Kihei Community Association Testimony

Support for Urban Forest Plan for Maui County

A very important benefit of creating an Urban Forest is the shading of hardscape. Our environments are getting hotter every day. This causes multitudes of stresses and increased expenses.

In Maui, we often see that trees are not given the respect that they deserve. We see them cut down and “topped” frequently, especially in parking lots where the hardscape is vast.

Ours is a problem that requires a cultural shift in a deeply entrenched attitude of taking trees for granted.

We all know the value of tree shade -
the reduction in temperatures
the preservation of parking lot surfaces
the freshness of air quality
the uptake of runoff
the increase in property values
the beauty and tranquility of our environment
the reduction of noise….and more

There are innumerable ways that trees support us. We need to stop hurting trees by our careless treatment of them by improper pruning and lack of appropriate care.

One of the best ways that the Urban Forest Master Plan can make a difference is to support the bill to change the Maui County Code, Section 19.36B, pertaining to Landscape Planting Plans and Shading of Parking Lots.

The new ordinance proposes 50% required shade of parking lots, no topping of trees, and necessity to follow the Maui County Planting Plan.

This indeed would be a revolution in our tree canopy. We are in great need of this change. It would be a benefit to all of our community.

Please support the UFMP in accomplishing this goal. Mahalo nui loa