This 2013 report evaluates the feasibility of growing and selling locally farmed Christmas trees in Hawaiʻi as a sustainable alternative to imported trees. It examines market demand, invasive species risk, farm economics, consumer preferences, and retail logistics. The study is intended to support informed decisions about agroforestry opportunities, local economy support, and invasive species mitigation through local Christmas tree production.
Educators and students can:
Analyze economic models: Compare production costs and pricing between Hawaiʻi-grown and mainland Christmas trees.
Investigate invasive species risks: Research how imported trees have historically carried pests like yellowjackets, slugs, and even frogs.
Design agroforestry experiments: Propose a student-led project to grow trees like Norfolk Pine or Leyland Cypress in school gardens, including testing for fragrance and survivability.
Create a marketing campaign: Draft a promotional flyer for a fictional Christmas tree farm focused on local sustainability and invasive species reduction.
Environmental economics: market analysis, cost comparisons, profit margins
Invasive species awareness: agricultural quarantine and inspection protocols
Hawai‘i agroforestry: adaptation of non-native species and native land use
Consumer behavior: household survey data on purchasing preferences
Geography and elevation science: site suitability for fir vs. pine tree growth
Local culture and sustainability: community buy-in and agricultural self-reliance
