3 of 6 banyans at Chaminade
entry are spared ax

Answer: Half of the 50-foot-tall trees -- thought to be at least 75 years old -- are saved.

But the remaining three banyans will have to be cut down because they have been determined weak and dying because of improper care, said Marianist Center Vice President Brother Bob Hoppe.

The oval's dying banyans will likely be pulled out and replaced this summer.

Instead of being replaced by shower trees, which was the original plan, a heartier variation of banyan will be planted in their place.

In February, dozens of students and professors gathered to discuss a strategy for saving the trees after word of plans to cut them down surfaced.

The removal of the trees was part of a 20-year beautification plan drawn up in 2000 for the Marianist Center of Hawaii, Chaminade and Saint Louis School, which all share a campus in Kaimuki.

Officials hoped to replace the banyans with 20- to 30-foot shower trees, arguing shower trees would have allowed for a better view of Chaminade's buildings and fit in with the existing flora scheme at Saint Louis.

But about two months ago, Hoppe met with students and professors against the beautification plan and agreed to keep the banyans. He said the banyans that are healthy will be trimmed back.

Hoppe also said a planter, filled with flowers, and a welcome sign will be installed in the oval near Chaminade's entrance.