Report Title:

Natural Resources; Reforestation; Molucca Albizia

Description:

Appropriates funds to study the risks, characteristics, uses, and effects of the moluccca albizia tree on surrounding environments, and alternatives for the reforestation of these areas with native flora.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2778
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR A STUDY ON THE MOLUCCA ALBIZIA TREE AND ALTERNATIVES FOR REFORESTATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The molucca albizia was first introduced to Hawaii in 1917 as an ornamental tree and for the purposes of reforestation.  At one time, the United States Forest Service planted one hundred thirty-five thousand molucca albizia seeds on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii for the production of lumber.  Today, the molucca albizia is present statewide, as it has adapted to the semi-moist areas below one thousand five hundred feet in elevation.

     The molucca albizia is one of the fastest growing species among the broad-leaf tree species, has a large crown, can reach more than one hundred feet in height, and has a life span of twenty-five to thirty years.  The molucca albizia has a soft and brittle wood, has a shallow root system in poor soil, and its large branches are often susceptible to breaking in high wind.  These factors pose a significant hazard to people and property in various residential and recreational areas statewide, and public concern has grown.

     The molucca albizia tree was last studied by the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum in 1985 for the potential risks caused by the spreading and aging of molucca albizia trees.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $250,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the purpose of conducting a study on the molucca albizia tree, its characteristics and uses, effects on surrounding environments, risks, and alternatives for the reforestation of areas having molucca albizia trees with native flora.

     SECTION 3.  The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:

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