Question: There are three coconut trees, full of coconuts, along Kamehameha Highway fronting the Pearl City post office. They appear to pose a potential hazard to life and property. Who is responsible for maintaining those trees?
Answer: The three trees are on the property of the U.S. Postal Service and, based on your concern, they will be removed.
“The safety of our customers, employees and neighborhood are our utmost priority,” responded spokesman Duke Gonzales.
The Postal Service already had recent discussions with Hawaiian Electric Co. about the possible removal of the trees, because of concerns about fronds swaying near overhead power lines. Your concern about the potential danger of falling coconuts “has prompted us to move forward with the tree removal as soon as possible,” Gonzales said.
The postal service is coordinating with HECO for the trees to be removed this month.
TREE CONCERNS?
The city Department of Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry Division has a handy online list on who to call for concerns about trees, among them:
>> For trees on private property protruding onto the roadway or sidewalk, or damaging sidewalks; or for unauthorized plantings in city rights of way: call the city Department of Planning and Permitting at 768-8159.
>> For trees on private property protruding onto another private property: this is a civil matter between the two parties. See the July 11, 2004, Kokua Line for an explanation — tinyurl.com/b7xc5py.
>> For trees or shrubs in or near streams or damaging road/medial curbs: call the city Division of Road Maintenance at 768-3600.
>> For trees on or adjacent to state highways: call the state Department of Transportation at 831-6712.
>> For trees interfering with high-voltage lines: call Hawaiian Electric at 543-7836.
>> For tree donations or for problems with trees on city streets: call the Parks Department at 971-7151.
>> For fallen trees or malicious tree damage/removal: call HPD at 911.
For more numbers, go to tinyurl.com/ajlysyd and click on “for questions or concerns about trees.”
MAHALO
To a security guard who was in the Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center parking lot near Safeway when a red van carrying Brigham Young University Hawaii students got broken into last month. He was very compassionate and helpful. One student doing research in Hawaii lost his laptop computer, passport, IDs and a substantial amount of money. I hope someone was able to help him out. — Anonymous
AUWE
To the female at Ala Moana Shopping Center rushing to take the second-floor elevator next to Folli Follie on Nov. 13. I hope you made it to your urgent destination since you couldn’t wait two seconds for a handicapped person to ride the same elevator. Next time, have some compassion. — Lady with a cane
MAHALO
To Shyann Rosa, Chloe Matsuda and Jazlyn Rapozo, who saved a lady from drowning at Kealia Beach, Kapaa, Kauai, on the afternoon of Oct. 26. They heard a lady yelling for help. Shyann grabbed Chloe’s body board, swam out and placed the lady on the board. All three girls escorted her and her friend to the safety of shallow waters. As they neared the shoreline, the lady thanked them for saving her life. But just before they reached shore, her friend said, “Lucy, let’s go.” They hurriedly left the beach and drove away.
There are many stories like this on Kauai, where our youths rescue someone, but no one knows except the kids. I just wanted to recognize these three heroes. — Gordon Muramaru, Kapaa, Kauai
_____
Write to "Kokua Line" at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
