Posted on: Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Kaimuki's tree gets new lights
By James Gonser
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer
The Kaimuki Christmas tree, which has been a holiday beacon since the mid-1980s, nearly went dark this year, but was rescued at the last minute by area residents and Hawaiian Electric Co.
Advertiser library photo • Dec. 20, 1991 Money to maintain the lights and provide a cherry picker needed to string them on the 45-foot tree has been a struggle every year. Two years ago city crews helped hang the lights but told residents it was the last time they would be able to spare crews and equipment for the project.
The lights have hung on the tree ever since and slowly deteriorated from exposure to the elements.
Last month the city Parks Department said it would not turn on power to the tree because the electrical wires had become a hazard.
"We knew the lighting would not last forever and we hoped the wires would last this year," said Rep. Barbara Marumoto R-19th (Kai'muki, Kahala, Wai'alae Iki). "But it was really a hazard and had to be replaced."
• To donate tax deductible contributions to the Kaimuki Christmas Tree Fund, send checks to: The Greater East Honolulu Community Alliance, C/O Joe Holtz, 1123 11th Ave. #401, Honolulu, HI 96816. • For information, call Ginny Meade at 391-4154. KAIMUKI PARADE The Kaimuki Christmas Parade runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday starting at Saint Louis School and continuing up Wai'alae Avenue to Koko Head Avenue. The event will feature 2,000 marchers, 25 vehicles, three floats and five bands ending with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. "I told them I'm not going to do anything this year, but Rep. Marumoto said we have to do something and she donated $200," Tam said. "When so many people start contributing to the effort, I cannot say no."
Tam did some research and found a more durable type of Christmas lighting that would last for up to five years and bought it with his own money. He now has 16 50-foot strands of green and white lights in his living room waiting to be hung this afternoon.
Ginny Meade, a member of the Greater East Honolulu Community Alliance, has been out seeking donations to repay Tam and pay for maintenance for the tree.
"This Christmas tree is going to get this community going again," Meade said. "God Bless Leonard. He is terrific."
Marumoto contacted HECO, which is providing the cherry picker, a volunteer crew to run it and money to help pay for the lights.
"This is such an unusual tree," said HECO spokesman Peter Rosegg. "It is seen by thousands and thousands of people across the island as they travel on the H-1. We decide to step in and help them out."
Meade said to continue to have a Christmas tree and other community events, Kaimuki really needs to form its own merchants association.
"This will be one of our goals every year to fund raise and get the Christmas tree done among other things," she said. "I plan to call a meeting before the end of the year."
Reach James Gonser at 535-2431 or jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Every year the electric tree at Pu'u o Kaimuki Mini Park behind the fire station, is first turned on following the annual Kaimuki parade, which takes place Thursday.
The Kaimuki Christmas tree has been a fixture since the mid-1980s and is seen by thousands traveling the H-1 Freeway.
Less than two weeks ago resident Leonard Tam, who has been the leader in saving the tree in the past, sent out a message to gather volunteers and resources to light the tree once again.
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