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Question: The city is right to cut down that tree encroaching the road from Kawananakoa park, but they should replace it elsewhere in the park. Will they?
Answer: Yes, the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Division of Urban Forestry intends to replant another large canopy tree within Kawananakoa Neighborhood Park following the removal of a decaying 50-foot-tall monkeypod tree near the corner of Pauoa Road and Nuuanu Avenue, said Nathan Serota, a spokesman for the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
Obviously, it’s unlikely the new tree would be in the same spot, as “the roots from that current tree caused some problems, but we plan on replacing it within the park,” Serota said. He did not know when the replacement would occur, except to say that it would be after the removal.
The current monkeypod tree has extensive decay at its base and branches that extend 90 feet from its trunk. The structural decay makes it a safety hazard, according the city. The tree’s roots have damaged the adjacent sidewalk and park wall.
A contractor is scheduled to begin cutting down the tree Monday, and the removal should be finished within the week. The work will be done from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily and will close multiple lanes of traffic, the city said in a traffic alert. The Diamond Head, mauka-bound lane of Nuuanu Avenue and the makai, Diamond Head-bound lane of Pauoa Road will be closed during the removal process. “Multiple lanes of both roads may require additional closure to allow the contractor to remove large branches from the tree,” the alert said.
Q: The floating of the lanterns is a beautiful ceremony. Where do all the thousands of floating lanterns go or end up?
A: The lanterns are retrieved from the ocean, cleaned and used again the following year. The personal remembrances attached to them are removed, blessed and shredded for disposal. The items are treated respectfully at every step of the process, according to the Shinnyo-en Buddhist denomination and its nonprofit Na Lei Aloha Foundation, which organize Lantern Floating Hawaii at Ala Moana Regional Park every Memorial Day.
This year more than 7,000 lanterns carrying prayers and messages were set afloat in honor of deceased loved ones. The question of what happens to the lanterns afterward is a perennial one for Kokua Line, which answered in detail after last year’s event. You can read more about the retrieval and disposal process in that column, at 808ne.ws/kline6316.
Auwe
To the bicyclists who pedal in the right lane of King Street when there is a designated left-side bike path: Whatsamatta you?! And then to watch you cut over into the pedestrian crossing to go against the light! That’s so dangerous. Respect the road if you want respect and safety. — A reader
Mahalo
Many thanks to the Memorial Day volunteers who honored U.S. servicemen and women killed in action, upholding the intent and spirit of this holiday in admirable fashion. They made lei for grave sites, gathered and placed flags, assisted visitors at military cemeteries and contributed to various other important tasks that depend on their labor every year. These community volunteers make sure that the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for their country are never forgotten — which is the true focus of this holiday. — A reader
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.
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