07-15-2013, 06:29 AM
If we don't stop the spread of albizias here in Puna, they will soon be an expensive problem island-wide. They (and their branches) have fallen on and totalled at least 2 homes in Nanawale and a truck driving the beautiful tree tunnel, as well as the Lava Tree Park pavilion. So far we have lucked out and no one has died. What cost safety?
Several years ago, when the County hired Tree Works to remove the albizias on the road to Lava Tree, there was such an uproar about cutting those "beautiful trees" that the job order was changed to only take out trees that were diseased and remove overhanging limbs. At the time I suggested planting of native trees in the spaces in between the albizias, and phasing out the albizias, so that the canopy would gradually be replaced with other tree species. I thought that was a reasonable compromise, and still do. Obviously, I was alone and those overhanging branches have grown back.
Several years ago, when the County hired Tree Works to remove the albizias on the road to Lava Tree, there was such an uproar about cutting those "beautiful trees" that the job order was changed to only take out trees that were diseased and remove overhanging limbs. At the time I suggested planting of native trees in the spaces in between the albizias, and phasing out the albizias, so that the canopy would gradually be replaced with other tree species. I thought that was a reasonable compromise, and still do. Obviously, I was alone and those overhanging branches have grown back.