City Christmas Tree

By Ken Ige, Star-Bulletin
Hector and Teresita Montes are donating their 70 foot tall Norfolk
Pine tree to the city as the City's Christmas Tree at Honolulu Hale.
Teresita Montes said the tree is between 30 and 40 years old.

By Ken Ige, Star-Bulletin
Teresita Montes collected some of the pine cones
from her tree before it was hauled away..

Fire chief says use caution
when decorating real trees

Star-Bulletin staff

Ah, the scent of a pine tree in the living room!

Christmas is fast approaching and soon it will be time to go out and claim your Norfolk or other type of tree.

Honolulu Fire Chief Attilio Leonardi is advising residents to buy an artificial tree because they are safer and cleaner.

But if you get a real tree, the chief has some safety tips to ensure a safe holiday season.

Question: What kind of tree stand should I purchase?

Answer: Buy a tree stand that holds at least 1 gallon of water and fits your tree.

Q: What should I do before placing the ornaments?

A: Make sure the tree is secure and won't tip over. And keep the tree away from all flames and heat sources.

The Trees Are Here!

By Ken Sakamoto, Star-Bulletin
Matson worker John Scharsh helps state inspectors look through
containers of Christmas trees today. The inspectors weren't hunting
for grinches but for insects that could hurt native plants or wildlife.
Today's shipment was the biggest one of the season and contains
most of the trees destined for Oahu's homes.

Q: Can I keep my Christmas lights on if I leave home or go to bed?

A: No, turn off all lights.

Q: What should I do before installing lights?

A: Inspect for cracked sockets and frayed, loose or bare wires and connections which may cause a serious electric shock or spark a fire. Also, read all instructions about installation and maintenance.

Q: What type of lights are the best?

A: Use miniature lights, which have cool-burning bulbs.

Q: Can I use candles as decoration on my artificial tree?

A: Never use candles as tree decorations, even on artificial trees.

Q: How can I improve the amount of water the tree consumes?

A: Cut an inch off the trunk to help the tree absorb water and mix a commercial preservative with the water. Also, periodically clean the tree stand with one capful of bleach and 1 cup of water to improve the tree's water intake.

Note: A 6-foot tree will consume about 1 gallon of water every two days.

Q: Where should I put the tree?

A: Away from all flame and heat sources.

Q: What's the safest method to replace Christmas tree light bulbs?

A: Always unplug a light string or electrical decoration before replacing light bulbs or fuses.

Q: What's the best way to dispose of my tree?

A: Recycle it.