What: Bill 212 (Comm. 1160) amends Section 14-65 of the County Code to designate four more exceptional trees: a kiawe tree in South Kohala, a tahina palm at Hilo, a wiliwili grove and a kapok tree in South Kona.
Where it stands: Forwarded to Council with a favorable recommendation by the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Economic Development on 2026-11-05, 7-0, with two members excused.
Next: Council readings; the Arborist Advisory Committee chair is expected to be available to answer questions.
Details
Introduced by Council Member Ashley Lehualani Kierkiewicz by request, on recommendation of the Arborist Advisory Committee.
Designation lets the Planning Department fine anyone who intentionally damages the tree. Jean Campbell noted the kiawe tree is about 50 feet tall while its homeowners association covenants limit vegetation to 30 feet; designation does not override the covenants, so trimming could expose owners to county fines.
Applications date from May 2024 and 2025; the advisory committee expires with each mayor and takes time to be reconstituted, per Micah Alameda.
Bill 212 taken up last, no testimony. James E. Hustace moved and Heather L. Kimball seconded a favorable recommendation; Micah Alameda and Jean Campbell answered questions; Matt Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder asked about the application delays. Passed 7-0.