Ask the Mayor: Where Can I Get A Monkeypod Like the Ones Along Airport Road?

Monkeypod tree. File photo.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Aloha Mayor,

Q: We noticed that the new road to the airport was lined with some nice, already large monkeypod and shower trees. We would like to purchase one for our house, but we can’t seem to find a seller. Could you help us? Would you find out for us where the county purchased them or who to contact in the construction company?

A: Just to clarify, the new airport road is a state project and I am unfamiliar with the type of trees planted. However, you can visit www.malp.org to learn more about the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals. Its members provide tree services and many other plant- and landscape-related services.

You can also visit the online listing of Hawai‘i Forestry and Agroforestry trees maintained by the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) at www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/forestry/trees/. This page lists trees by common names as well as scientific names, and offers photos of leaves, trunk and other helpful identifiers.

I do want to warn you that although monkeypod trees are beautiful and provide a lot of shade, their root systems can cause problems by cracking sidewalks and paved roads, or even interfere with underground infrastructure such as electrical cables and or water pipes. So if you do find some saplings, choose the location where you want to plant them wisely.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.