If the community is strong and connected, we can save the Monkeypod tree

Our efforts to save the Monkeypod tree were thwarted by a determined AOAO board, which brought in a parliamentarian to oversee the voting process. Unfortunately, the AOAO avoided a physical meeting with owners, opting for a Zoom meeting instead. Remarkably, some AOAO directors chose to mute their cameras.

The meeting concluded with the directors voting to remove the Monkeypod tree, defeating the owners' cautionary advice and explanations.

However, the determined owners have started a vigil and other activities to alert the media and posters.

 They will be holding a meeting of concerned owners this coming Saturday,  first in the Regency Park's Recreation Room and later under the iconic tree.

Readers of this blog may also read about how the community saved a old Banyan tree here (Community Outcry Saves A Banyan Tree - Honolulu Civil Beat), and how the Manoa community successfully saved their Monkeypod tree here (https://hodentek.blogspot.com/2024/08/if-manoa-could-save-their-trees-so.html).

I am confident we can achieve similar success if all concerned work together towards this goal.

Save Regency Park's Trees: A Honolulu Community Stands United

This post relates to an impasse' between the owners of the Regency Park residents and the AOAO Board of the condominium. This is posted by the author who is also a resident. 

I was dismayed to learn that an important asset of my property is going to be removed by a decision taken by the condominium board. This condominium and its grounds are a haven for many, is facing an imminent threat: the indiscriminate removal of our cherished trees. Many of the residents are united in plea to the condominium board to reconsider this drastic action and explore alternative solutions to preserve our green oasis. The community needs a serious conversation on this issue with the condominium board.

The owners of Regency Condominium are urgently requesting that the AOAO (Association of apartment owners) reconsider the removal of several trees. The trees provide essential shade, protect lower-level units from excessive sun, enhance property values, contribute to a serene environment;  home to the nesting area of the endangered Fairy Tern (HUI MANU-O-KŪ - Hui Manu-o-Kū (whiteter.org) birds, and improve air quality by filtering pollutants and reducing noise.

Breeding Ground of Fairy Terns

The monkeypod tree is slated for removal. The shady spot is where I walk every afternoon.

I am 100% against this callous decision

Upon inquiring about the committee’s reasons for tree removal, I was presented with questionable justifications. One reason suggested that elderly residents might trip over the trees, a claim lacking credibility. Simple solutions such as root trimming or installing a fence from a local hardware store could easily address this non-issue. 

Roots protruding out that are easy to trim or fenced around

Another reason cited was the alleged rising of the pavement due to tree roots. This explanation seems contrived, as the parking lot's surface is uneven throughout.

The AOAO board has failed to provide minutes from the 2023 and 2024 board meetings to the interested residents despite repeated requests. Furthermore, the board has relied on a single arborist review plus an incomplete arborist report to justify its decision. This lack of transparency and due diligence is a clear breach of the board's fiduciary duty to residents. Any future proposals to remove trees must be subject to the approval of all residents. A link to this blog will be forwarded to the property management company and all board members.

What You Can Do:

• Attend the next condominium board meeting and voice your concerns.

• Contact other residents and spread awareness about the issue.

• Share this blog post and encourage others to get involved.

• Together, we can save Regency Park's trees!

The property owners, including myself, firmly believe that preserving our community's green spaces is essential to the health, well-being, and property values of all residents. We will not stand idly by while our beloved trees are destroyed.

The address of the property:

Regency Park Condominium

3138 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816

I sincerely thank Ms. Milly Ring and a large group of concerned residents for their input.

Fairy Tern Protection in Hawaii

Yes, the Fairy Tern (Manu-o-Kū) is a protected species in Hawaii. While it might not have a federal protection status in the United States, it enjoys significant protection at the state level.   

Due to the critical conservation status of the Fairy Tern in Hawaii, harming, disturbing, or removing them or their nests is illegal. Many conservation efforts are in place to protect their habitat and ensure their survival.

Sources and related content

Get to know Manu-o-Kū

www.whiteterns.org

Share this article among your friends and bird lovers

https://x.com/subbagiri/status/1818179587765117119

Going forward, I have requested guidance from the responsible official at the US Fisheries and Wild Life. You may also individually approach this organization. They are the ultimate at the government.

You may share this link to this blog using this shortened link:

https://bit.ly/4c8BogH

There was a meeting of all concerned met on 8/1/2024

The following is from one of the senior members: "The Tree Removal will be reassessed with emphasis on saving the Monkey Pod.  The other trees may need some work and perhaps one that is dead to be removed."

Updated: 8/7/2024

Manoa residents put down their foot to save the trees. Good Job! Manoans