HI SR17

Establish a grant program through the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to assist persons using albizia trees to create commercial products or developing new ways to use albizia for commercial products

Conduct a study on economically feasible ways businesses may use albizia trees to produce usable commercial products, including housing, throughout Hawaii

Consult with University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and University of Hawaii School of Architecture during the study

Submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the 2024 Regular Session

Address the invasive albizia tree problem by creating economic incentives to remove and repurpose trees that grow rapidly, disrupt native ecosystems, and pose safety hazards due to brittle limbs prone to sudden collapse