Vandalism of water supply was factor in demise of century-old Moiliili banyan tree

Question: Auwe! Did they try to save the majestic tree they cut down in Moiliili Triangle Park, which might have survived if it had gotten enough water and been taken care of better? We cannot let nature be abused like this! Wake up, Honolulu!

Answer: You are one of several readers who insist that a nearby homeless encampment contributed to the demise of the century-­old Chinese banyan tree, which stood on the traffic island near University Avenue, where South King and Beretania streets diverge.

The city began removing the tree last week, taking care to preserve the plaque that dedicated it to the first Japanese immigrants said to settle in the area.

You say that homeless people who lived under or near the tree damaged irrigation lines to avoid getting sprayed by sprinklers or to divert water for their own use.

The city acknowledged that the irrigation system was repeatedly vandalized but said it did not know who was responsible. City officials did cite stress from insufficient water as a factor in the tree’s failure, along with advanced age and a twig borer pest infestation. That pest and others also afflict other banyan trees on Oahu.

The city tried to save this tree by treating it with insecticide, without success. Ultimately, it decided to cut down the tree in the interest of public safety, because three large branches had fallen from it this year and others showed signs of impending failure.

“The lack of water certainly contributed to the declining health of the tree and its inability to fight off the twig borer. This pest has been observed in banyan trees across the island as well,” said Jeanne Ishikawa, deputy director of the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation. “The water issues at this location are due to the irrigation lines being repeatedly broken and vandalized. While homeless individuals may have had a presence at this traffic triangle, we were unable to determine or identify the source of the numerous acts of vandalism.”

Winston Welch, executive director of the Outdoor Circle, a nonprofit environmental organization known for its devotion to Hawaii’s trees, said the loss of another large shade tree in urban Honolulu highlights the urgency of continuous replenishment.

“Regardless of the factors, the loss of this tree just reinforces the huge need to plant thousands of trees on Oahu. We need to plant hundreds of trees for every big one that comes down,” he said.

Q: It seems like I get a jury questionnaire much more frequently than my neighbors, and yet I never get out of the jury pool (I never get picked). It makes me wonder on what basis they send out these surveys.

A: According to the state Judiciary: “Every August, the Hawaii State Judiciary mails juror questionnaires to individuals who have a Hawaii state driver’s license or are registered to vote in the state of Hawaii. The names of individuals who will receive a questionnaire are selected at random.”

To be eligible to serve on a jury, you must be a U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old, lives in Hawaii and can read and understand English. As you have learned, being eligible does not guarantee that you will be selected.

Mahalo

A belated thank you for the excellent treatment I received at Kaiser Moanalua ER on New Year’s Eve (hit my head and fractured my ankle). Special thanks to Marc Morifuji (orthopedics) and staff, who cared for me during my five-month recovery process. I am up and about now, thanks to you all. — Forever grateful senior

Mahalo

Mahalo to the two people who helped me and jumped my car at Haleiwa McDonald’s on Saturday morning. They were the opala truck driver and the McDonald’s shift supervisor. Thanks again to both of you. — L.G.

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.