Ask the Mayor: Why are the Trees on Kaulawahine Street Being Cut?

Example of ironwood trees: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/forestry/trees/Bishofia_Cupressus.html

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

Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, call 270-7855 or send them by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor”

Hello,

Q: I am emailing to inquire about why they are cutting the trees along Kaulawahine Street? They are the only tall trees in sight and I am heartbroken to see them cut down… I wish your committee can do something to prevent this, because these are one of the last group of tall trees in Kahului.

As far as the eye can see, there are no trees as tall as these ones being cut down. We need to protect them; they have an equal right to live as much as you or me.

A: These particular trees you are referring to are not on public property, and we do not have county laws to prevent a private landowner from cutting down trees or other vegetation on their own property.

The exception would be council-designated trees that are listed as “Exceptional Trees,” and are registered and protected by County Code. These ironwoods have not been designated as such.