Maui County Arborist Committee

Meeting Minutes

June 10, 2015

1. Call to order at 2:00 pm when it was determined that a quorum was present. 2. Public testimony—Elaine Malina announced that Ernest Rezents has been recognized by the International Society of Arboriculture as one of three top professionals in the field of arboriculture and has earned the title of “True Professional of Arboriculture”. He will be given an award at an international meeting in Florida. Ernie then reported that he had not completed a final review of the edits to the Maui County Planting Plan. 3. New business a. Martha Vockrodt-Moran presented 8 for consideration to the exceptional list. The trees represent four species. The nominations are as follows: 1). Scientific name: Pritchardia arecina. Hawaiian name: Loulu Status: endemic; Island occurrence: Maui; Origin: East Maui Planted: 1952; Number of trees: 1 Pritchardia arecina Height: 17 ft; Diameter: 7 inches; Crown: 16 ft. 6 in. An original planting by D.T. Fleming. Before the arrival of the Hawaiians and their farming, the palm populated the isthmus of Maui. Palms were removed to grow Pili grass and sweet potato. Other species of Loulu, with fronds also used for hut roofing, were abundant in the mountain valleys. 2). Scientific name: Pritchardia forbesiana. Hawaiian name: Loulu Status: endemic; Island occurrence: Maui; Origin: West Maui Planted: 1952; Number of trees: 1 Pritchardia forbesiana Height: 21 ft. 4 in.; Diameter: 6 ½ in.; Crown: 12 ft. An original planting by D.T. Fleming 3). Scientific name: Chrysodracon auwahiensis Hawaiian name: Halapepe Status: endemic; Island occurrence: Molokai, Maui; Origin: Auwahi Planted: 1954; Number of trees: 2 Pleomele auwahiensis-described as Upper Halapepe and Lower Halapepe; Upper Halapepe-Height: 21 ft; Diameter: 2 ft. 4 inches; Crown: 14 ft. 9 in.; Lower Halapepe-Height: 18 ft. 4 “; Diameter: 3 ft Crown: 17 ft. 5 in. An original planting by D.T. Fleming. These two Halapepe from Auwahi are as Large as the largest Halapepe trees on South Maui. They grow in a grove of Halapepe at the Fleming Arboretum. They are prolific in seed, distributed annually for propagation to private and public conservation groups, including Maui Nui Botanical Garden. 4). Scientific name: cookei Hawaiian name: Koki’o Status: endemic; Island occurrence: Molokai; Federal status: endangered; Origin: Waimea Arboretum; Planted: 2010; Number of trees: 4 Kokia cookei- Described as 1 Mother Waimea tree and 3 seedlings Mother Waimea Tree-Height: 10 ft; Diameter: 3 in.; Crown: 5 ft.8 in 3 seedlings(only 4 in existence)-Height: 15 ft; Diameter: 2 ½ in.; Crown: 6 ft. 6” The Fleming Arboretum has 4 of the only 5 individual Kokia cookei—3 Individuals from seed and one copy (graft on Kokia drynarioides) of the Mother tree growing in the Waimea Arboretum, Oahu. Before these seedling, the only Kokia cookei in existence was the Waimea tree. Careful, documented hand pollination at the Fleming Arboretum each year for a varied pollination works for diversified genetics to prevent inbreeding. The survival of this species depends on the preservation efforts at the D.T. Fleming Arboretum with partnership of PEPP, a Prevention Program. Jackie Brainard moved to accept the nominations with a second by William Jacintho. The motion passed unanimously. 4. The minutes were corrected for better understanding and passed unanimously in a motion made by William and seconded by Casey Foster. 5. Unfinished business – Keopuolani Park planting project a. Plans for the first phase of planting are set for Saturday, June 13 beginning at 8 am. Additional volunteers have been recruited from the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals as well as past members of the Arborist Committee. There are 15 trees to be planted in the lower parking lot of the park. The project is sponsored by Maui Green and Beautiful and funded through a grant given to the nonprofit organization. 6. Chairman’s report—Kimberly will be meeting with Robert Carroll’s staff member to clarify the input provided to the proposed parking lot ordinance. When discussing a proposed news article, Jackie volunteered to put together a format for a marketing or public relations plan for the Committee. She would like to assist in educating the public about proper pruning by revitalizing the “Stop the Chop” campaign. She reminded members that “Letters to the Editor” are a means to educate the public. Jackie has contacts at AKAKU, the public access channel. She will see if she can enlist the support from them for PSA’s. 7. Committee report—Arbor Week a. The subcommittee held their first meeting. They reviewed the list of past members and discussed how the themes had been developed over the years. They will meet again on June 19 at noon at the Wailuku Coffee Co. The two members of the Committee that are coordinating the effort with community volunteers are Heather Heath and Kimberly Thayer. b. Exceptional tree assessments were assigned to those present. These will be finalized next month. The recommendation is to include pictures if possible. Jeannie Pezzoli works with Ernie to assess M23 & 25; and perhaps the new trees on the private property on Baldwin Avenue. William will review the Lahaina trees and the new Ohia. Chris Reynolds will review the kamani in Hana and possibly help with the Molokai review. Elaine and Kim will assess M2, 3, 6, & 7. 8. Arborist report—None was given due to his absence. 9. Agenda development—public relations campaign, MCPP, debrief the planting project, Arbor Week, Exceptional tree assessments, residents of Kihei Kai Nani tree concerns; possible nominations from old Maui High and Ollowalu. 10. Meeting adjourned at 3:35 pm. Respectfully submitted by Sue Kiang Approved at July 8, 2015 meeting