If you have ever driven through Pana'ewa Equestrian Center in Hilo, Hawai'i; you've most likely noticed the enormous beautiful monkey pod trees that create it's unique landscape. These trees are not only very old and deserve respect, they provide shade for the horses in their stalls, and in the grooming areas. Bids are being accepted by the County, Jan 7th to cut down all the trees between the barns and the grandstands. Then the plan is to pave the grassy area between the stands and the barns to make parking and sidewalks along the road. This is one of the only places on the facility to hand walk/graze a horse while enjoying shade on hot days. It has been said that the project will be paid for by funding for handicapped parking. I'm all for handicapped parking, but please don't cut those trees down and pave that entire area of grazing. There's plenty of room near the bathroom on either side for paved handicapped parking, and sidewalks can be put without the excess need of cutting all the trees and paving the entire area between the bleachers and the barns. If you have noticed, they've already cut down quite a few, forever changing the feel of the barn. Let's not let them cut down the rest. Please sign and share. I spent many years under those trees, eating lunch and playing with my ponies. 

Mahalo,

Everyone who loves Pana'ewa.

“A large monkey pod sequesters about 27 tons of carbon a year. The average American puts out about 19 tons. Monkey pods are important in the battle against climate change."