The poinciana trees on the grounds of the Federal Building, along Ala Moana Boulevard, are mulched improperly. Shade trees were getting
too mulch of a good thingThe trees will probably die or be seriously damaged unless something is done. The mulch is right against the trunks and is much too deep. As mulch starts to heat up in the decomposing process, it will cook the trunk of the tree. In addition, the mulch is not in a wide-enough circumference to give nourishment to the roots. Can you pass the word on to the proper authorities so something can be done before it's too late?
We called Craig Mayeda, acting director for the city's Botanical Gardens, to get some information and he confirmed, "Mulch does a lot of great things. But like any good thing, you can have too much of it."
We then passed on your complaint to Bob Blanchard, property manager for the Federal Building, suggesting that he call Mayeda.
Since then, the mulch has been pulled away from the trees and its thickness reduced to four-six inches, Blanchard said.
"Craig told us that there was too much of it and it was too close to the trees," he said.
Thanks to you, the trees should continue to grow healthily.
(Readers, if you want more information about mulching, call the Botanical Gardens office, 522-7050.)
I'm interested in being a delegate to the state constitutional convention, if and when one is held. How would one go about being nominated or selected? If and when a Con Con is held, the state Legislature would decide "the number of delegates to the convention, the areas from which they shall be elected and the manner in which the convention shall convene," according to Article 17, Section 2 of the state Constitution.
The Legislature also would provide for the necessary facilities and equipment for the convention.
Both the state House and Senate introduced bills during the last session relating to the Con Con, noted Dwayne Yoshina, the state's chief elections officer. Both bills were shelved.
They were similar in terms of delegate qualifications: Each candidate had to be a qualified elector (voter) of the representative district in which he/she is a candidate, which means at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, Hawaii resident, etc.; at least 15 registered voters from that district had to sign nomination papers; candidates would run as nonpartisans.
The House favored a $25 filing fee; the Senate, $50.
A woman driving a white maintenance cart at Kapiolani Community College nearly hit us as she raced past. Then she got off carrying books and walked into class. Does she work at the school? If so, why is she allowed to drive a cart to class? Isn't this an abuse of tax money and unauthorized use of state equipment? Based on the information you provided, it was determined that the woman is a clerk "whose duties require her to make deliveries to various offices around campus," said Ann Oshiro, KCC's director of administrative services.
During breaks, she also attends classes, "which is a benefit to university employees," Oshiro said. She has been reminded to drive carefully, especially where there is heavy pedestrian traffic.
To a church/nonprofit organization: Kimball Swinger 1000. Needs repair. Call 247-5837. Free electric organ
Two contractors were in town to convert our electronic system when their car was burglarized at the Haleiwa Texaco Foodmart on Oct. 16. One of the items taken was a personal key chain with a wedding ring and another ring on it. To whoever might have it, please return. No questions asked. Call Verna, 535-2235. Help, thief!
