HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-05 Arborist Advisory Meeting minutesArborist Advisory Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 11 am
Pueo conference Room and via Zoom
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Members present; JB Friday, Mark Odell, Jonathan Sudler, and Jill Wagner.
Corp Counsel: Jean Campbell
Acting Board Secretary/Mayor's Office: Pomaikai Bartolome
L CALL TO ORDER — The meeting was called to order at 11:05 am by JB Friday.
Introduction of all attendees.
II. ELECTION RESULTS —
Chairperson — JB Friday
Vice Chairperson — Mark Odell
Secretary — Jonathan Sudler
III. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
• Myles Ritchie, abd Ph.D. & Chairperson of the Honolulu (AAC) Arborist Advisory
Committee gave a summary of 4 county AACs along with a research project to
improve the Exceptional Tree Program and hopes to host all AAC`s together in late
2023 or early 2024. Also concerned that the same 7 criteria have been in place since
1975 and hopes his research will ultimately improve the exceptionalization process.
• Winston Welch, CEO of The Outdoor Circle, main branch expressed his interest in
I. Setting standardized meets between all branches
2. Expanding the services that we offer to our respective local governments
3. Standardization of Forms for all AACs
4. Most importantly, Re-Exceptionalizing the Grove of Banyan Drive.
IV. Introduction of the Committee — Move to accept by Robert Command, seconded by
Mark Odell. All in Favor, motion passed.
V. Discussion of Scope of AAC Powers and Duties/Corp Counsel — All communication
MUST go through Pomaikai Bartolome. (PIG)Permitted Interaction Groups: Determine
the scope of action up to (3 board members may be involved outside of the meeting only
if first discussed/planned in the meeting). At the next meeting, PIG reports on the action
which was taken in the field. 3rd meeting, action is open for discussion. Restrictions
cannot be enforced, and advocacy is a better tool for the organization. JB Friday to
update the database as the G.I.S. app as GPS points are off Asia Wasser Highways Dept
Tree Health Analysis uses Survey 123 app.
VI. DISCUSS POTENTIAL FUTURE PROJECTS - The Committee would like to review
the 3-year $3,000 tax break. — Myles Ritchie's research may help to establish this
amount, which needs to be increased statewide. Waiting on the exceptional tree
nominations. Waiting for an update on the Pohoiki Mango Grove along with the
development of the Pahoa-Pohoiki Road.
VII. DISCUSS ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE NEXT AGENDA - The Committee
would like to review the 3-year $3,000 tax break. — Myles Ritchie's research may help to
establish this amount, which needs to be increased statewide. Waiting on the exceptional
tree nominations. Waiting for an update on the Pohoiki Mango Grove along with the
development of the Pahoa-Pohoiki Road.
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENT — April is Native Hawaiian Plant Month.
IX. ADJOURNMENT — moved by Robert Command, and seconded by Jonathan Sudler.