SciencePhoto: HT WorldHawaii's Albizia Trees Cause $13M in Damage After 2014 Hurricane
In 1917, Hawaii planted albizia trees to prevent erosion on hillsides. Native to Indonesia, albizia grew quickly and spread across the islands after sugar plantations closed. However, the tree's brittle branches break easily in storms, causing damage to homes and utilities. After Hurricane Iselle in 2014, albizia-related damage led to $13 million in utility repairs on the Big Island, highlighting the unintended consequences of the reforestation effort.
HT World·



