KIHEI – The monkeypods will stay.

More than a year after county officials first announced that four monkeypod trees would be removed along South Kihei Road, sparking a back-and-forth battle with tree lovers who wanted to see them saved, officials confirmed that they would accept the recommendation of the Kihei Community Association and leave the trees in place.

For now.

“That is correct,” said county spokesman Rod Antone. “At some point, when they finalize plans for South Kihei Road, we may revisit the situation, but in the meantime the trees will stay where they are.”

“We are pleased that the county has listened to the citizens of Kihei and found a way to keep the trees,” said KCA President Jon Miller.

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