Tree removal in Makaha protested
By James Gonser
Advertiser Leeward Bureau
MAKAHA — Hawai'i Kai resident Renate Rodine was driving out to the Leeward Coast recently to do some work on a townhouse her family owns at the Makaha Valley Plantation when she noticed several coconut trees had been cut down on the property.
"Not a single one of them was diseased or anything like that," Rodine said. "They were not in areas that they could be a danger to anybody."
Rodine contacted the homeowners association and was shocked to learn that a major effort to renovate the landscaping at the 572-unit townhouse development had begun and about 200 coconut trees were slated for destruction.
"I talked to the board members at length and want them to give it more thought before cutting down trees," Rodine said. "I want the healthy trees saved and maintained. I said, 'For heaven's sake, stop it right now.' "
Makaha Valley Plantation is a 28-acre gated community on Ala Mahiku Street near the Makaha golf course. The development was built in 1969, and a $3.5 million renovation project to replace roofing on 41 buildings and resurface development roads was recently completed.
Association board member Gregory Sokolowksi said some trees are being cut down, but it is unlikely that 200 coconut trees will be destroyed. Sokolowksi said the trees being removed are either diseased, causing damage to property or have become a liability.
"It's not like we are going to annihilate all the trees on the property," Sokolowksi said. "We are using licensed landscapers and landscape architects to redesign the property so we have an appealing, professional look."
Sokolowksi said some trees are too close to buildings and parking lots and could cause damage. Others have disease and could be blown over in a strong wind. Some were planted near swimming pools and are uprooting the concrete, he said.
"We have already acquired some replacement palm trees," he said. "It all makes sense."
But Rodine said homeowners should be shown a plan for the landscaping and that healthy trees that are considered a hazard should be removed rather than simply cut down.
Property manager Peggy Hoots said the by-laws for the development say any trees taken out have to be replaced, and they are planting lower-maintenance indigenous palms. Hoots said the city and private contractors were contacted to take any trees they wanted but chose not to because of their large size or diseased condition.
"People could buy better trees much cheaper at nurseries than to remove them," Hoots said.
Hoots said less than 200 coconut trees will be removed and that number was released because of a misunderstanding.
Georgette "Jo" Jordan, interim president of the volunteer beautification group Ho'onani Mau, said mature coconut trees can sell for $500 to $1,000 each. She said almost any healthy tree can be moved if you have the right equipment and a place to plant it.
Jordan said her group would consider taking some of the trees for use in their efforts to beautify the Wai'anae Coast.
