(a) The council desires to provide for better environmental control to improve the quality of life of its citizens by enacting protective regulations to safeguard exceptional trees within the city. The council finds that not only are trees of value for their beauty, but that they perform an important ecological function in that they prevent soil erosion, purify the air, as well as retard flooding. The council also finds that inasmuch as trees contribute to the beauty of the island, they are an important element in achieving the objectives of the new general plan “to protect and preserve the natural environment of Oahu” and “to maintain the viability of Oahu’s resort industry.”
(b) While the council recognizes the limitations inherent in the enforcement of this article on federal and State property, exceptional trees located on such property are included herein, as a statement of this council’s firm resolve to protect those unique assets to our environment, wherever they might be located on Oahu. Further, the council hopes that this statement of resolve will encourage these federal and State officials entrusted with the care of designated exceptional trees, to take appropriate steps for their protection.
(c) In the belief that protective regulations to safeguard exceptional trees will promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the city, the council enacts this article as a means of preserving the environmental character of the city within Act 105, Session Laws of Hawaii, 1975. The terms of this article shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purpose stated herein.
(Sec. 13-36.1, R.O. 1978 (1983 Ed.)) (1990 Code, Ch. 41, Art. 13, § 41-13.1)