Trees for Honolulu's Future

By: Myles Ritchie

​Last year a new coalition of conservation activists, government agencies and private corporations came together to create “Trees for Honolulu’s Future” (THF) which is now its own certified non-profit organization. The entire coalition began when The Outdoor Circle’s own Brian Bagnall (Waikiki Branch President) approached Tom Dinell (UH Urban Planning Professor) about an article Dinell had written in the StarAdvertiser calling for a need to plant one million trees on Oahu in order to reduce the local impacts of climate change. Bagnall felt that such a large task should begin immediately but only if many of the “key players” from the island were involved. As a result, the “Trees for Honolulu’s Future” was formed and is now a think tank and source of support for programs ranging from tree plantings to environmental education curriculums in schools.
 
Since the formation of THF, there have been monthly board and committee meetings in order to ensure the successful implementation of this ambitious but vital task of widespread shade tree plantings across Oahu. With the help of TOC’s Programs Director, Myles Ritchie (Research Committee Chair and Board Member) and Executive Director, Winston Welch (Board Member), TOC has played a crucial role in not only the formation of this new non-profit, but are actively working with others such as the City and County of Honolulu, Aloha Arborists Association, Smart Trees Pacific and the University of Hawaii in order to soon begin the process of reforesting Oahu and educating the public of the environmental, monetary, psychological and cultural benefits that trees provide.
 
Should you be interested in learning more, or joining one of the committees such as research, development, outreach or education, please contact Myles Ritchie at [email protected].