The Hawaii Tribune-Herald has this item regarding a beautiful but problematic tree on the Big Island. Excerpt:

State legislators are taking dead aim at albizia trees in response to the devastation wrought by the invasive species following Tropical Storm Iselle.

A total of nine bills directly targeting albizia have been introduced for the 2015 session, including identical companion bills in the House and Senate seeking $2.1 million to remove the most dangerous trees that remain standing near Hawaii Island roadways.

The dangers of the albizia tree, which is the fastest growing tree in the world but also highly unstable, have long been known by arborists and others impacted by the falling trees, but the general public was largely unaware until lower Puna roads, buildings, vehicles, utility lines were damaged by falling trees in the wake of Iselle’s arrival in early August. …

Albizia trees are largely to blame for blocked roads and downed power lines after Tropical Storm Iselle hit the Big Island.

PF Bentley/Civil Beat