The September 11th attack
Tree plantings to honor arborist Snyder
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward Bureau
KAILUA — Christine Snyder had a passion for trees that she shared with the community as arborist for The Outdoor Circle. So after her death in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, it seemed fitting that a tree be planted in her memory.
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The move to plant trees in Snyder's honor has spread in Hawai'i and throughout the United States, a tribute to the impact she had in the landscape community.
Christine Snyder of Kailua was returning from a forestry conference when the plane she was on was hijacked by terrorists.
This week the Kane'ohe Outdoor Circle will plant a puakenikeni tree in Snyder's memory at the 'Aikahi fire station, near the community where she grew up and resided. A plaque will identify the tree and Snyder.
"Trees are being planted as a memorial to Chris all over the state — and, in fact, the United States — but we felt there should definitely be one near her home here on the Windward side," said Gretchen Gould of the Kane'ohe Outdoor Circle.
Other trees honoring Snyder are slated for Kalaheo High School, where she graduated in 1987, and in the North Shore's Weed Circle.
On the Mainland, trees have been planted in Arizona, Colorado and California, said Mary Steiner, chief executive officer for The Outdoor Circle.
• Friday: 'Aikahi fire station, 11 a.m. • Nov. 10: Magic Island, 8:30 a.m.
Steiner and Snyder had attended a national urban forestry conference in Washington, D.C., in September and were returning on different flights. Snyder was on United Airlines Flight 93 from Newark, N.J., to San Francisco, which was commandeered by terrorists.
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The public is invited to two ceremonies to honor Christine Snyder and her passion for trees.
The plane nose-dived into a Pennsylvania field, killing all 38 passengers and seven crew members.
Snyder was among a handful of confirmed deaths from Hawai'i or with ties to the Isles.
"Because we were at an urban forestry conference, many of the people who met her there contacted us to say they've been planting trees for her all over the Mainland," Steiner said.
The Outdoor Circle and the city also are honoring Snyder's memory by finishing a project she started at Magic Island a year and a half ago, Steiner said.
Last year, the city and The Outdoor Circle planted 25 coconut palms and 25 milo and beach heliotrope trees along the kokohead side of Magic Island.
Snyder had made plans with the city Department of Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry Division to do a similar planting along the 'ewa side of the island, Steiner said.
Snyder will be memorialized at an event Nov. 10 when 70 trees are planted at Magic Island. The city will place a bench in her memory on the 'ewa side, overlooking the ocean.
"She was so well loved, to have this legacy is very nice," Steiner said. "She was passionate about trees. Her passion was just amazing."
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
