Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: What is the name of the trees planted along the sidewalks of Mililani Town, starting at Kamehameha Highway and Lanikuhana Avenue? Who approved the planting of these trees? They're not evergreen, and big leaves are piling up on streets, sidewalks and adjoining private properties. It's messy now, and soon dried seeds will start falling and mess the areas again. The same trees are being planted in Mililani Mauka. The trees on Holanialii and Kapuahi streets are also messy. Aren't there any guidelines by the Outdoor Circle or government agency to plant only approved trees? City planted trees,
now who cleans up?Answer: Giant crape myrtle trees were planted by the city Parks Department along Lanikuhana, while pink tecoma, monkeypod, royal poinciana, silver buttonwood, silver trumpet, fern trees, false olive and weeping bottlebrush are other street trees within Mililani Town, according to parks Director William Balfour.
The department's Division of Forestry approved the planting of these trees. However, the department has to also submit its street landscaping plans to the city Department of Planning and Permitting's Urban Design Branch for approval, Balfour said.
"Tree species are reviewed for their appropriateness to the site location, their requirements for sun, wind and water, and functional concerns of shade, screen, color and aesthetic quality," he said. The area of growing space is also a factor.
The city prunes the trees in Mililani Town once every two years, Balfour said, but the Mililani Town Association is responsible for keeping the roads and sidewalks free of litter and obstructions. If you have concerns about safety or litter, contact the association.
However, Balfour also pointed out that according to city Ordinance 14-20.1, it is the responsibility of all property owners to keep the public walk areas abutting their properties free of litter.
The city's policy is to preserve as many trees as possible, he said. So trees are removed only if they are dead, diseased, dying or damaged.
"What trees give back to us in terms of a cleaner environment, air, water, oxygen and reduced levels of carbon dioxide, cooler temperatures, wildlife habitats, soil retention and aesthetics far exceeds their maintenance requirements," Balfour said.
Mahalo
To the two firemen who carried me down two floors, on a chair, after I had my stroke at the Nuuanu YMCA. I am forever grateful to you for aiding me in my fight for life. To the paramedics, emergency staff and especially to Dr. Cherylee Chang at Queen's Medical Center, I owe a debt of gratitude and plaudits. I am deeply moved and eternally grateful. Mahalo nui loa is not quite enough, but it's a beginning. -- Norman M. Fujitani
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com