Crews work to remove downed tree on Vineyard Boulevard

UPDATE: 8:54 p.m.

State Department of Transportation officials said one westbound lane of Vineyard Boulevard is now open as crews continue to work on removing a large tree that fell onto the roadway this morning.

The open westbound lane is located between Nuuanu Avenue and Aala Street. The eastbound lanes are also open, officials said.

City officials said Honolulu Division of Urban Forestry crews responded to the 70-foot tree that fell across Vineyard Boulevard at Maunakea Street around 9 a.m.

No injuries were reported but several parked vehicles and the Foster Botanical Garden fence were damaged, and a streetlight was toppled.

The tree is a Triplochiton zambesiacus planted at the botanical garden in 1960.

Division of Urban Forestry officials said the heavy rain this morning may have played a part in the tree’s falling.

Division arborists will inspect the tree to determine why it fell, they said.

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A toppled tree and light pole at the corner of Maunakea Street and Vineyard Boulevard outside Foster Botanical Gardens prompted road closures today.

According to a police alert, Vineyard Boulevard is temporarily closed in both directions between Nuuanu Avenue and Aala Street due to a downed tree.

Foster Botanical Gardens Director Joshlyn Sand told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser the Triplochiton tree from Africa that fell was 60 years old. Crews were seen this morning working to remove the downed tree.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

No injuries were reported.