Notice for Pahoa Tree Lovers

[DoryGray]

Who was that guy who stopped them from cutting down the Reed's Bay Banyans? Maybe we should organize. The trees can't defend themselves.

[palanist]

I second that Dory Gray........ORGANIZE to defend the trees!

[2liveque]

It never really was about fire trucks or lava. Some public works folks wanted those trees removed for ages! Mainly because the roots are undermining the parking lot....AND the branches could be a liability for the county. The whole fire truck/lava response is basically a cheap, easy way to get it cut. I guess it didn't work. []

[snorkle]

It's not a black and white issue. Old growth forest systems should be protected. Also trees with historic or great ascetic value; But what about a tree that threatens a native ecosystem? Or a habitation? Or public safety?

I don't believe that just being tree is in itself, enough reason to spare one.

No need to mention the negative traits of the Albezia, but what about Banyans and Monkeypods? They are not native, grow very fast here, and frequently endanger structures. I don't see a huge problem.

My solution would be to remove fast growing invasives if they are a danger or nuisance, plant ten more where they won't be a problem, and wait twenty years.

[DoryGray]

Any updates on what's happening w/ the trees?

[leilanidude]

If you look at the trees, they are not an issue for a fire truck to drive under them. The closest branches are probably over 15 feet up from the entrance

[mac nut]

at the end of last thursday's lava meeting mayor billy seemed to say that cutting down the trees was going to happen even though he told the county to take a second look at the situation

[JohnDW]

Snorkel,

I totally agree with you. Yes that monkey pod is a gorgeous tree, but then again I find ablizias to be gorgeous too. If this was a native tree, or if it was being cut to make way for a strip mall that would be another story. This is an emergency and people's health and safety are at stake. Until someone comes up with a better plan that wouldn't compromise the fire department's mission I'm afraid the tree will have to go. Why wait until someone looses their life or their house, that would be unbearably sad wouldn't it?

[Rene Siracusa]

At the Lava meeting on Thursday night Mayor Kenoi informed us that it wasn't JUST parking space that was needed for the emergency vehicles, but they had to build a structure to protect them from the elements and then fence the area to discourage vandalism. While there may be room in the parking lot for parking those vehicles without taking down the trees, I can't see how they could put in a large garage in a fenced area and still save them. A viable win-win solution might change their minds, but I don't think that a demonstration will.

So the choice seems to be 3 trees vs. fire/ambulance on the south side of the lava flow. The audience at that meeting seemed to support the latter, judging by the applause for the mayor.

[kalakoa]

Again: if the trees must be cut, make nice lumber out of them, write up a "certificate of authenticity", and sell the wood to raise money for some needy cause.

A slab from one of those trees would make an awesome dining room table...