Branches fell in Lili‘uokalani Gardens this week as crews began maintenance work on the approximately 240 trees that fill the lush 24-acre Hilo park.
The work is expected to last 45 days, taking place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for state holidays, according to a press release from Hawaii County.
An earlier round of maintenance was done in the park in July 2025, which focused on removing and trimming trees the county designated as posing a threat to public safety.
“Last summer’s project was focused on removing and trimming trees that, due to their condition, represented an imminent hazard and required immediate attention,” Tom Callis, a spokesman for the county, said in an email. “The work starting this week is general maintenance that aims to enhance safety, support the long-term health of the trees, and prevent hazards from developing.”
The cost of the project is $164,000, according to Callis.
Concerns surrounding the safety of Hilo’s many large trees have been heightened in recent months following the collapse of a banyan tree on Kilauea Avenue last year that killed two women and damaged the building being used by Calvary Chapel.
Another banyan tree on Banyan Drive was removed earlier this year after it was identified as a safety hazard following an assessment of 48 trees lining the street, according to a previous press release from the county.
Within Lili‘uokalani Gardens, several invasive species are slated to be removed including African tulip and gunpowder trees, according to Callis.
“Removing these trees is part of general maintenance and will also help beautify the park,” Callis said, adding that three royal palms will also be removed to “support the growth of other nearby trees.”
The work in the park is being done by Ashton’s Landscape and Tree service, an East Hawaii company and will be overseen by an ISA certified arborist. Callis said they will continue to evaluate the trees and needs of the park throughout the course of the project and perform additional work where necessary.
“While the project is focused on trimming and maintenance, the contractor will continue to assess the trees during the project,” he said. “If there are trees showing extensive rot or other risks of failing, they could be removed.”
Throughout the course of the work, safety zones will be created with the use of barricades and signage throughout the park. Lihiwai Street may be periodically closed, according to the county press release.
Ongoing work is also being done along Banyan Drive by a different tree trimming company through a contract with the Department of Public Works.
The work will focus on “removing invasive species, aerial roots, deadwood and cleaning up the area to make it more open,” Callis said.
Email Grace Inez Adams at grace.adams@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
