An arborist with The Outdoor Circle and another from the state Department of Transportation surveyed the albizzia trees along H-2 Freeway yesterday and determined 12 were in need of removal, while 40 others need to be pruned.

More than 70 trees have been removed or pruned by the state since June because they posed a safety threat for drivers.

The trees surveyed yesterday were on the town-bound side from the Ka Uka Boulevard overpass to the Leilehua Golf Course.

"Pruning is not just to cut the overhanging branches," said DOT spokesman Scott Ishikawa. "Sometimes you prune it a certain way to make it lean away from the highway, rather than toward the highway for obvious safety reasons."

About 140 trees were inspected by the department's contracted arborist, who recommended the removal of 107 trees and pruning of 33 trees, according to a DOT report.

The action prompted more than 100 complaints to DOT and The Outdoor Circle from concerned citizens. The outcry led DOT to suspend the H-2 tree removal project until officials met with The Outdoor Circle, an organization dedicated to protecting beauty in Hawai'i. The Outdoor Circle is usually contacted before the removal of trees.

Bob Loy, The Outdoor Circle's director of environmental programs, said it was disappointing so many trees were removed. He questioned whether all of them posed a safety hazard.

Yesterday's meeting prevented many more from being removed.

"It's going to look much different on the town-bound side," Loy said. "People who have been upset about the clear cutting and aesthetics along the H-2 will be pleased to see a lighter touch on the other side of the freeway."

Tevita Salakielu, arborist for Imua Landscaping Co., representing DOT, said the meeting helped to iron out differences between the two organizations.

"It's a good thing we met to come to an agreement," he said. "Both parties, The Outdoor Circle and the DOT agree on what trees to cut, remove and trim — and that way there is no contention in the future."

Salakielu, who recommended the removal of the trees after a branch damaged an emergency call box in June, said he is just a contractor doing his job.

"We are not tree massacrers, we love trees," Salakielu said. "But what is more important: human life or trees?"

Ishikawa said the department will consult with The Outdoor Circle in removing trees along H-3 Freeway and Likelike and Pali highways. The Transportation Department also will ask for the organization's input in selecting sturdier trees to replace the ones that were removed.

Loy said he is pleased that the DOT has decided to communicate on future tree removal projects.

"The last thing The Outdoor Circle wants to happen is having anyone injured as a result of a falling tree or tree branch, but we are opposed to the clear cutting of trees simply because they are within 50 feet of the freeway," Loy said.