Representatives of three Makiki non-profit organizations have formed a symbolic partnership to remove a 30-foot shower tree in front of the historic Hawaii Women's Foundation informally known as “Laulima Women's House.” In its place they planted a new shade tree today, to symbolize their growing future together. The ceremony took place in front of the Laulima Women’s House located at 1802 Keeamoku Street.

The beautiful shower tree has provided shade over the Laulima Women’s House for many decades and even caught the attention of Walt Disney Pictures, who is releasing the new movie The Odd Life of Timothy Green and participating in the planting ceremony on the movie’s opening day.  The Odd Life of Timothy Green is an inspiring, magical story about helping a young life grow.

“We are saddened that this beautiful tree has been irreparably damaged by termites and must be removed,” said Jennifer Dotson, President of the Junior League of Honolulu – just one of the organizations that calls this house their home.

According to Dotson, "The cost of the tree removal alone was estimated at $5,000." Dotson added that the removal and a tree replanting has been made possible by the monetary assistance of the Hawaii Women’s Foundation as well as outstanding community members donating equipment and services.

“When our community members and the local Disney representatives found out about our situation they all came together to protect the Laulima Women’s House and the nonprofits that call it home,” added Dotson.

The gracious white home at the corner of Dominis and Keeaumoku Streets is headquarters for the Hawaii Women's Foundation, which makes the site available to a variety of community groups, including the Junior League of Honolulu. The organizations involved in the symbolic partnership include:

Junior League Of Honolulu
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Honolulu Branch
Hawaii Women's Foundation

“The symbolic partnership honors the shared vision to support the community as well as the shared location where a new tree will grow and flourish," said Dotson.

The Junior League of Honolulu has served Honolulu's community for 89 years, and is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.