A handful of bills that would facilitate clearing albizia trees from private property passed their first readings in the state Legislature.
Native to Indonesia, albizia were first brought to Hawaii in 1917 as ornamental plants. During the past century, however, they have become a nuisance throughout the state.
“Technically, people would say albizia is not invasive because it was brought, here, but it is an invasive species in that it spreads aggressively and causes tremendous damage,” said Sen. Russell Ruderman, D-Puna, who introduced two albizia bills this year.
During Hurricane/Tropical Storm Iselle in 2014, Puna residents felt the full brunt of that damage, when the tall, brittle trees growing throughout the district were toppled by heavy winds, knocking out power, blocking streets and roadways and destroying homes.
In seeking federal disaster relief funds, former Gov. Neil Abercrombie wrote that damages totaled about $13.2 million.
Since then, representatives have been more aggressive in seeking legislation to specifically address the tree problem.
“There really wasn’t much effort to speak of before the hurricane,” Ruderman said. “That’s a disaster that will happen over and over if we don’t control albizia.”
The trees can grow up to 15 feet per year, forming thick canopies and shading out native species such as ohia. They can have shallow root systems, making them more susceptible to uprooting.
A canopy of trees in Manoa on Oahu prompted Rep. Isaac Choy, D-Manoa, Punahou, Moiliili, to introduce legislation that would offer an income tax credit for albizia removal or tree trimming.
The Manoa albizia trees grow along the valley stream, and trunks and limbs have broken off and fallen in, clogging the waterway. Choy said Wednesday that in introducing the tax credit, he hopes to get the trees cleared from the stream and the shore, and stave off future destruction if the valley should flood.
House Bill 20 was introduced specifically with Manoa in mind, he said, but albizia eradication throughout the state would benefit.
A tax credit would only be available during a two-year window, from 2017-19. The amount of credit has not yet been specified.
Ruderman’s bills would require homeowners in the process of selling a house to disclose the presence of all albizia trees within 150 feet of the property, and allow property owners to enter adjacent vacant land to clear trees.
“… Albizia trees located on private properties often create hazardous conditions for adjacent properties and … the development of these hazardous conditions should be prevented wherever possible,” the latter, Senate Bill 843, states.
Puna state Rep. Joy San Buenaventura also introduced a bill regarding clearing albizia from vacant land.
“We continue to work on it where we can,” Ruderman said. “These are relatively small side issues of albizia.”
The disclosure requirement (SB 815) would be most relevant for newcomers to the island, who might not know about the dangers of the tree.
During the 2016 session, Hawaii Island legislators sought $5 million in funding for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Big Island Invasive Species Committee for a long-term albizia management program. The bills did not receive hearings.
Instead, a line item added to the budget allocated $1.5 million to the Department of Transportation for albizia removal.
Last summer, Hawaii Electric Light Co., which cleared more than 31,000 albizia trees since 2014, announced it would match those funds.
HELCO has worked in corridors, including along the Mamalahoa Highway between Hilo and Honomu identified by BIISC as potential safety risks.
Email Ivy Ashe at iashe@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
