Hong Kong to review Peak lighting installation after outcry over felled trees

Hong Kong tourism authorities have pledged to review the roll-out of a lighting project along a trail on The Peak after mounting complaints that flowers and trees were chopped down to make way for the installations.

But the Tourism Board defended the project, saying it had consulted local residents and sought advice from tree experts to minimise the impact on the surrounding environment.

In a statement on Sunday, the board said it valued residents’ views and would now “conduct broader consultation to review the overall arrangements of the project” to “refine its details, with a view to achieving a balance between tourism development, environmental protection and residents’ needs”.

The controversy centres on a lighting installation project near Lugard Road and Harlech Road.

Small light installations were planned for selected points along the walking trail to add new features to The Peak’s attractions.

They were originally intended to form part of a new light show staged alongside the coming Hong Kong WinterFest.

“The initiative aims to further enhance the appeal of Hong Kong’s nighttime tourism and showcase the city’s unique charm as an international metropolis,” the board said.

The installations feature a soft, low-glare lighting design and were planned to operate from 7pm to 10pm on a 12-month trial basis, according to the board.

But the plan sparked an outcry after some residents complained on social media that flowers and trees had been chopped down to make way for the lights.

Critics also labelled the installations an eyesore that ruined the neighbourhood’s natural ambience.

One user wrote: “Taste has no bottom line, aesthetics has no lower limit …. Why not spend the money on planting more flowers and trees or building more public washrooms?”

In response, the board argued it had consulted the local district council in April and also briefed residents in May and September on the project’s purpose and progress.

It also said it had consulted various government departments and tree experts “on tree protection and the installation of light fittings”.

“The selection of trees for the project, the method of hanging the light fittings, the tree protection measures, the load-bearing arrangements and the installation methods are all subject to endorsement by registered arborists.

“Upon completion of installation, the light fittings will also be inspected by arborists and monitored regularly,” it maintained.

The board added it would announce the latest arrangements for the project “in due course”.