Tree removal plan draws protest: Demonstrators halt attempt to cut down monkey pods as Fire Department makes plans to …

As preparations continue for lava possibly inundating Pahoa, some area residents are bristling about a plan to cut down three trees near the Pahoa Senior Center to make room for fire trucks.

Fire department officials say the move is necessary so they can maintain a presence in lower Puna if the lava flow crosses Highway 130, cutting off access to the region.

About 20 residents gathered Monday morning around the trees, located between the senior center and the Pahoa Community Center. They held signs and blocked contractors with Arborist Services LLC from cutting the trees down.

Shortly after arriving and finding the protesters there, the workers packed up their chainsaws and left, according to Toby Hazel, who alerted several of her friends about the plans to cut down the trees.

Its over the line, at this point, to cut down the trees. I dont know that I totally understand the reason for it, she said.

The fire department asked Parks and Recreation to cut down the trees and erect a chainlink fence around the parking area to protect two fire trucks, an ambulance and a tanker truck, explained Deputy Fire Chief Renwick Victorino.

We need to make sure those apparatuses dont get damaged. We cant park the apparatuses in the bay because we need to install an exhaust system before were allowed to do so, and with the lava about to inundate Highway 130, that wont give us enough time. Its required for the safety of the firefighters, he said.

The possibility of falling branches damaging the equipment also is a concern, as is vandalism and/or theft. The root systems of the trees also necessitates their removal, in order to place the fencing in the ground, he said.

If we dont have the apparatus to respond, that could be a problem, he said.

Hazel said she was glad to see the contractor back down Monday, and she plans to organize a petition to save the trees. She also hopes to bring the subject up at Thursday afternoons lava meeting at Pahoa High School.

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Tree removal plan draws protest: Demonstrators halt attempt to cut down monkey pods as Fire Department makes plans to ...