HomeMy WebLinkAboutArborist Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 06-17-26
ARBORIST ADVISORY COMMITTEE
c/o Office of the Mayor, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603
ARBORIST ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026, 2:00 PM
BUILDING, PUNA CONFERENCE ROOM
25 AUPUNI STREET, SUITE 2601
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
These minutes are DRAFT minutes. The commission has not voted to accept them. Changes may/may
not be made prior to their adoption at the next meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Wagner called the meeting to order at 2:14 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
Present: George Applegate, Member
Joel Rathje, Member (Via Zoom)
Jill M. Wagner, Chair (Via Zoom)
, Vice Chair (Via Zoom)
Not Present: Ty Medeiros, Member
Jill Kubojiri, Member
Also present: Micah Alameda, Office of the Mayor
Jean Campbell, Deputy Corporation Counsel
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
1) 12 individuals testified in support of the exceptional tree application for Cuban Mahogany
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Approval of the meeting minutes of April 29, 2026.
1) Chair Wagner called for public testimony. There being no public testimony, the
meeting continued as follows.
Action: Chair Wagner called for a motion to approve. A motion was made by Vice
Chair Michi Hanano to approve the regular meeting minutes of April 29, 2026,
which was seconded by Member George Applegate. The motion was carried by
a vote of 4:0.
BUSINESS
a. Review exceptional tree applications.
1) TMK 2-4-001:167 - Spectabilis Palm.
Next steps involve facilitating contact with the university.
2) TMK 5-2-009:053
Testimony received from Jesse Steele (neighbor) arguing against exceptional
status due to access, utility, and agricultural needs. Additional testimony from the
community echoed concerns. The discussion covered legal and practical
implications of exceptional status; Deputy Corporation Counsel Campbell
clarified that such status does not affect easement rights.
Action: A motion to disapprove by Vice Chair Michi Hanano, which was seconded
by Member George Applegate. The motion was carried by a vote of 3:0. 3 in
favor (Hanano, Applegate, Rathje), 1 opposed (Wagner) Outcome: Application
disapproved.
3) TMK 3-7-4-008-057-0000 - Jill Wagner (Applicant and Owner), Wili Wili Tree,
-Kona.
Site visit not yet conducted.
Action: Site visit planning for June 23 at noon; George Applegate and Joel Rathje
identified as site visitors. Coordination for additional grove visit on the same day.
4) TMK 383-010-045-0000, Cynthia B. Reynolds (Applicant and Trustee of the
Estate), Kapok Tree, Captain Cook.
Action: Staff to coordinate site visit same day as Wili Wili Tree Grove.
5) TMK: 4-5-010:088, 4-5-010:090, Alison Higgins & Nicole Garcia (Applicants),
Cuban Mahogany Grove,
Awaiting response from Parks and Recreation; item carried over.
Member Applegate reported on site visit: observed high public use and
community attachment to trees.
b. Discussion on the status of the Moreton Bay Fig Exceptional Tree in Kailua Village,
North Kona.
Chair Wagner reported that the tree, though cut, is resprouting. Historical context
shared (planted in 1873).
County Counsel explained process for review of trees on the Exceptional Tree
List, encouraging periodic review and recommendations to Council.
c.
Deputy Corporation Counsel Jean Campbell provided overview of committee
authority (based in county code):
Review and recommend exceptional trees
Advise property owners
Recommend protective regulations
Review actions endangering exceptional trees
2
Discussion of Sunshine Law and site visit protocols (limit on number of members
present to avoid quorum outside public meetings).
Committee discussed potential for future recommendations on ordinances and
procedures.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next meeting set for July 22, 2:00 PM; subsequent meeting August 26, 2:00 PM.
Calendar invites to be sent.
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1501
Puna Conference Room
Hilo, HI 96720
ADJOURNMENT
a. Adjournment
1) Meeting adjourned at 4:03 p.m.
3