Move the stage, not the trees

That's what Blue Planet Festival -- an organization that describes itself as a nonprofit that promotes clean and alternative energy through "a world-class music festival" -- is proposing to do at Magic Island.

It seems that about 15 trees that shade the park would block audience views of a stage for Blue Planet's two-day concert, to be held in conjunction with an energy summit next April.

A representative of the group says it hopes to "enhance the park," and make it "a better place" by removing or relocating trees, but the Outdoor Circle isn't having any of that and voiced objections with the city.

A spokesman said the city has no intention of jeopardizing Honolulu's Tree City USA status (a National Arbor Day Foundation designation), has no plans to cut down Magic Island trees and that the Outdoor Circle was overreacting.

However, the Outdoor Circle's sensitivity is understandable, having recently fought the state Transportation Department over its removal of scores of trees along the H-2.

Blue Planet Festival organizers, most of whom hold entertainment, computer game and software credentials, should rethink their proposal. Moving a stage would be more practical -- and greener -- than cutting down trees.