HONOLULU — In honor of Honolulu Pride Month, Mayor Rick Blangiardi declared the Rainbow Shower Tree as the “Official Pride Tree of Honolulu." 

What You Need To Know

  • The mayor proclaimed the Rainbow Shower Tree as the "Official Pride Tree of Honolulu" at a ceremony on Tuesday, when he also raised the Progress Pride flag above the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds 

  • The Rainbow Shower Tree (Cassia x nealiae ‘Wilhelmina Tenney’) — which was designated Honolulu’s official tree in 1965 — is named for two prominent lesbians

  • With the help of Lei Pua ʻAla Queen Histories of Hawaii, the mayor unveiled an informational plaque at the base of a Rainbow Shower Tree outside the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building

The mayor made the proclamation at a ceremony on Tuesday, when he also raised the Progress Pride flag above the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds. 

“Today is a celebration of everything and everyone that makes our community diverse, beautiful, and strong,” said Blangiardi in a statement. “We are proud to observe Honolulu Pride Month, as the Pride flag flies high overhead, serving as a reminder that our great City is inclusive and welcomes all residents and visitors, regardless of who they love. Meanwhile, the Rainbow Shower Tree (Cassia x nealiae ‘Wilhelmina Tenney’) will now stand as a living legacy to the contributions of the LGBTQ+ Māhū community to Oahu throughout the generations.”

The Progress Pride Flag flying outside the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building in June 2023. (Spectrum News/Brian McInnis)
The Progress Pride Flag flying outside the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building in June 2023. (Spectrum News/Brian McInnis)

The Rainbow Shower Tree (Cassia x nealiae ‘Wilhelmina Tenney’) — which was designated Honolulu’s official tree in 1965 — is named for two prominent lesbians. 

Wilhelmina Tenney was a Honolulu resident, businesswoman, and philanthropist who lived in two visible same-sex relationships in the early 20th century when lesbianism was considered a perversion, according to Lei Pua ʻAla Queen Histories of Hawaii. 

Tenney also donated a cutting from a Rainbow Shower Tree that was in her yard to the Foster Botanical Garden, where it still grows. 

Marie C. Neal, whose name inspired the tree’s scientific Latin name (Cassia x nealie), was a Bishop Museum botanist. As the head of the Bishop Musuem’s Botany department for 30 years, she cared for over 160,000 preserved plant specimens. She also lived in a long-term lesbian relationship during the middle 20th century, despite societal pressures. 

With the help of Lei Pua ʻAla Queen Histories of Hawaii, the mayor unveiled an informational plaque at the base of a Rainbow Shower Tree outside the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building.

Foster Botanical Garden is offering free admission on Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., along with a presentation by Bishop Museum Historian DeSoto Brown at 10 a.m., who will share the story of the Rainbow Shower Tree. There will also be a garden tour at 1 p.m.