The tree that was cut down, the koa (Acacia Koa), is native to Hawaii and is one of the rarest trees on Earth. State law prohibits cutting down a koa tree that is not dead or dying, with fines of $2,000 per tree. Because of this, koa wood is rare and because of its characteristics it's in high demand for musical instruments, furniture and art pieces. In 2019 the top price for the highest quality koa wood is $150 per board foot.