Couple Sue Hawaii Landowner Over Fallen Tree Branch

An elderly California couple are suing the landowner of a Waikiki, Hawaii, outdoor bazaar, claiming they were injured when a branch from a large banyan tree fell on them.

Attorneys for the Rancho Palos Verdes couple filed the lawsuit Thursday against Queen Emma Land Co., owner of the International Marketplace.

The lawsuit claims Russell Narahara broke his hip and his wife Beverly suffered a fractured skull when the 8-foot branch fell on them in February.

Attorney Wayne Kekina said Friday the tree is on a special registry that requires a permit for trimming. He says a permit was last obtained in 2010 and that the branch was dead for at least two years.

Queen Emma Land declined to comment on pending litigation.