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HomeMy WebLinkAbout060613 Agenda Packet Laurie Ho Members Chair David Lorence Kawika Smith Lawrence Borgatti Vice Chair Dee Crowell Deputy Planning Director COUNTY OF KAUAI ARBORIST ADVISORY CONIM11EEBEIVFn NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA Thursday, June 6, 2013 9:00 a.m. or shortly thereafter 13 MAY 29 P4 :21 Mo'ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/2B 4444 Rice Street, Lhu` e, Kauai, Hawaii 96766 OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK COUNTY OF KAUA4$ 1 CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES Open Session Meeting Minutes of March 15, 2013 BUSINESS AAC 2013-06 Review and discussion regarding a communication dated May 10, 2013 from Avery Youn Architect, to Chair Laurie Ho of the Kauai Arborist Advisory Committee, seeking input from the Committee on a proposal to remove, relocate and or replace on site approximately 54 coconut palms otherwise known as Niu or Coco nucifera, designated Exceptional K- 12 Coconut Grove situated on subject properties: TMK: 4-4-3-7-29 and 30. EXECUTIVE SESSION Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes, ("H.R.S.") §92-7(a), the Committee may, when deemed necessary, hold an Executive Session on any agenda item without written public notice if the Executive Session was not anticipated in advance. Any such Executive Session shall be held pursuant to §92-4, H.R. S . and shall be limited to those items described in H.R.S . 92-5 (a). Discussions held in Executive Session are closed to the public. ADJOURNMENT Equal Opportunity Employer PUBLIC COMMENTS AND TESTIMONY Persons wishing to offer comments are encouraged to submit written testimony at least 24-hours prior to the meeting indicating. 1 . Your name and if applicable, your position/title and organization you are representing. 2. The agenda item that you are providing comments on; and 3 . Whether you are testifying in person or submitting written comments only. While every effort will be made to copy, organize, and collate all testimony received on the day of the meeting, any improperly identified material may be distributed to the members after the meeting has concluded. The length of time allocated to persons wishing to present verbal testimony may be limited at the discretion of the chairperson or presiding member. Send written testimony to: County. of Kauai Arborist Advisory Committee Office of Boards and Commissions 4444 Rice Street, Suite 150 Lhu'e, Kauai, Hawai'i 96766 Phone: (808) 241 4920 Business Fax: (808) 241 -5127 E-mail: myoun dkauai.gov Cc: Jodi Higuchi-Sayegusa, Deputy County Attorney SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS If you need an alternate format or an auxiliary aid to participate, please contact the Boards and Commissions Support Clerk at (808) 241 -4920 at least (5) working days prior to the meeting. Arborist Advisory Committee — June 6, 2013 Dl 'R �TTo � � u � � �AAF �J �.pp COUNTY OF KAUAI ,.r� � Minutes of Meeting OPEN SESSION Board/Committee: ARBORIST ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting Date March 15, 2013 Location Mo' ikeha Building — Meeting Room 2A/B Start of Meeting: 9:05 a.m. End of Meeting: 10: 11 a.m. Present Chair Laurie Ho; Co-Chair Lawrence Borgatti; Members: David Lorence, and Deputy Planning Director Dee Crowell Also present: Deputy County Attorney Jodi Higuchi; Board & Commissions Office Staff: Support Clerk Mercedes Youn; Administrative Aide Teresa Tamura Public testimony: Attorney Walton D.Y. Hong, Love Bernhelm, Robert MacCallum, Beverly MacCallum, Judy Broherton Excused Kawika Smith Absent SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Call To Order Chair Laurie Ho called the meeting to order at 9 :05 a.m. Agenda Mr. Lorence requested that item AAC 2013 -05, of the agenda be amended to properly reflect the scientific name of the Monkey Pod Tree as Pithecellobium saman. Chair Laurie Ho called for the approval of the agenda, as amended. Mr. Lorence moved to approve the agenda, as amended. Mr. Borgatti seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 Approval of Open Session Minutes of March 15, 2013 Minutes Chair Laurie Ho requested that the minutes of February 15, 2013 be amended to properly reflect Lawrence Borgatti as Co-Chair. She added that at the last meeting, the committee voted Lawrence Borgatti as Co- Chair for 2013 . She also requested that on page five (5), of the minutes be amended to properly reflect the name as Mr. David Lorence rather than Dr. David Lorence. Arborist Advisory Committee Open Session March 15, 2013 Page 2 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Chair Laurie Ho called for the approval of the minutes, as amended. Mr. Lorence moved to approve the minutes, as amended. Mr. Borgatti seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 Communications AAC 2013 -04 Copy of communication dated February 22, 2013 from Mr. Samuel W. Pratt President of Niu Pia Land Company Ltd., to Planning Director Michael Dahilig, as it relates to TMK (4)-4-3-7-029 (and 30) Exceptional Tree removal. Ms. Higuchi brought to the attention of the committee that at the last meeting, the committee voted to approve the removal of the coconut palm trees. She clarified that no action was needed by the committee because Niu Pia Land Company was not seeking to remove the trees from the maps, i.e., remove the designation of the grove but instead they wanted to remove the dead trees and replant new saplings, which is allowed in the ordinance under sub-section §22-5 .7 (c) of the Kauai County Code 1987, which states trees in a grove may be removed, subject to approval of the County Planning Department. Chair Laurie Ho thanked Ms. Higuchi for the clarification and called for a Mr. Crowell moved to receive item AAC 2013 " motion to receive item AAC 2013-04. 04. Mr. Lorence seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 Additionally, Chair Laurie Ho questioned whether it would be appropriate to amend to the ordinance to reflect both TMK° s (4)-4-3 -007-029 and (030) which describes the location of the grove. Ms. Higuchi stated that an amendment to correct the ordinance would be appropriate at this time because the original designation for the coconut grove was extended to the whole parcel. She assured the committee that her office would work with the Office of Boards and Commissions and the Administration to correct the ordinance for transmittal to the Mayor for Arborist Advisory Committee Open Session March 15, 2013 Page 3 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION introduction to the County Council to amend the ordinance. Ms. Tamura clarified for the committee that the only action that would be taken at this time is the motion to recommend to the County Council to correct the ordinance and that the motion to remove the coconut palms is void. Business AAC 2013-03 Discussion and decision-making on a request for a recommendation from Walton D.Y. Hong, Attorne y for Barbara Banke and e Jackson Family Investments to seek removal of the designat ed Excgptional Tree No. K- 13 also known as Tropical Almond False Kamani ee or Kamani Ula or Terminalia catapj2a located on real property known is Lot 53 on the Jackson Propggy Property in Haena, Kauai Hawaii and situated on MK: (4)J-9-005-002 Wroximately 80 feet mauka along Kuhio highwgy. eferred on 2/15/13 Chair Laurie Ho opened the floor to receive public testimony. Mr. Walton Hong, Attorney for Barbara Banke and the Jackson Family Investments, stated that at the last meeting, a question was raised by Mr. Crowell as to whether or not the County had jurisdiction under the tree ordinance since the subject property is located in a State Conservation District. He noted that within the Conservation District the uses are regulated not by the County but by the Department of Natural Resources (DLNR) and the Board of Natural Resources. He stated that it is his understanding that the County Attorney was going to do further research on whether the County does or does not have jurisdiction and until such time that the findings are revealed, he is unclear on how to proceed with this issue. Chair Laurie Ho stated that the committee is in receipt of a confidential legal o inion but is unclear at what point that opinion can be publicly Arborist Advisory Committee Open Session March 15, 2013 Page 4 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION released. Ms. Higuchi stated that it would be appropriate for the committee to generally share the findings which state that the Exceptional Tree Ordinance is preempted by State law as it relates to trees within the State Conservation District, Mr. Hong stated that as long as the advice from the County Attorney states that the County is preempted by State law he really has no business here today. He assured the committee that they would be working with the Department of Land and Natural Resources in meeting all of their requirements. Mr. Hong also acknowledged the public concerns regarding the burials and that his clients would certainly address those burials. He thanked the committee for their time and consideration. Mr. Crowell asked how the committee would move forward on this matter. Ms. Higuchi recommended that the committee refer the matter including all testimonies/documents to OCCL (Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands) because they have jurisdiction and oversight regarding this matter. Chair Laurie Ho called for a motion to refer the matter and all documentation as it relates to Exceptional Tree K-13 to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, OCCL Division. Mr. Lorene moved to refer the matter to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Conservation and Coastal Land Division. Mr. Crowell seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 Chair Laurie Ho asked whether the legal opinion should be made part of the record. Ms. Higuchi explained only if the committee votes to waive its rights to confidentiality can the opinion be released publicly, but first, she Arborist Advisory Committee Open Session March 15, 2013 Page 5 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION would need to seek the County Attorney's advice on whether it would be appropriate to release the opinion to the public. Chair Laurie Ho felt that it would be appropriate for the committee to include the confidential legal opinion as part of the record because the committee' s decision was based on the opinion. Ms. Youn suggested that the committee receive the confidential legal Mr. Lorence moved to receive the confidential opinion dated March 6, 2013 for the record. Chair Laurie Ho agreed, and legal opinion dated March 6, 2013 from Ms. Jodi called for a motion to receive the legal opinion for the record. Higuchi. Mr. Crowell seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0 It was brought to the attention of Chair Laurie Ho that Ms. Bernheim wished to give testimony. Love Bernheim, member of the public, stated that based on the discussion is she right to assume that the matter is going to be referred to the OCCL. With that said, she asked whether all current and past documentation including a letter dated March 20, 1990 from Mrs. Helena Hana Santos to Mr. Don Hibbard, Director of the Historic Preservation Program, would be transferred to OCCL. Ms. Bernheim brought to the attention of the committee that in 1990, Ms. Santos testified that the subject tree is the oldest tree in Haena and there are two (2) graves located on the asubject property. She added that Ms. Santos was 61 years old at the time of her testimony and that the tree has been around since her childhood which would make her year of birth 1929, which means the tree is at least 84 years old and has survived two (2) tsunamis and two (2) hurricanes. Ms. Bernheim indicated that she had questions on public easements and public land trusts in which she called OCCL, the tax assessor's office and even the Planning Department but she got the run around every time she called. She asked if there was a member on the Arborist Advisory Arborist Advisory Committee Open Session March 15, 2013 Page 6 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Committee who represents the Planning Department, Ms. Bernheim asked whether a conservation easement is something that would go through the Planning Department. Mr. Crowell stated that because the subject property is located in a State Conservation District the County has no jurisdiction. Ms. Bernheim indicated that when she called OCCL, who is the authoritative body, she was told that they had never heard of a conservation easement. . Mr. Crowell stated that in theory a conservation district is considered a conservation easement because the development standards are different when it comes to State Conservation Districts, Chair Laurie Ho mentioned that a lot of the inquires coming from Ms. - Bernheim should not be addressed by the Arborist Advisory Committee because the purpose of the Arborist Advisory Committee is to determine which trees are to be designated "exceptional trees" by reason of historical or cultural value, aesthetic quality, endemic status, age, rarity, location, or size. For clarification, Ms. Bernheim asked when the permitting process begins would the matter then be referred to the OCCL including the transfer of the documentations. Ms. Higuchi stated that once the applicant moves forward with a certain action in the Conservation District the OCCL regulations will have to be met by the applicant AAC 2013 -05 Exceptional Tree nomination submitted by Robert MacCallum, Brad Kreller, Peggy Lenahan, Don Healy, Mary Ransbury, Jim Nelson, Dawn Olsen, Dorathea Liverman, and Joseph Crivelli, received on Februga 7 2013 . The applicants seek to designate the Arborist Advisory Committee Open Session March 15, 2013 Page 7 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION existing seven (7) Monkey Pod Trees also known as Rain Tree, Pithecellobium saman or Albizia saman located at 440 Aleka Place, Kama, Kauai, Hawaii 96746, and situated on TMK: 43 -02- 13 , to be considered and nominated as exceptional trees pursuant to Section 22-5.3 of the Kauai County Code as amended. Mr. Borgatti requested to remove himself on the appearance of a conflict Mr. Borgatti left the meeting at 9:30 a.m. of interest. Robert MacCallum, member of the public, read his testimony which is attached hereto. He stated that he and his wife have developed a deep respect and abiding malama for the beauty of the islands; that respect has motivated them to do their part as stated in the exceptional tree ordinance to "preserve the environmental character of Kauai. Beverly MacCallum, member of the public, stated that the Monkey Pod Trees have been hacked away for the last two (2) years to such a degree that one of the trees is almost dead. She was emotional and expressed her concern for the safety of the trees and that it was evident that the tree has not recovered from past pruning wounds. Mr. Crowell asked if it was right to assume that the Owners Association Board is planning to do something with these trees. Mr. MacCallum stated that the board put forward a plan to the owners which, apparently, has been declined and that the problem is that the board operates in secrecy. He indicated that since the vote to decline the plan some of the owners have not heard any word from the board. tie expressed his concern that the trees should be afforded proper care and protection and none of the trees should be removed in an unwarranted fashion. Arborist Advisory Committee Open Session March 15, 2013 Page 8 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Mr. Crowell asked if there were any board members present. Mr. MacCallum said no. Judy Broherton, member of the public, stated that as a developer she understands the conflict with builders and homeowners who want to clear their land for development. Ms. Broherton expressed her disagreement with the board' s plans to increase the parking lot by adding additional parking stalls. Chair Laurie Ho added that both Ms. MacCallum's and Ms. Broherton' s written testimonies are included in the Exceptional Tree nomination application form. Mr. Lorence moved to receive. Chair Laurie Ho called for a motion to receive for the record the Mr. Crowell seconded the motion. exceptional tree nomination application and written testimonies as it relates Motion carried 3 :0 to item AAC 2013-050 Mr. Lorence stated that committee has the task of determining whether the seven (7) Monkey Pod Trees are to be designated "exceptional trees" by reason of historical or cultural value, aesthetic quality, endemic status, age, rarity, location, or size for posterity. He stated that an exceptional tree must stand on its own merits and must fit the criteria as he previously indicated. Mr. Crowell asked if the location of the trees is considered a grove. Mr. Lorene stated that seven (7) trees would not be considered a grove. Mr. Crowell voiced his concerns on designating the group of trees as exceptional trees. He indicated that the trees were planted in the parking lot for landscaping the hotel roughly forty (40) years ago. He stated that the Planning Department tries to encourage developers to plant canopy Arborist Advisory Committee Open Session March 15, 2013 Page 9 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION trees such as these (maybe not as big) to cool down the parking area, however if the developers knew now that forty (40) years down the road those trees would be designated as exceptional trees they would have fought tooth and nail not to plant any trees. He also pointed out that the Planning Department is looking into the CZO update that would require the developers to plant trees however, if this sort of thing happens too often then they would have come up with other alternatives for the developers that say if you plant these trees, the trees would never be placed on the exceptional tree list. Mr. Crowell stated that although he agrees that the grove of trees are beautiful and provide shade for the parking lot area, he would have to vote against designating the Monkey Pod Trees as exceptional trees for reasons he stated. Mr. Lorence noted that there were two (2) assessments done by two (2) different arborists in which both suggested that the trees were not healthy and judging by the documented photos he tends to agree with both arborists and is not convinced that the group of trees is exceptional in terms of their size, age and health. He indicated that he has seen quite a few monkey pod trees, even older ones at the National Botanical Garden, and felt that this group of monkey pod trees do not fit the criteria in which the Arborist Advisory Committee is looking for. Mr. MacCallum stated that they have met the requirements of the criteria such as age, rarity, and size as indicated on the nomination form. Mr. Lorene stated that the application looks like it was properly submitted however, the Arborist Advisory Committee must look at the trees and ask are these trees exceptional. He voiced his concern about the conflict between the owners association and the board and unfortunately, he felt that the committee is caught in the middle. Arborist Advisory Committee Open Session March 15, 2013 Page 10 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Chair Laurie Ho echoed both Mr. Lorence and Mr. Crowell's feelings that the issue seems to be between the Board of Directors for the Association of Apartment Owners and a group of concerned owners at the Islander on the Beach. She also agreed that the seven (7) Monkey Pod Trees is not considered a grove of exceptional trees. Mr. MacCallum states that he agrees with Chair Laurie Ho, that the underlying issue is complex and whether or not the trees are designated exceptional he is seeking a remedy to the problem which is to try to balance the environment and in this case, the board' s proposal to add additional parking stalls. He asked advice from the committee on how to best approach this conundrum that would not require the removal of any of the monkey pod trees. Chair Laurie Ho asked Mr. Crowell if he could (as courtesy) meet with the applicants to address their concerns regarding issues that are not within the committee's purview but more of a Planning Department issue. Mr. Crowell agreed. Mr. Lorence moved to deny the nomination of Chair Laurie Ho called for a motion. the seven (7) Monkey Pod Trees for exceptional tree status. Mr. Crowell seconded the motion. Motion carried 3 :0 Adjournment Chair Laurie Ho called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Crowell moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Lorene seconded the motion. Motion carried 3 :0 At 10: 11 a.m. the meeting adjourned ol Arborist Advisory Committee Open Session March 15, 2013 Page 11 Submitted by Reviewed and Approved by: Mercedes Youn, Staff Support Clerk Laurie Ho, Chair O Approved as circulated (add date of meeting approval). O Approved as amended. See minutes of meeting, r f i AVERY YOUN, ARCHITECT 4-1524 KUHIO HIGHWAY KAPAA, KAUAI, HAWAII 96746 May 10, 2013 TO: Laurie Ho, Chairperson Kauai Arborist Committee Re: Proposal to Develop a Long's Drug Store within The Coconut Grove at Coconut Plantation, Wailua, Kauai, Hawaii Madame Chairman, The purpose of this letter is to schedule a meeting before the Kauai Arborist Committee for a preliminary review of conceptual plans proposed for the development of a CVS/ Longs Pharmacy Store within the coconut grove at the Coconut Plantation Resort in Waipouli. Because the grove is protected by the Exceptional Tree Ordinance, a review is necessary at this time since the trees are 80' to 100' high, over 100 years old , are reaching the end of their natural life, and will have a low survival rate if relocated and transplanted. Many of the trees must be relocated , have already died with some being in a sickly state and in the process of dying . Input from the Committee would be helpful in determining removal, relocation, transplanting and placement of the trees. Therefore, a June meeting with the Arborist Committee at the first available date would be deeply appreciated. I can be reached at 246 9414. M Avery n, Ar itect AC 2013 - 06 sivnalnldNI VIlVd .inN0000 M3N X10 031VO013d' 103 SNOIIVOO 13181SSOd 08 sivnalAIGNI VMIVd 1nN0000 JO NOiivniv 1j ''d I JOd3 I ix1109 R3 C ifflIHA „ • i ARBORIST REPORT FOR COCONUT PALMS LOCATED ON THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES, TMK: (4) 4-3007: 029 and TMK: (4) 4-3-007: 030 Date: Aprf13, 2013 Prepared By Jerry Nishek Certified Arborist (WE-7410A) Kauai Nursery & Landscaping, Inc. 3- 1550 Kaumualii Highway Lihue, HI 96766 Phone: (808) 245-7747 Fax: (808) 245-9289 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION The properties in question are referenced as State TMK: (4) 4-3-007:029 (approximately 1 .5 acres) and State TMK: (4) 4-3-007 :030 (approximately 2 acres), the properties being adjacent to each other, henceforth referred to as the Site. The Site is bounded by Kuhio Highway to the west, Aleka Loop to the north and east, and Plantation Hale to the south. No buildings or other permanent raised structures exist on the Site. The vegetation consists of a mixed grass lawn as a groundcover, and a grove of approximately 103 Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) individuals distributed on the property in a semi- uniformly spaced grid pattern. Exhibit A ("Evaluation of Coconut Patin Individuals") shows the distribution of the individuals on the Site. Exhibit A will also be a visual reference for the remainder of this Report. EVALUATION OF EXISTING COCONUT PALM GROVE Historical records document the initial planting of the coconut grove on the Site as having occurred in the year 1911 . This planting was part of a larger planting of 1 , 100 coconut seedlings by Edward H. W. Broadbent in the Waipouli area. The majority of the existing coconut palms on the Site (82 of a total 103) appear to be original individuals from the 1911 planting. The brown trunk height range of 80 ' to 100' (height measured from soil level to the base of the oldest attached leaf) for these individuals correspond to an average age of approximately 100 years. Five of the coconut palms on the Site have brown trunk heights ranging from 10' to 20' . These individuals are probably in the 8 to 15 year old range. Their positioning in the grove suggests that they were planted as replacements for individuals that had expired and were cut down some years ago. While in good overall condition, there is some concern about the condition of their Root Initiation Zone (RIZ), the base of the trunk where new root formation occurs. A possible combination of not being planted deep enough and string trimmer (or other maintenance equipment) damage could be the problem. Because of the relatively young age and healthy growth of the individuals, this problem can be remedied fairly easily by either mounding topsoil at the base of the trunk or replanting the individual entirely. Sixteen of the coconut palms on the Site have nonexistent or insignificant brown trunk heights and are considered seedlings, even though they are probably in the 2 to 5 year old range. They are growing next to fresh stumps of individuals that had expired and were cut down within one week of this Report's date. Pagel of 4 i The seedlings appear to be in overall good condition, except for minor nitrogen and potassium fertilizer deficiencies expressed by foliage color. Professional literature acknowledges coconut palm individuals living in excess of 100 years, although these individuals are well past their maximum productivity age (40 years old). The overall condition of the coconut palms in the 100 year old range appears to indicate varying stages of senility (slow to extremely slow growth due to age, culminating in the death of the individual palm). These individuals are essentially close to reaching their expiration time. In addition, this population contains 10 individuals that should be considered for demolition due to the combination of the following conditions and indicators: ® Advanced age e Poor appearance of spear (youngest) leaf (flaccid appearance, not as turgid as other individuals) ® Poor overall appearance of crown (yellowing and burning of leaves appear to be greater than the rest of the surrounding population) ® Penciling or pencil-pointing of the trunk (abrupt constriction of the trunk just below the crown; in this case, due to decrease in the ability of the palm to supply adequate moisture and nutrients to the growing point) If we were to follow the apparent planting grid pattern of the coconut grove, we would deduce a pattern of 7 rows by 23 individuals per row. From this pattern, we can assume that there may have been 161 palms in the original grove planting. Of this original population, only 82 remain, with 79 having been lost over time. At the same time, 21 palms have been planted to replace those that were lost. Although we cannot determine the exact age of expiration for these individuals, we can assume that the rate of expiration of the remaining individuals will accelerate. COCONUT PALM DISPOSITION CONSIDERATIONS The Site is designated for improvements in the near future. The disposition of 54 existing coconut palms will need to be determined, as they fall within the improvement area. These 54 individuals consist of the following: 0 37 individuals from the original 1911 planting (a total of 45 individuals exist, however, 8 of these require demolition); e 2 individuals with brown trunk heights of 15 ' and 20' , respectively; a and, 15 individuals considered as seedlings. Exhibit B shows 42 potential locations where most of these coconut palms can be relocated to. Because the existing grove is part of a designated exceptional tree site, referred to as No. K42 — Coconut Grove in the Kauai County Code Sec. 22-5.4 Designation of Exceptional Trees, locations along the Kuhio Highway stretch would be the priority transplanting site. This stretch alone has 25 open locations, which would significantly reduce the visual impact of removing 45 large individuals from the improvement area. , Due to their small sizes, the individuals with trunk heights less than 20 feet can easily be relocated within the Site. These 17 palms can be considered as taken care of. The remaining 37 individuals requiring disposition will need further evaluation. These individuals can technically be relocated, as some landscape contractors have relocated coconut palms of similar sizes in various locations on Kauai. However, there are some tradeoffs that need to be considered: survivability of the transplant; longevity of the transplant, and, economics of the transplant. Page 2 of 4 i Because the age and the general stage of senility of these palms are known, there is a chance that a substantial number of these transplants may not survive. Recovery from the transplanting process requires an actively growing state from the individual palm. Coconut palms that are still in an active state of growth (up to 60 years of age) can be transplanted with a relatively high survival rate (85%- 90%), even with brown trunk heights of up to 75 feet. Because the existing palms are old and in an advanced stage of senility, a survival rate of 60% would be a conservative estimate. How long the transplant lives after moving to its new location cannot be readily determined. However, by deduction, if the transplant recovers successfully, there is the possibility that its rate of senility will increase. If the palm was not relocated, it may have continued to survive for another 44 years; whereas, having expended a considerable amount of energy to recover from transplanting, the individual may now expire in 1 -3 years. So, while the transplant survives, its longevity is reduced. From an economic point of view, transplanting the 100+ year old individuals is not a financially sound decision. Relocating each individual will cost $1 ,600.00. Because contractors will not usually provide a warranty for this type of work, $59,200.00 will be spent to achieve 23 individuals (assuming a 60% survival rate), or $2,574.00 per individual, that may grow for another three years before they need to be replaced. Now, consider that $2,500.00 will purchase a new coconut palm with a 20 foot brown trunk height. Young and actively growing, these palms will be covered under a plant Warranty, essentially buying a 100% survival rate. Although significantly shorter in height than the' 100+ year old individuals, these new palms will still provide a noticeable size impact, and also provide a substantially longer lifespan before replacement is required. A replanting program is inevitable with the current condition of the older coconut palms. Therefore, the judicious approach would be: demolish all 100+ year old coconut palms within the improvement area; ® plant new 20 foot trunk height coconut palms along the Kuhio Highway stretch; e use both new and transplanted 10-20 foot trunk height coconut palms for potential locations along Aleka Loop; ® and, transplant the seedlings near the remaining oldest individuals as future replacements. This prudent plan of action will hopefully be acceptable to the Owners, Developers, and the County of Kauai. Page 3 of REIFERENCES Aloha Arborist Association. 2009. Hawaii Guidelines for the Management of Coconut Palms. Aloha Arborist Association, P.O. Box 893953, Mililani, HI 96789-0953 . Broschat, T.K., and Donselman, H. 1984. Regrowth of Severed Palm Roots. Journal of Arboriculture 10(8): 238-2409 Broschat, T.K., and Donsehnan, H. 1987. Factors Affecting Palm Transplant Success. Proc . Fla. State Hort. Soc. 100: 396-3979 Broschat, T.K. 2009. Transplanting Palms in the Landscape. Circular CIR1047, Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Broschat, T.K. 2009. Palm Nutrition and Fertilization. HortTechnology. 19(4):690-694 Chan, E., and Elevitch, C.R. 2006. Cocos nucifera (coconut), ver. 2. l . In: Elevitch, C.R. (ed.). Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry. Permanent Agriculture Resources (PAR), Holualoa, Hawaii Foale, M., and Harries, H. 2011 (revised). Farm and Forestry Production and Marketing Profile for Coconut (Cocos ncifera). In: Elevitch, C.R. (ed.). Specialty Crops for Pacific Island Agroforestry. Permanent Agricuture Resources (PAR), Holualoa, Hawaii. Foale, M. 2003. The coconut odyssey: the bounteous possibilities of the tree of life. ACIAR Monograph No. 101, 132p. Hodel, D.R. 2009. Biology of Palms and Implications for Management in the Landscape. HortTechnology. 19(4):676-681 Hode1,D.R., Downer, A.J., and Pittenger, D.R. 2009. Transplanting Palms. HortTechnology, 19(4):686- 689 "Kaua` i' s coconut groves." The Garden Island. 24 Nov. 2010. Oahu•Publications Inc. 2 Jul. 2012. <http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/article 6f92cbf44 862- 11df-9abe-001cc4c002e0.html> County of Kauai. 1987 (amended 2004). Kauai County Code, Chapter 22, Article 5, Preservation of Exceptional Trees. 'Senile' coconut trees threaten PH exports. ABS-CBN News. 6 Sep 2011 . 28 Mar 2013. <http://w%v%v.abs-cbnnews.coin/business/09/06/11/senile-coconut-trees-threaten-ph-exports> Oduor, N. and Githiomi, J. 2011 . Wood Characteristics and properties of Cocos nucifera (the coconut tree) grown in Kwale District. Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Forest Products Research Centre, Watson, D.P. 1973 . Coconut as an Ornamental. Circular 478. Cooperative Extension Service, College of Tropical Agriculture, University of Hawaii. Page 4 of 4 i r r r ! I