WAIMEA, Hawaii – The community is trying to make the most of a tragic tree incident at Waimea Park. Two years ago, an unknown vandal killed a number of valued koa trees at Anuenue Playgroundhad by stripping off the bark overnight.

Since then, a group of woodworkers has volunteered to make the most of the situation.

Harbor Gallery owner Gunner Mench explained at a recent Waimea Community Association meeting.

It was like losing a neighbor, a child, something. These trees were planted 20 years ago. Cared for, nurtured, by people from the Waimea Outdoor Circle. This was totally uncalled for. Someone had girdled the trees. They took about a six foot section of bark all the way around these trees. One was an acacia koa, which is endemic here to Hawaii. One was a formosa koa from Taiwan. These were all planted there, and all healthy and doing well.Gunner Mench

After cutting through some initial tape, and with the blessing of Mayor Billy Kenoi, Harbor Gallery – working with West Hawai’i Woodturners – invited local artisans to created bowls and other items from the koa. All proceeds will benefit the Waimea Outdoor Circle (75%) and the woodturnters hui (25%).

Salvaged koa items for sale, on display during the Waimea Community Association meeting

Items for sale include works by Kelly Dunn, Dick and Sue Roberts, John Mydock, Dale Moore, John Spitzenberger, Gary Beck, Kirby Fritchman, Gregg Smith, Steve Herbert, and Ken Obenski. The Waimea Community Association reports pieces will range in price from $20 to $700 depending on size and intricacy of work.

Visit Harbor Gallery in Kawaihae, call them at 882-1510 or visit www.harborgallery.biz or www.waimeaoutdoorcircle.org.