Hilo, Hawaiʻi – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has issued a statement expressing profound sadness regarding the loss of life at the site where a large banyan tree fell on Kīlauea Avenue last week. The incident, which resulted in the discovery and recovery of two sets of human remains, has prompted immediate action from the state agency.
“We at DLNR are deeply saddened by the loss of life at the site where the banyan tree fell in Hilo last week. Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy,” the DLNR stated in its release today, July 25, 2025.
Public access to the site is currently prohibited, enforced by temporary fencing around the property and an increased presence from the Department of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE).
The DLNR has contracted a company to trim and remove the fallen tree, a process that will include the entire root ball. This work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 29.
The fallen tree was at least partially located on DLNR land. The department’s records indicate that the tree received regular maintenance dating back to at least 2006, with the most recent service having been performed in 2021. In all instances, the tree maintenance was carried out by a licensed contractor employing certified arborists