Nominate a Big Tree

DLNR News Release

Do you know of a tree you’ve always thought was special? Now’s the opportunity to recognize it by nominating it for the National Big Trees Competition. Anyone can nominate a native or culturally important tree from 21 currently-eligible species in Hawaii. Last year, two coconut trees at Molokai’s Kapuaiwa Coconut Beach Park were among six trees in the state that gained national titles.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) invites the public to help Hawaii compete in American Forests’ National Big Tree Program. The Big Tree Program seeks the largest trees of their species in the U.S. to be named National Champions. American Forests’ Fall 2012 National Register of Big Trees represents 780 National Champion trees.

“These trees form the uniquely Hawaiian rainforest, an essential part of Hawaii’s biological and cultural heritage,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR Chairperson. “Because these native trees absorb rainfall and cloud water, protecting these forests is the most cost effective and efficient way to secure Hawaii’s water supply.”

The State of Hawaii is looking forward to taking part in the Big Tree Program and is inviting the public to submit nominations for candidates of the following species:

To nominate a tree, you must provide three measurements: trunk circumference (inches), height (feet), and average crown spread (feet). These are combined to assign the tree a score. We also need to know the exact location to verify any candidates. If you have photographs of the tree, please include those in your submission.

To learn more about the specific measuring requirements, please review the guidelines at the American Forests website americanforests.org/our-programs/bigtree/big-tree-measuring-guidelines/

Please send your measurements by Feb. 1, along with GPS coordinates or specific directions to a candidate big tree to:

Hannah Bergemann
DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife
Hannah.A.Bergemann@hawaii.gov
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325
Honolulu, HI 96813