MEDIA RELEASE

HILO – The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced today it will remove a monkey pod tree from the entrance of the district office on Waianuenue Avenue. In June an arborist reported the tree suffers from severe rot and its condition has reached a stage that may result in its fall, causing a safety hazard.

The tree is over 50-years-old and has a canopy spread of over 100 feet and a height of 60 feet to 70 feet. The tree’s limbs are hollow from rot and estimated to weigh 15 to 20 tons.

Based on the evaluation and safety risk to the public, HIDOE will be removing the tree. HIDOE has hired Tree Works for the tree removal, which will take place sometime before the school year begins on Aug. 1. Until that time, the area around the tree is prohibited from access.