The red-blossom royal poinciana, or flame tree, that draped a wave of color over Kaumuali’i Highway outside of Puhi will be fondly remembered by practically the entire island community as a landmark. The tree appears in blossom in scenic visitor
The red-blossom royal poinciana, or flame tree, that draped a wave of color over Kaumuali’i Highway outside of Puhi will be fondly remembered by practically the entire island community as a landmark.
The tree appears in blossom in scenic visitor promotion photos, and even served as a backdrop for Elvis Presley as he toured Kaua’i in an open convertible in his film “Blue Hawaii.”
The tree was cut down this week by a state Department of Transportation road crew because “the supervisor of that particular area of the roadway was monitoring the tree and saw that termite infestation had become an issue,” said Steven Kyono, highways division district engineer.
Kyono said they called arborists from the Outdoor Circle, a group concerned with the care and management of trees and plants on the island, to see if the tree might be saved. The Outdoor Circle in turn called Kaua’i Nursery & Landscaping Inc., whose workers determined that termites had indeed severely damaged the tree, potentially making it a hazard to drivers because it might topple over into the driving lane. They and the Outdoor Circle suggested removal of the tree.
Kyono said in 2000 or 2001, a royal poinciana across the street from the one they cut down this week fell into the roadway, but no one got hurt.
“Being stewards of the highway, we have to look out for the traveling public,” he said.
Termite infestation does happen, and the royal poinciana, planted by the Mokihana Club at least 50 years ago, is “famous for getting rot,” said Lelan Nishek, owner of Kaua’i Nursery & Landscaping.
“When there’s a removal, the Outdoor Circle likes to see a proper replacement, so we don’t have a net loss of beautiful trees,” said Nina Magoun, of the Outdoor Circle landscape and planting committee.
Nishek said there should be discussion with the Humane Society to see if a tree could be planted on their property, away from the highway.
“We absolutely want trees,” said Dr. Becky Rhoades, executive director of the Kaua’i Humane Society. She said the Humane Society has landscape plans in the works with a local tree grower and will plant shade trees for their courtyard and animal exercise area.
“We’re not immediately planning to replace trees, but in the design process of the road widening we may consider planting other trees,” Kyono said.
