FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             March 31, 2005

Release No. 28

CITY TO REMOVE TREES IN MANOA

Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced today that the City will soon remove seven trees on Beckwith Street in Manoa.

“The City’s tree expert who evaluated the condition of the trees is recommending that seven trees will be removed within the next week for safety and health reasons,” Hannemann said.   “Accordingly, we will cut down those trees tomorrow, and, if necessary, the work will continue on Saturday.

 “Our evaluation of the trees in the Manoa neighborhood is continuing,” Hannemann said, “as is the evaluation of the tree that fell earlier this month.  We want to preclude the chance that another accident might occur.  Our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery continue for the Engle family, and we are encouraged by news of the progress Julia Engle is making in the hospital.”

Hannemann said the City plans to eventually replace the trees it removes.  The City will consult the community on what species of tree should be used.  The trees scheduled for removal are all of the Norfolk pine variety.

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Contact: Bill Brennan, 527-6928

              Mark Matsunaga, 527-5784