For those who believe that any hardwood from Indonesia can be imported into Hawaii.....think twice.

Wood species used for structural purposes in buildings in Hawaii must meet the provisions stated in the International Building Code (IBC) and/or other adopted or specific codes and provisions in-force by the County, or have been approved by the County having jurisdiction over the project. It is our current understanding that all hardwood species for structural use from Indonesia are disallowed by the Counties of Hawaii, except that only Bangkirai is approved by The City and County of Oahu.

Use of any Indonesian wood species for structural purposes (except Bangkirai and Merbau for Oahu) requires obtaining approval for use by the County having jurisdiction over the project. This may involve having an independent testing lab conduct structural tests and write a report, and filing the report, forms, and other required documents with the County. Such a process could require considerable time and money and approval is not guaranteed. Since each County may have differing requirements, and since these requirements are subject to change at any time without notice, those contemplating undertaking such approvals are advised to check directly with the County for which approval is sought as to required procedures, and to verify which, if any, Indonesian wood species are approved for structural use.

In conclusion: If you do not wish to end up with a confiscated shipment or be disallowed from using particular wood species from Indonesia in a building for Hawaii, do not use any of these hardwoods, except Bangkirai for Oahu. We know from a reliable source that a lab report as referred to above may well cost USD. 50,000.

This was the bad news.

The good news is that we can offer you an alternative with a wood which is approved by all Counties: Engineered Pine from New Zealand, .....and 100% termite resistant. The price level is similar to that of Bangkirai.