KAPA‘A — A contractor has been hired by state officials to remove four Norfolk pine trees immediately mauka of the parking lot of the Kapa‘a Elementary School.
Officials with the state Department of Education and other agencies said they decided on that course of action because the trees could pose a threat to nearby homes during a hurricane or heavy windstorm.
The work started Saturday, July 31, and will continue over the next two weekends, according to notices sent to residents.
The residents live in more than 10 homes that are located immediately mauka of the trees. The trees are located on land that is under the jurisdiction of the DOE.
The plan involves cutting down the trees and removing the debris.
The trees are among a row of more than a dozen trees that are located immediately mauka of the school parking lot.
The trees are reportedly about 100 feet tall and 100 years old.
DOE officials acknowledged the trees are special because of their age.
Yet, they voiced concerns earlier this year that the trees, if left in their current state, could fall on homes or people during hurricanes or wind storms.
Some residents, however, said they didn’t want to see the entire column of trees cut down because of the age of the trees and because the trees provide a windbreak and a barrier against speeding cars along Kawaihau Road.
The decision by state officials so far to cut down only four trees appears to be a compromise.
Preliminary studies were done on the trees before the decision was made to cut down the trees.
Lester Chang, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or lchang@pulitzer.net.
