 2003 meetings
Action: Motion made by Chair Bisel and seconded by Michael Kraus to accept minutes as
submitted and revised. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
2. & 10. Status of signage for exceptional trees, wooden sign for mango groves, specifications
for signs for all exceptional trees, and draft letter to Kulani.
Motion made by Michael Kraus and passed to leave language of signage as represented.
Chair Bisel will be contacting INA Signs for cost estimate. Chair Bisel stated that
plastic signage is approx. S20 to $20 fora 10"Xl0"piece.
3. Status of mapping and photographs of exceptional trees
Roy Takemoto will present a report at the next meeting.
4. Status of request to create a County arborist position
Michael Kraus presented a draft letter and the Minimum Qualifications from Maui County.
Roy Takemoto: Stated that the County has the MQ's from Maui and requested that
comments and suggestions be made for next meeting. (Passed)
NEW BUSINESS:
5. Public Hearing (10:30 a.m.): Nomination of monkeypod tree at Alae Cemeterv
TMK: 2-6-12: 10, County-owned) for exceptional tree status
Elfie Wilkins: Requested that the tree be nominated as an exceptional tree because she wants
it protected and because it is large and gorgeous.
Pam Mizuno: She requested that the nomination be pulled. She said that the tree was
nominated on 09-20-02 (Bill 220) but was withdrawn by the prior administration. She said
that the roots do damage to the surrounding graves and headstones.
Rene Siracusa: She said that she would like to see the tree nominated as an exceptional tree.
Chair Bisel: Requested for a decision after an inspection of the site.
Michael Kraus: Said that he wants the tree to be exceptional and that the problems
associated with the damage to the surrounding gravesites can be resolved by simple
maintenance.
Janet Anderson: She wants to see the tree nominated as an exceptional tree.
Craig Masuda (Corp Counsel): Said that there will need to be a public hearing.
Bert Mukai: Asked if tree is healthy. Michael Kraus stated that he has examined the tree and
it is healthy.
Motion made by Michael Kraus to accept monkeypod tree at Alae Cemetery as an
exceptional tree. Janet Anderson seconded the motion. Passed.
6. Public Hearing: Nomination of ohia lehua tree on the private land of Robert E. O'Neill
TMK: 1-5-001:056, Ka'ohe Homesteads, Pahoa, Hawaii Island)
Rene Siracusa: Explained the history of area and the lack of similar large trees in the area.
Janet Anderson: Concerned about the new owners of the property. Suggested it be a part of
the deed and disclosed to new owners.
Michael Kraus: Stated that tree should be nominated as an exceptional tree.
Motion made by Michael Kraus to accept ohia lehua tree in Ka'ohe Homesteads as an
exceptional trec. Janet Anderson seconded the motion. Passed.
Public Hearing closed- I 1 :00 a.m.
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7. Requests from agencies
Parks and Recreation: no
Hawaii County Planning Department- Earl Lucero: Informed of gifts disclosure requirement.
8. Letter to Editor by Ph~lis Bezona
Letter to Editor about trees being cut down at Kona Safeway parking lot. Advised not to
advise on the situation and that the issue should be forwarded to the Planning Department for
a possible violation of a condition of Plan Approval.
Michael Kraus: He is aware of the history of these trees and recommended to the owners
how to save the trees, yet they cut them down anyway.
9. Nominations to fill current committee member vacancy (Susan Loewenhardt~
Rene Siracusa: Put in her name but is still waiting for reply.
Wendall Hatada: Chris Yuen stated support for Rene.
Chair Bisel: Stated he would call and check on status.
11. Remembrance of Craig Smith
Moment of silence for Craig Smith who recently passed away. Acknowledgement of his
efforts to the AAC.
ADJOURNMENT:
The next meeting will beheld on April 17, 2003 at the Planning Department Conference Room
at 10:00AM. Chair Bisel adjourned the meeting at 11:15 AM.
APPROVED August 28, 2003
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