A dozen miniature trees estimated to be worth $100,000 were stolen from a family farm in Waimanalo.
Dragon Garden Bonsai spokesman Bobby Liew said the bonsai trees were taken from a fenced display area of the farm — six of them between the evening of July 23 and early morning of July 24, and the other six on the morning of July 28.
The thieves apparently knew what they were taking.
"They took the really, really good ones," Liew said.
Liew said his father, Walter Liew, 80, who owns the farm, regards the stolen miniature trees, known as bonsai in Japanese, as his "children."
He said his father raised most of them from saplings and brought one of them, a 55-year-old miniature elm, to Hawaii when he emigrated from China in 1975.
"It’s been with him for a long time," Liew said.
"He can identify every single one that was stolen."
Liew said his father, who has bought and sold miniature trees for decades, estimated the loss at $100,000, including $25,000 for the 55-year-old elm.
Liew said he called the Star-Advertiser after waiting to see what might turn up from the police investigation.
He said he hopes that if the thieves try to sell the bonsai elm tree, someone might recognize it and report it to the police.
"We’re trying to put the word out," he said.
Honolulu police spokeswoman Michelle Yu said a small number of farm thefts occurred in Waimanalo in July and August.
Yu said police are investigating the thefts of the bonsai trees but have no suspects.
Liew said the trees, if not watered, could die within days and even sooner without sunlight.
A cultivator of miniature trees not only trims the roots and branches, but also uses wires to guide its growth.
"You’re basically training the plant," Liew said.
Liew said his father is too upset to talk to the Star-Advertiser.
Walter Liew started growing the trees as a hobby and has developed it into a farm with more than 100 miniature trees.
His trees, described as "living art," have been displayed at art shows on Oahu, including Marks Garage in downtown Honolulu and Gallery ‘Iolani at Windward Community College, Bobby Liew said.
Liew, trained by masters in China and Japan, has taught the cultivation of miniature trees in classes at Windward Community College.
Yu said anyone with information about the thefts should call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.
