More ironwoods to be replaced at Kapi'olani Park

By Kapono Dowson
Advertiser Staff Writer

The ironwood trees that line the main thoroughfares of Kapi'olani Park are more than 100 years old, and many are dying. The city plans to cut down the ailing trees and replace them with young ironwoods. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Set aside by Bowen as a bequest to the city for beautification purposes, the money will be used for both last year's replacement of 46 ironwood trees and the replacement of the 32 trees to be removed this week from the park. The city will pay for the removal of the trees, handled by Trees of Hawaii, Inc., and provide for the care and monitoring of the new trees.

Michelle Spalding Matson of Kapi'olani Park Advisory Council said the allocation would be fitting of her grandmother's longtime love for the park. Bowen was an active preservationist in the '50s. Her work with Agnes Conrad was instrumental in the protection of Diamond Head as a National Natural Landmark. Bowen was also instrumental in saving the banyan tree at 'Iolani Palace.

Matson said it was unfortunate the trees had to be cut, but said appropriate tree care in the future would be important.

City Parks and Recreation Director William D. Balfour Jr. said different groups were included in the city's decision, including The Outdoor Circle, Kapi'olani Park Advisory Council, Kapi'olani Park Preservation Society and the Office of Historic Preservation.

Mary Steiner, The Outdoor Circle chief executive officer, said, "I've examined every single one of the trees. We're in concurrence with the city." She said she agreed with the safety issues and supported the replacement schedule.

Abner Undan, left, a certified arborist, points out the various problems with this ironwood tree at Kapi'olani Park with Stan Oka, an administrator with the city's Parks and Recreation's Division of Urban Forestry. The trees are more than 100 years old, and many are damaged from topping them off many years ago. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

City arborist Abner C. Undan stooped near one tree and pushed a 3-foot metal rod through the root system. "The root system is dead and the potential of falling is great," he said. Many of the trees were hollow and leaning precariously to one side. Undan said much of the damage resulted from topping off trees regularly 25-30 years ago. He said the pruning practice is no longer used.

City beautification administrator Stan Oka said the city plans to replace the removed trees with at least as many ironwood trees. He said new trees should be planted within the next 30 days.