A 17 year-old Kahuku High School senior confessed to cutting down a 50-year-old banyan tree on campus in an early morning Monday prank with several other seniors, officials said.

Lea Albert, Department of Education Windward Oahu District administrator, said the entire Kahuku community is upset in what she described as "extremely thoughtless" action.

She said because of privacy laws she is not able to discuss the situation or what actions were taken against the male students.

Police said that one 17-year-old male confessed to being part of the prank and is facing criminal property damage charge.

Albert said the tree is located in the middle of the Kahuku campus near the cafeteria and offers the only shade area on campus.