Vice Chair Seeks Tree Protection with 3 Bills

Lehoʻula at Hāna, Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Maui County Council Vice Chair Robert Carroll of East Maui sent three proposed bills to the council on Monday, focusing on the protection and preservation of certain trees.

“The proposed bills will protect the beauty and character of our neighborhoods, improve scenic vistas, maintain air quality, and help conserve energy,” said Carroll in a press release.

The bills, he said, are aimed at reducing the loss of trees, creating a tree removal and replacement process, and enhancing shade in parking lots by increasing standards on both public and private property.

One bill in particular would protect certain trees within historic districts with a trunk circumference greater than 36-inches.

Another bill seeks to amend the county code relating to landscaping requirements by increasing the number of trees required in a parking lot. The item would also set shade and size requirements for trees within parking lots, and establish regulations for the removal and replacement of trees.

A final bill would amend the code relating to planting and beautification, by establishing a permit application process for tree removal and replacement.

According to Carroll, the current code is utilized as a guide for government design and landscaping.

He said the bills “put teeth into tree protection” and “fill a void” in tree preservation.

The council is expected to consider the items for referral to appropriate committees during an Aug. 2 meeting.