The sterculia foetida, or skunk tree, gives the area fronting Sinclair Library its signature smell.

Unusual odors are not too unusual on the University of Hawai`i at Manoa campus. Several odiferous areas are outside Sinclair Library, Snyder Hall, the Center for Hawaiian Studies, and the William S. Richardson School of Law.

Like Jerry Higa, a student assistant at Sinclair Library, many students know the seasonal odor outside the library is caused by some tree. Indeed, the odor is caused by a tree called the Sterculia Foetida, or Skunk Tree.

Ted Enoki, grounds maintenance manager, said there are two of these trees on campus. He said the other one is outside the School of Architecture.

However, many students probably do not know that the city has deemed the skunk tree outside of the architecture school exceptional and has issued it a plaque.

Enoki said the city ordinance deems the tree unique and protects it. He said although the tree is on UH property, city approval would be needed to trim it. However, he said the tree outside Sinclair Library is not protected by any ordinance.

This is good news for two UH students.

Marion Bigelow, a senior, described the tree's odor as "horrible," and feels it should be cut down. Cassandra Wormser, a sophomore, said she refers to it as the "pee tree" and also feels that it should be exterminated.

Enoki said doing something about the tree is not entirely out of question.

"If it is not the exceptional tree, I don't see a problem with trying to relocate it or doing something about it," he said.

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