The City and County of Honolulu has about a quarter million trees in its inventory under the jurisdiction of the Division of Urban Forestry and takes great pride in making sure trees beautify our city. The urban forest consists of all trees, parks, landscapes, gardens and green spaces within our communities. For efforts in maintaining its portion of the urban forest, Honolulu has been a National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA for 27 years. Trees provide many benefits and define the character of a city or neighborhood. Think Monkeypods on Kapiolani Boulevard or Rainbow Shower trees on South King Street. Did you know that the Rainbow Shower tree is the official street tree of Honolulu?
In 2005, Honolulu was selected as a STRATUM reference city for the tropical climate by the Pacific Southwest Research Station of the USDA Forest Service. STRATUM is a street tree management and analysis tool that uses tree inventory data to quantify the dollar value of the benefits listed above. The STRATUM analysis received in November 2007, calculated the benefit of Honolulu's urban forest to be $2.98 for every $1.00 spent on management. Honolulu is 1 of only 3 out of the 18 reference cities to receive an "A" grade for its structure.
In January, the city received the final version of the Urban Reforestation Master Plan it commissioned. The plan consists of a management plan, policy plan, design guidelines, and a tree technical manual. The Division of Urban Forestry is working on implementing and incorporating the various recommendations, including strengthening the existing tree protection ordinances.
This year, Honolulu was selected for 1 of only 16 Trees for Success school and park plantings nationwide sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation and The Arbor Day Foundation. On May 15, 2008, the Division of Urban Forestry planted 29 trees at Palolo Valley District Park with the help of volunteers from Home Depot, and participants from Anuenue, Jarrett Middle, and Palolo Elementary schools. As part of the program, trees were also planted at Aina Haina and Pearlridge community parks. Later this summer, trees will be planted at Kailua District Park.
How can you contribute to the urban forest? Plant an appropriately sized tree, preferably on the west side of your house. Contact the Division of Urban Forestry to request that a street tree be planted in the city right-of-way fronting your residence. Mulch your existing trees and plants to enrich the soil and reduce the water and chemicals necessary for maintenance. Mulch is available for pick up by the public at the following sites: Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, community gardens at Manoa, Ala Wai, and Wahiawa.
