Thursday’s column published in an O‘ahu daily newspaper by Charles Memminger that berated Bette Midler for cutting down non-native, invasive trees on her property in Limahuli on Kaua‘i was clearly meant to be humorous and further embarrass Hawai‘i’s most famous
Thursday’s column published in an O‘ahu daily newspaper by Charles Memminger that berated Bette Midler for cutting down non-native, invasive trees on her property in Limahuli on Kaua‘i was clearly meant to be humorous and further embarrass Hawai‘i’s most famous home-grown celebrity.
Unfortunately, Mr. Memminger seems to have gotten his facts mixed up and missed a VERY important point in the story about what transpired on Ms. Midler’s property. As the Director and CEO of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, I would like to set the record straight.
First off, contrary to what Mr. Memminger implied, no botanists from the NTBG (or anywhere else) had anything to do with the actual removal of the trees. If NTBG had been asked we would have gladly advised her on how to get the necessary permits to remove the noxious trees on her property — trees that threaten the biological integrity of the adjacent Limahuli Garden and Preserve which is home to many federally-protected native species.
Apparently, Mr. Memminger is completely unaware of Hawai‘i’s unique flora or that “Green is not always Good” and that we need to control the spread of invasive plants if we want our children and grandchildren to be able to experience Hawai‘i’s unique native forests.
And finally, what Mr. Memminger COMPLETELY missed in the story was what happened when Ms. Midler was cited. Unlike another of our wealthy North Shore landowners, who shall remain un-named, Ms. Midler did not hide behind a wall of attorneys denying any responsibility or trying to blame some one else for the illegal action. Ms. Midler, through her attorney immediately accepted responsibility and initiated a process to make amends.
The native trees Ms. Midler will replant are of far greater biological value than the invasive species she had removed. In essence, Ms. Midler has used this situation to show our community that she is responsible and ethical and has the best interest of Hawai‘i’s biological heritage in mind.
• Chipper Wichman is the director and chief executive officer of the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
