Arborist Steve Nimz shares findings on Lahaina's beloved Banyan Tree -- and if it can survive fire

[@shivani41]

This tree was planted on April 24, 1873 by a man named (Sheriff) William Owen Smith, who planted it due to a request made by Queen Keōpūolani, the wife of King Kamehameha the Great. A century after the banyan tree was given a home, I was living nearby, enjoying his and her magnificence. (Banyan trees bear both male and female flowers.) With so much unforgettable loss of life, the harm being done to such beautiful people, it does the heart good to learn that the banyan has not perished. Thank you.

[@delwynberrett3280]

Kamehameha the great was born in 1758. Queen Kapiolani was the wife of King Kalākaua. Thanks for the other information about Mr Smith. I hope all improves for Lahaina

[@saffronskies333]

We are crying with you. We are with you in love and spirit.

[@avagrego3195]

Thank you for this history lesson.

[@shivani41]

@@delwynberrett3280 Thank you! Quite possibly you know better. I've written what the Lahaina Restoration Foundation had to say, except for the part about my personal experience loving that vast banyan tree. As you probably know, there were Kings Kamehameha I, II and III, IV and V, etc.,etc. Some taking the title by birthright, some named heir apparent and others were elected or appointed. My understanding is that after King Kamehameha One died, his favorite wife, Ka'ahumanu, became Kuhina Nui and that she co-ruled with two of her late husband's sons, who were titled Kamehameha II and III. Evidently King Kamehameha One was incredibly tall and had a huge pack of wives! Reportedly thirty wives, and eighteen had his children, twelve didn't, for a total of 35 children, 17 sons and 18 daughters. Learning these things is fascinating. The only royalty that ever mattered to me are Hawaiian and old Irish. I came 6,000 or more miles to live in Hawaii almost as soon as I turned 18 and knew that my parents couldn't "chase my gypsy feet" anymore. It felt as though I had come home at last, was no longer a stranger in a strange land. More than a half-century later, as a 🌎 traveller it has been wonderful to have lived out in the country, mostly mauka, on the Big Island, Kauai and Maui before there was very much tourist industry beyond Oahu's Waikiki Beach and the amazing nightly singing of Don Ho wafting far over the sand from the International Marketplace. Aloha au ia Hawaii. A Lahaina, e'olu'olu, ho'i mai 'oe. Hopefully, looking to remember the right words. Love!

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

It would do your heart better to ensure the criminals responsible for this are held accountable. So, how many have burned? Three per year of the tree? Five, seven? They're still pulling out corpses -- or what's left of them. Stuff your tree.

[@trishr.3986]

This is nice that a thorough explanation of the care is given. I see comments about “why focus on a tree?”. My thoughts are that humans are not being neglected. This tree means something to them emotionally. Maybe in some small way if the tree has resilience then they will feel they can, too. ❤ compassion is not just for humans. Sometimes we find hope in survival.

[@matthewbeasley7765]

I'll argue that there is some level of neglect to the areas around Lahaina that didn't burn. People are struggling. That said, I'd love to see this tree survive. It is a symbol of regrowth and recovery.

[@cortneyeverett6927]

🗣Repent Israelites all praise to the most high YAHAWAH AND HIS SON YAHAWASHI🤴🏽🦁🛸🔥💨 The so called black man, Latino, and Native Americans are the Israelites. Yahawah chosen people. That are scattered in all nations through our fathers. Making them Israelite foreigners/Scattered sheep/The multitude. Yahawashi speaking: Matthew 15:24 “But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Deuteronomy 7:6 “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 32:39 “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.” Nahum 1:3 “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.”

[@mteokay1246]

Phuq the tree. Wrong priorities !

[@ct5625]

@@mteokay1246 What are the priorities? The people are in shelters and being cared for. They're being moved to hotels right now. There are millions of $s of supplies already in the area. They're still searching for victims and that hasn't stopped. What should this arborist being doing instead of his job? Do you think all other life should stop and people should just sit around looking for something else to do? Saving this tree isn't DETRACTING from any of the other tasks.

[@eavymuturuh3717]

If God takes care of nature He definitely takes care of humans.

[@EispooVezina]

Mahalo for caring for the Lahaina's Banyan Tree. It's an important symbol of Lahaina and its history. Everyone that is helping with the recovery of Lahaina are from all disciplines. There are groups that support the humans, animals and nature of our islands. I'm sure in the upcoming days there will be marine biologist that will examine the water/reefs as well. Maui strong and Maui No Ka 'Oi!

[@mitch_the_-itch]

You Commies and your stupid symbols are the problem in Hawaii. Cults are smore sane than a modern Regressive.

[@TheAlchemist11]

Government is responsible for starting that fire wake up

[@72marshflower15]

Do you know how invasive those things are?

[@mitch_the_-itch]

@@72marshflower15 Communist LOVE the word "Invasive." From that word they can regulate your entire life. According to them.

[@EispooVezina]

@@72marshflower15 Hawaii has a ton of invasive plants/animals.

[@mskytube]

The tree is an important symbol of Lahaina. Letting folks know she isn't dead, gives some hope of recovery for many of the residents. I suspect there will be some sort of memorial to the lives lost near the tree.

[@almondmilksoda]

The tree is incredibly resilient. Her roots are deep underground, and she is an ancient spirit. She will survive this, as will Maui. Much love to all who have been affected by the fires. 💛

[@davidmurray6176]

150 years isn't ancient.

[@almondmilksoda]

@@davidmurray6176 The tree itself is only 150 years old, but her soul is eternal. 🌬️

[@gracenmercy579]

God is the Creator of all creations even that tree no spirit

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Of course Maui will survive. Lahaina is only one town. The question is will Lahaina survive? I hope it will be rebuilt in the spirit and style it once was, albeit with fire and hurricane proof building codes.

[@PerAllwin1963]

His and her roots. Banyan trees have both male and female reproductive structures. 🙂

[@ct5625]

So in short, the tree experienced a significant threat and went into a state of dormancy. This is a good thing. I think the treatment they're giving it is intended to speed up the process of normalizing the environment around it, giving it what it needs to recover while also telling it that the threat has passed. Without human intervention this process would probably take years, but that delay would more likely lead to the eventual death of the tree. I'm glad they're taking action, there's no reason not to. This tree is like the heart of the community, losing it would be another considerable blow after so many already.

[@Fido-vm9zi]

That is amazing info. I had no idea a tree could go dormant in event of threat. Wow, such intelligence!

[@davidmurray6176]

It happens every day with all wildfires.

[@Dicor-ue3eq]

Yes, think of the Redwoods that are over 2000 years old. She is like that. She will make it.

[@danielwhyatt3278]

I truly hope it gets all the care possible. Keep people away, but also have ‘the right people’ there to give it what it needs.

[@boblatkey7160]

Yes, because we could always score some good pot under the banyan tree.

[@aandrus2169]

"We are listening to the tree." Beautiful. This needs to be everyone's attitude towards our natural environment.

[@shraddashradda]

❤ and to each other 🙏🌎

[@aandrus2169]

@@shraddashradda amen

[@DrTropics]

❤❤❤

[@VangoghsDoggo]

I took a class in college, Forest Vegetation. It dealt with forestry and wild fires. He is doing exactly what needs to be done. The watering is what will do the tree the most good and stopping the soil compaction. Soil compaction leads to crown die off. You can see this in old pastures where livestock stood under trees for shade. They compact the soil and water runs off instead of to the roots. In the future, it would be best if people were only able to walk on the sidewalks and not on the soil at all around the tree. You can get a good pic of yourself with the tree from there. I am all for what he is doing to save the Banyon. People who survived the fire have even worried about the tree. It has become the beacon of hope for Lahaina.

[@jason_108]

Great news. I grew up in Lahaina town. Love that he's implementing compost tea. This whole thing is so heartbreaking it's nice to have a ray of truth & resilience begin shining through. Maui Strong!

[@TheEmaile]

Listening to all the groups working to help the tree make it through makes my heart swell and gain some faith in humanity and their ability to appreciate nature. I need to see these gestures more often in a world that seems so uncaring at times.

[@Fido-vm9zi]

Yes, me too!

[@evilsharkey8954]

Still, I appreciate that he said the tree has enough help and that others should focus on helping the people who’ve been displaced and lost loved ones.

[@Gfysimpletons]

It’s a F’ING tree! F that tree……

[@Fido-vm9zi]

@@Gfysimpletons more than a tree. Trees are very symbolic, and important.

[@evilsharkey8954]

@@Gfysimpletons It’s a tree that brought comfort and joy to a lot of people who live there. Even the arborist has said that their priority is people, but they’re going to try to save the tree. It’s not like they’re having to choose between watering a tree and feeding the recently homeless.

[@seanj3667]

I know that a tree isn't as important as all the loss of human life, but a tree like this is a critical symbol. I hope the tree recovers in time. Sending love to the people of Lahaina from Boston.

[@djwaco2623]

I first saw this tree in 1963. We used to drive over from Kihei to have dinner at the Banyan Inn, which was mauka of the tree, across the street. A pretty amazing plant, for a little kid from Colorado! My first thoughts were about the people of Lahaina. Then I wondered about the tree and the Pioneer Inn. I hope the tree can continue to anchor that amazing community, and the town is rebuilt the way it was before, with tons of Hawaiian charm. Developers and greed need to be closely watched!

[@cherylb6755]

I agree with you about developers and greed!

[@tonis204]

I love his words. When the "tree talks to us". They do communicate. You only need to know how to listen.❤❤❤

[@barbarahopkins7012]

My husband and I were there in 2006. The Banyan tree was beautiful and definitely one of the highlights of the Island. We are glad to hear it may very well live through the fire

[@paulashaia9914]

Concerned about a TREE while hundreds of CHILDREN MISSING!!! GREAT news reporting!!!

[@thomarch81]

I've visited this tree multiple times on Maui trips when I lived/worked in Waikiki years ago. Yes, same type tree off Kalakaua Ave in Waikiki, but much younger & smaller than the huge one in Lahaina Maui. This arborist gives tremendous hope to this belove magnificant tree with its history, sharing its life for untold many locals & worldwide island visitors. Indeed it is more than a 150 yo tree, it symbolism for continued HOPE for renewal of life & livelihoods so horribly effected & destroyed! Yes, this tree represents HOPE & life for the future that all humans must hold onto! Prayers & Aloha to all humans & pets too, that have suffered tremendously!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

Yes, let us keep in our hearts ALL Earthlings who have suffered through this tragedy__humans, animals, plants, even minerals and the Earth. I heard yesterday some people left their animals in their cars__I cannot even imagine that. 🐾🐈🐕😭😭😭 🙏😢

[@artnouveau7633]

I agree it represents the people of Lahaina this tree, and Lahaina will rise from the ashes, sending my love from Texas

[@annamineer2521]

This is not the Waikiki tree. It's on a totally different island! I've visited the Waikiki banyan tree. But this tree is on Maui.

[@ytzpilot]

It is the most fitting memorial because it represents life

[@flipnothling9288]

I sincerely hope the tree survives! Pretoria, South Africa, where I live, is about 600 km from Hawaii's antipode, the furthest that one be from Hawaii, but the terrible tragedy that happened to Lahaina touches us. We also have a huge fig tree, our Wonderboom, wonder tree in Afrikaans. It already was a giant tree 186 years ago. It was severely burned in a fire in 1870. It is a national monument.

[@katherinewong2901]

Aloha!!! We see you!!!❤

[@gail.r.4604]

@flipnothing9288 What a special story, it’s hard to imagine a tree so large. This is so touching. I will google your beautiful tree, thanks for sharing your tree story. 🙏

[@pammerle1691]

I cried not only for the people of Maui but seeing the Banyan Tree. I send my continued PRAYERS for everyone that calls Maui home and I pray for this Banyan Tree. I have vacationed in Maui several times and fell in love with Maui and the People. The World is watching and Praying and Help is coming!!! I always Loved Maui because it wasn't a island of High Rise buildings. The Beauty will return!!! The Hawaiian Gods are working in your favor. God Bless you all and may those that lost their lives Rest in Eternal Peace.

[@lancejones290]

I have sat under the banyan tree in lahaina many times and its the largest on earth from what I know. 150 year old tree that has roots a mile deep and it will survive however like the people of maui the tree is in shock. Time will tell but from what I see its going to survive. Its a slow recovery process in every way. Lots of rain will help also. Tree is covered in ash. My heart and prayers are those on the island....

[@SOLDOZER]

You think that tree has roots a mile deep? LOL.....

[@cortneyeverett6927]

🗣Repent Israelites all praise to the most high YAHAWAH AND HIS SON YAHAWASHI🤴🏽🦁🛸🔥💨 The so called black man, Latino, and Native Americans are the Israelites. Yahawah chosen people. That are scattered in all nations through our fathers. Making them Israelite foreigners/Scattered sheep/The multitude. Yahawashi speaking: Matthew 15:24 “But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Deuteronomy 7:6 “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 32:39 “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.” Nahum 1:3 “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.”

[@Patrick_Ross]

@@cortneyeverett6927- you are detracting from the conversation at hand.

[@Richard_Cranium]

​@@Patrick_RossCultists will be cultists😂😂😂

[@lancejones290]

@@SOLDOZER Maybe you should look for a way to help. Also I am a conversation expert with experience with trees. I also am helping the people Maui.

[@kanamichelle7404]

If the tree can survive it can act as a ray of hope for those who lost everything else familiar to them.

[@chrisshelly1341]

I have many lasting memories of this tree. I am 50 years old and visited yearly since I was a little kid during our family vacations and I took my wife to see the tree during our honeymoon in 2007 and we visited again in 2015. I can remember how the tree was always getting bigger and bigger. I hope I can visit it yet again when I reach my golden years. I hope it survives as a Symbol of Strength for the Hawaiian people!

[@sunnycharacter]

So very happy to hear this. I had a feeling the Banyan would survive this. It’s a national treasure for sure. It was an honor to sit under its canopy. Thank you for helping her!

[@prvdntus]

I never thought I could be so excited over a tree recovering. I understand Dr. Nimz logic about we have to focus on the recovery effort going well but the fact that he and his team are ensuring to keep this tree alive cannot be understated. This tree gives hope for the people of Lāhainā. Maui nō ka 'oi! Keep fighting people of Lāhainā, this tree maybe injured from the fire but it will beat the odds! And you will too!

[@honeymcdonald9120]

In Australia many of our trees need fire to split seed pods. Watching new twigs and leaves emerge from what looks like a burnt stump always gives me goosebumps. However it is the destruction to the animals that is the hardest to take after the loss of life of course. Sending love to Hawaii - when you need your tourists back we will be there, but not before. xx

[@pohanahawaii]

🐾🌺

[@aztraingranny7015]

Not all species are fire adapted. Eucalyptus and Ponderosa are, but Banyan isn't. Its massive structure has helped it squeak through this time.

[@FR-tb7xh]

Our Giant Sequoias, thousands of years old, require fire for their cones to dry out and open, dropping their seeds down onto earth that’s been newly burnt of other competition. The scorched earth is very fertile.

[@louisevannorden2001]

They want their tourists back on Maui Now. On another channel he begged, implored people to come to Maui, because if people don’t come, Maui will die. Spread the word! I’ll be back to give you the name of the channel. The channel is Hawaii Real Estate. The video is called, An urgent message to the world about Lahaina’s missing and forgotten children. Please don’t think that, because he is a real estate company, his only concern is the properties. That isn’t the case at all. I’ve watched enough of his videos to know that he is sincere. When he urges people to come back, he speaks for all of Maui.

[@DaleRogers]

Thank you for the update on the Banyan tree. My wife had our honeymoon (20-years ago) in Maui. I fell in love with that tree and have it on video. My heart goes out to all the people, land, animals, and plant-life that have been affected by this tragedy. Sending Aloha energy from Nashville, TN.

[@OurEnchantedGarden-jt8nx]

Poor tree is in major shock! Much love to you all, thank you Steve for caring for such a beautiful living thing!

[@robsaxepga]

Oh my gosh, they got the right guy on the job. Thank goodness the tree has a chance to survive. This brings tears...I love that tree. It would be such a morale boost to the area if it survived. A rallying point for survivors of this horrible event. My heart goes out to Lahaina. We're discussing how to help this morning at my foundation board meeting. I hope we can get donations to send to the Rotary Club of Lahaina.

[@phranerphamily]

This is a comfort to those who've lost all. My heart breaks for all impacted by the fires but hopefully this gives a bit of hope that you can go on.

[@chrisroper2731]

Hopefully our government in DC will send help for your state immediately!

[@Rosie05610]

Put your hope in Christ by believing in/on His finished work at the cross Where Jesus paid the price in full for all the sins of the world, so we can have a way to Salvation through Him put all your faith and trust in Jesus NOT man. REPENT.

[@phranerphamily]

@@Rosie05610 This isn't even worth the time replying to

[@Rosie05610]

@@phranerphamily Then why did you

[@soularzensei1754]

I have fond memories of visiting Lahaina, climbing and walking along the strong branches of the Banyan tree with my brother, all lit up with hanging lights on a cool Hawaiian evening as the sun was setting, music playing in the nearby restaurants and shops, giving the evening a special ambiance. At another time the tree even gave me respite during a sudden downpour. Glad to see it is being cared for, beyond its physical roots, this tree has roots in hearts of many who've visited this special place.

[@Bizhead3]

Well the tree is in shock.. but I know it will come back because the sap is latex like and it’s going to thrive again! What a wonderful man! We have two of these on our farm on Big Island and the homes and joy they provide for variety’s of birds is extraordinary. Blessings to the people and to the beloved Banyan!✨❤️

[@victorialove9104]

My husband and I fell in love with this magnificent tree when we visited it on our honeymoon. We were also married on Maui. This banyan tree brought memories of my beloved grandmother who had a banyan tree in her front yard on Merritt Island Florida. It was my jungle gym and I spent many happy hours among the branches. I am glad there is hope for the Maui tree. My heart breaks for all the loss that has occurred to all on this lovely island. 💔

[@Rock_K9]

Sounds extremely promising this gorgeous tree will survive. Like a Phoenix from the ashes. ❤

[@terrycallow2979]

Sat under this beautiful tree in 1990 and 1992 Lahaina was so beautiful. Flew over from Oahu for the day on both occasions went up Haleakala such a lovely Island away from the hustle and bustle of Oahu. So sorry for the people who have lost everything and of course the animals.

[@jwnrocks]

We are all hoping for recovery of this wonderful tree. My wife and I have enjoyed it for four decades, and this is gutwrenching to see it this way. Even so, as the arborist said, this pales in comparison to the loss of life in the community.

[@31Alden]

Thank you for all of your efforts to save Lahaina’s fabled Banyan Tree. It’s a glorious tree indeed and I hope it survives. Prayers for Maui.

[@jjohnny424]

Thanks to the many who have helped in this and especially the wonderful people of the community of Lahaina. God Bless 🙏

[@blitztim6416]

This guy is impressive. I was predicting what he would say and he was spot on and more. The tree is in good hands.

[@wandadaniel8914]

When I visited Maui many years ago, seeing this historical symbol was on my bucket list. Grateful for encouraging news! Love from Texas!

[@zed4225]

I love trees so much and it warms my heart to see the care given to this beautiful Banyan, it's a fantastic tree. My heart goes out to those affected, to those who have lost loved ones. Thinking of you all. RIP to those who lost their lives so tragically. Stay strong folks.

[@peetiebird4678]

Arborists have hearts of gold! I truly hope this timeless tree will survive and prosper and be the symbol of hope for so many who find themselves feeling hopeless these days. There is an over-abundance of love for this tree.💙

[@christiechou2834]

Tree is alive and Steve is on the right track! When Spring comes, we will see its glory again! God bless Lahaina! 🙏💖🙏

[@marciakiernan9018]

Praying for this banyan tree. I was able to visit this site a few years ago and commune with this amazing gift of life!

[@kristine6996]

Thank you for your commitment and dedication. From France 🇫🇷.

[@ellenbauer1470]

Yeah, i sat in the tree 46 years ago and never dreamed of what would happen! Thank you for your work to keep it alive!❤

[@siameseire]

💛 We can't reach out and save the people who died so somehow caring about the tree (after donating for the living humans) eases our souls a little and is like saying to everyone on both sides of the veil, "we care." The life in the tree is like fingertips touching; bridging the gap between the living and the dead.

[@scottpowers5191]

Thank you for the update, this is a symbol of hope for Maui and the world.❤ Keep up the great work!! Steve and team!!❤🇺🇸❤️

[@BootsEditor11]

About 1998 we visited, and spent about an hour watching native canoe builders ply their craft under the horizontal branches. We wandered, in awe of the artful watercrafts and in the shade of this incredible specimen.

[@chefsuperpaultoa808]

The Banyan Tree has 46 limbs on what keeps it remain standing, and the trunk has 4-5 layers. Also most importantly they have no oils. Like a pine and a maple they have oil from the sap and oils of what makes it flammable. And we know banyans have no of that like the koa and kiawe. Also we’re glad there’s no grass in the area. If there was, then it will heat up from the fire and burn it’s way to the roots. So glad there’s no grass. So thank you Steve Nimz for your info. Keep up the great work and help save of tree. It’ll be just like we’re saying God. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@agc7582]

I've been blessed to see the famed Banyan tree up close and personally. If you have never seen it in person, it really is a sight to behold. With what it means to the Lahaina community, I'm hoping for the best possible outcome as a symbol of survival and resolve for all Maui residents.

[@Patti1]

I lived in Lahaina for 6 years. I am blessed to have seen this beautiful tree up close a personal. And yes, I hugged it!

[@christinapeck3573]

I have been looking for a picture of me sitting under this tree as a teenager over twenty years ago. I remember the goosebumps I had when I felt the power of that tree. It is strong and resilient, like the people of Maui. It lives on a magical island, and it will continue to live for hundreds of years more. Maui, thinking of you. Best wishes from the mainland

[@joann5051]

That's promising. It may seem like an awful lot of effort for a tree but seeing what it means to the people of the Community it's good that it's being looked after. Hope is one of the strongest healing emotions there is.

[@jodiburnett6211]

Thank you for this report. I have devoured much shave ice under that canopy. Prayers and love sent to that magical tree…in a coma. I believe. ❤️❤️❤️

[@rontakayama6379]

Great job Steve! Best part is you said tree is secondary and the people first! 🎉 mahalo braddah! As how should be. 👍🙏🤙

[@stephaniewoznicki2641]

Praying that this tree will survive after so much loss in the area. Praying for those who lost family and friends and praying for the missing. Buddhists believe everything has a soul even rocks those who say why focus on a tree will most likely be reincarnated as one.

[@carlaeskelsen]

LDS doctrine agrees with this as well. Everything was created spiritually before it was created physically. Everything has spirit. Everything has HĀ.

[@jameskoehler4939]

Sounds very encouraging. I keep banyan bonsai, and they are extremely resilient. They can go dormant if extremely stressed, and will look dead for months on end. I'll bet that big tree is going to look really bad, practically dead for a few months, but it'll come back gloriously.

[@stevecole2616]

I knew that this beautiful banyan tree symbolizes a new beginning for Maui's future!

[@myrnaleon8464]

Thank God ! These Banyan trees are the most beautiful trees in Lahaina. ❤ I hope they'll recuperate and thrive again. 😊

[@jeffspicoli6088]

Prayers to this community. Having visited Lahaina and talked with it's citizens, I have tremendous confidence this community will persevere! Praying for their recovery and healing.

[@azsheri8]

May this bring hope and faith to all those who have devastating loss from this disaster. God Bless

[@2chooseluv]

Thankyou! I'm so happy this amazing tree is in good hands!

[@cyl1536]

The new growth will be such an encouragement for Lahiaina. Stay strong, remember your history and culture and come back even more "Hawaiian".

[@SOCO1992]

The tree is sacred, greatly loved and appreciated. 🙏

[@teegees]

That’s amazing. The day it grows new leaves will be a day of celebration. So glad to see it is being taken care of!

[@derekray5513]

Great news. Keep stay in the fight to save that tree. Thanks to everyone involved.

[@Fido-vm9zi]

Hope the tree is well and recover! Thank you to all those helping the tree!

[@lisalister8002]

What a great tree Dr.!!!

[@mizziztee1852]

KITV thank you for having a local arborist expert on your newscast and talking about the banyan tree. ❤ please update us along the way

[@nannerz1994]

Thank you for sharing this is incredibly interesting. I know trees survive fires all the time but I know that this one was probably hotter than normal and involved lots of man-made chemicals. I'll be following this and rooting for the tree!

[@yadi5940]

❤ wonderful NEWS Sr. Thank you

[@mjblue84]

Thank you for this video! This tree gives us hope.

[@imgoodru2840]

👏👏👏👏👏 Mr. NIMZ. My son is an arborist on main land. Your knowledge is immeasurable. Remember. Our plants trees are so vital

[@llm8268]

So Glad they are caring for this beautiful Banyan tree, with all the love and care this tree will come back to life strong. Glad he is listening to this tree’s wisdom. Strength and love to all of the people of Maui, and the animals and plants of beautiful Maui. Strength, and love to all.

[@teresaferrer4748]

Trees are majestic beings. They grow,they feel,they care for the ancient stumps that lived by supplying them with a sugary substance. They move,they know what's going on. I know many think i swallowed a peace,love,ohm pill but this is all true. Love them because they will love and care for us back.

[@Dicor-ue3eq]

We are all praying for this magnificent symbol of Hawaii to live and make it through. It reminds me of the 2000 year old redwoods that have made it through so many fires or the Eiffel Tower in Paris that made it through WWII as a symbol of hope for future generations. Prayers for this gorgeous tree and for the people of Maui. 🙏

[@Jewelmind]

This is so exciting, sending love to the tree❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@bobi8266]

I'm so so happy to hear this! So heartbreaking what everyone is going through over there. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Love that beautiful tree! This is amazing!

[@adventuregrammy9979]

Thank you for this explanation. This is great news. I was in the Paradise, CA fire and I completely understand what y’all are going through. Sending love and healing to all who were effected by this horrible event. ❤

[@Soturi92]

As a gardener myself I kind of had a feeling the tree would be okay. It definitely got abused by the fire but like most, it will come back :) I've had tornadoes strip my trees bare, destroy large branches, and still come back. I get more terrified of the diseases than the weather

[@lindam3333]

Of course the sadness and tragedy to the people, homes and lives of the people of Lahaina and Maui is of top most primary concern - but this tree was very important to the Lahainans as well. They take pride in its historical, cultural and emotional value. So I believe, amidst their sorrow and loss, this has to be good news to them. And maybe The Banyan Tree will be a symbol of hope that they too will eventually pull through. Much love , prayers and support for the victims and people of Maui suffering from this heartbreaking and devastating fire.

[@JonahNAloha]

Thank you arborist, mahalos🤙🏽

[@rramos3157]

Prayers for the people of Maui in their loss of so much! The tree’s survival has a great significance for preserving a part of the lands history despite all the devastation that happened around it! Thank you for taking care of the tree for the people of Maui!

[@rodee1671]

Bless you, Mr. Nimz!

[@cmartin247]

Thank you for the update. I pray for all the people of Lahaina. We were there just three weeks ago and walked around under the magnificent tree. We have grieved for the people we met there and worried for the tree. May God bless the people there and bless you for helping to save the tree.

[@hwn8088]

Use to climb up that Tree 🌳 In The 70 s wn I was a Little kid on every branch ,, Got stuck at the top almost could not get down started freaking out 😢 but found my way down thank God 🙏 Love the Banyan Tree 💚

[@puletoki9644]

😅😅😅

[@jneigler]

Thank you so much for this report. That Banyan tree is so beautiful and such a symbol of hope and resilience for so many. It is figuratively something to hang on to for all those who lost so much. God bless all of you, and give you the strength to start all over.

[@juneyshu6197]

A small ray of hope of one living thing that survived is a good thing. Of course we are 💔 broken and praying for all the people of Lahaina daily.

[@59kicki]

Such A HAPPY HAPPY VIDEO. This Banyan is far from being done. It would be nice to have a ceremony/Memorial w ALL NAMES who perished/died in this Lahaina destruction.🙏

[@Mrsbehavin59]

Yes we loved that tree - it was beautiful….it was quite crowded when we were there 5 years ago. It was the unhoused safe haven. Happy to hear it may be saved and happy to hear that the city will save it and not develop the grounds.

[@sonicliberation]

Great work Steve, I am happy to hear that this tree is in good hands, thanks.

[@starsaligninthesky]

Looking forward to the banyan tree update. Mahalo.

[@r8chlletters]

Finally some information on the condition of the banyan. I have been waiting to hear this 🌱

[@Hawijack]

I’m very hopeful that the tree will survive 🙂

[@CynthiaKingCrochet]

Thank your for this update. It brings hope to many.

[@Macnutkauai]

Get well soon banyan. We love you ❤️🌳

[@akadayana]

This was great. Thank you for bringing this expert in. He has lots of knowledge. Praying for not only the tree but all the people as well. ❤

[@4karma860]

Why are people acting like you can't help people and help the tree at the same time? You can do both

[@ct5625]

I think these people have difficulty doing more than one thing at a time so they consider such a simple and basic act as unfathomable to them. I would love to know what they think a professional arborist should be doing instead.

[@slewone4905]

Because you can't help the people because the government won't let them. I m hearing travel has been frozen including red cross.

[@ahill4642]

Why is this making me want to cry? Such good news in the midst of so much sadness and devastation. A teeny glimmer of positivity and hope. 🌳

[@tarralynne9256]

The most beloved Banyan Tree in the whole world 🌎 🌍 ❤

[@genevieveard2246]

The Tree is injured, ah... this man knows exactly what he is talking about! growing up in Mobile Alabama, I love and respect my woody friends. I know this man is THE expert and the tree is in good hands. Just going to take some time and some care.

[@vallaeiasprings9870]

yeaaa thankyou.... sending much love ❤❤❤❤ to ALL

[@laughlight1]

Thanks to everyone who aided this analysis. We are very grateful. We who love the sacred banyan tree in Lahaina, Maui. May this astonishing specimen continue to live and thrive. Good news, good sir!