Ask the Mayor: What is Being Done with Trees on Piʻiholo Rd?

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

Upper Piiholo 1/3/15 – Image: Jamee Taksony Jones‎

Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, 270-7855 or mail them to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793.

Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.

Mayor Arakawa:

Q: I am very concerned about the Eucalyptus trees along the lower section of Piʻiholo Road. Trees and large branches are already crashing onto the road, disrupting travel and utility services; more importantly, the trees pose a serious safety risk to residents and visitors. Whose responsibility is it to remove the trees?

A: Yes, there was certainly a close call recently when a truck was hit by a falling tree; thankfully the occupants of the vehicle were reported to have escaped serious injury. Our Public Works department visited the worst section last week with staff from the County Department of Parks & Recreation, which is tasked with maintaining street trees located on the County Right of Way; when trees are situated on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain them.

Although no extra funds were included in the County’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget, Public Works and Parks have been speaking with neighboring land owners to determine the most cost-effective means of addressing this important safety issue, and will be conducting a survey of the property line this week to determine which trees are on public and private property. Public Works hopes removal can begin as early as July, depending on cost.