Posted on: Saturday, August 28, 2004

Lyon Arboretum shut over safety concerns

By Will Hoover
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i yesterday closed the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, following months of controversy and an investigation into the management of the 194-acre site in upper Manoa Valley.

The university cited "significant health and safety issues endangering the well-being of the staff and general public" in announcing the closure of the arboretum.

In January, arboretum staff members voiced concerns to UH officials about conditions they said were hazardous to visitors and staff. They said visiting children had been endangered by faulty electrical work and that rare plants had been lost.

In April, the university launched an investigation into the allegations and later closed three cottages at the site.

Jim Gaines, UH interim vice president for research, yesterday said the university concluded that even more action had to be taken.

He cited such health and safety concerns as the structural stability of some buildings, electrical shortcomings and the safety of pathways.

"We are reluctantly closing the facility to public access pending a more in-depth inspection and review of the building and grounds," Gaines said.

Established in 1918, the research unit is the only arboretum in the United States in a semi-tropical rain forest. It has one of the largest collections of palms of any botanical garden in the world.

Reach Will Hoover at 525-8038 or whoover@honoluluadvertirer.com.