Man climbs Kalakaua Park tree

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Stephens Media Hawaii

Stephens Media Hawaii

Police, an ambulance and a fire engine responded Monday morning to a report of a man climbing the large banyan tree at Kalakaua Park in downtown Hilo.

The man’s girlfriend, worried he might fall, called 911 at about 10:30 a.m., according to a police officer at the scene.

The man, who was about 40 feet above the ground, refused to descend, and the commotion drew numerous onlookers.

Responders left the scene at about 11:10 a.m. with the man still in the tree’s limbs.

“It’s not illegal to climb a tree,” said an officer.