Eight mature rainbow shower trees and thirteen narra trees replace the Wiliwili trees which had fallen to the statewide blight caused by the gall wasps.
This ceremony also acknowledges and celebrates the partnership between the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle and the Division of Urban Forestry, part of the City Department of Parks and Recreation, which made the planting possible. Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle saw the need and donated $15,392.66 for the planting while the City donated the trees they had in their nursery. Steve Nimz and his tree spade were hired for the planting to improve the chances of the trees’ survival.
“Stan Oka and all his staff are great to work with,” said Margaret Brezel, Beautification Chair for LKOC. “Brandon Au, arborist and project manager from the Division of Urban Forestry (DUF), Dave Kumasaka, landscape architect for DUF, Steve Nimz, arborist and contractor for the job with his tree spade, and Wil Ho, Director of District IV Parks Maintenance all did a wonderful job. We look forward to working with Ms. Laverne Higa, Director and Chief Engineer of Department of Facilities Maintenance who is newly in charge of the ongoing water and maintenance.”
“We are grateful to Mayor Hannemann, the City Council and Chair Barbara Marshall, and Parks Director Lester Chang for their kokua in this partnership and their support for planting these trees,” said LKOC President, Sharon Geary.
Most people are familiar with rainbow shower trees, but few are familiar with the narra tree, which is the beloved National tree of the Philippines. It is a great shade tree with seasonal small yellow flowers. It is very appropriate for the wide median of Mokapu Boulevard.
Following an opening Hawaiian oli and greetings from the mayor and LKOC president, Sharon Geary, there will be a ceremonial mulching of the trees and light refreshments. Neighbors, LKOC members and friends and City dignitaries have been invited. Please come to celebrate the trees and the partnership.
