NEWS ADVISORY

                            Department of Customer Services

                  Public Communications Division

                            City & County of Honolulu

                            523-4385

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SEPTEMBER 16, 2002)

GIANT NORFOLK TREE NEEDED FOR ANNUAL CITY LIGHTS PROGRAM

          City employees are conducting a search for the perfect 60-foot Norfolk to grace the Honolulu Hale lawn in time for the annual Honolulu City Lights program, scheduled for December 7 through January 3, 2003.

          Anyone wishing to donate a tree should contact the Department of Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry Division, at 971-7151, and ask for Stan Oka or Clifford Umebayashi.  The ideal tree should be at least 60 feet tall and should stand straight and full, be accessible to a crane and located in an area that is unobstructed by a wall or other impediment. 

          The selected tree will be named the “Mele Tree” and will be the star of the 2002 Honolulu City Lights program.  The mele tree will be decorated with musical instruments, musical notes and jingle bells, and will “sing” to thousands of families who visit the annual attraction.

          For more information contact the Department of Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry Division, 971-7151.

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