County mulls tree problem after banyan falls in Honomu

The other half of what many people long called a single banyan tree in Honomu Park will soon be cut down.

Crews from the county and Hawaii Electric Light Co. cleared debris after the larger of two trees with an intermingled canopy fell Oct. 15 after it was trimmed by a professional pruner under a county work order.

But much debris remained in Honomu Park this week — along with the other smaller surviving banyan tree.

The tree that fell recently was judged stable by a leading Hawaii arborist.

When it fell, the tree did thousands of dollars in damage to vehicles, utility poles and the Honomu Gym, which missed a direct hit by a few feet.

In the days since the large tree fell, community members have wondered about the fate of the smaller one.

“We’re going to be cutting that thing down,” said Hawaii County Managing Director Wil Okabe.

There’s a nearby house where nine people live, one of whom is not medically able to leave, Okabe said. The tree also appears to be leaning, he said.

A couple of feet of a branch, when trimmed, can weigh 100 pounds. A whole tree, or an entire branch, falling on a house or person could be devastating.

The top priority must be safety, Okabe said, noting the county tries to consider community members’ wishes in decision-making. Once risk to life or property becomes a concern, the county has to act, he said, because the county is liable.

If the county has the capability, staff will be used to cut the tree and remove remaining debris. If not, the job will go to a professional cutter.

“We’re going to try to do it as soon as possible,” Okabe said.

Once all the debris is removed, he said the county might add plants such as small shrubs, small-stature trees or flowers to make the park publicly usable again.

“We’re not going to plant banyan trees,” Okabe emphasized.

Email Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com.