HONOLULU -- A rare Cuban mahogany tree was cut down in Moanalua Gardens on Tuesday, but the owners have plans so that the tree will not be lost forever.

Cuban mahogany trees are extinct in Cuba and fairly rare in other parts of the world.

Images: Cuban Mahogany Tree

The rare Cuban mahogany tree had been at Moanalua Gardens for about 150 years. It could have alive during the time of Prince Lot or Kamehameha V.

"It has seen a lot. It has been through a couple of wars, a few other things, but it's got its age with it," Moanalua Gardens owner J.P. Damon said.

The tree was sick, inspectors said. A large branch fell near Moanalua Elementary School a few weeks ago. Experts said it had to come down.

The owner thought long and hard about how to best preserve something from the historic tree. They took cuttings and planted seedlings. They are also cloning parts of the original tree to the seedlings. So, DNA of the actual tree will continue to grow at Moanalua Gardens and other places around the island.

"I want to propagate as many clones as possible and try to replant as many of these as I can, and furthermore, the wood that's been brought down will be used for fine furniture, guitars and high quality materials," Damon said.

James Ferla is a master carpenter who makes fine wood products. He and other woodworkers are waiting patiently to get some of the wood from the tree.

"Cuban mahogany is the premier wood for fine furniture and musical instruments," Ferla said. "This is the only example of that wood I've ever seen. You've got very unique characteristics. The whole tree is curly."

Woodworkers hope to make fine furniture, bowls and other items from the rare wood.

World-renown guitar maker Taylor Guitars is interested in obtaining some of the wood. The company could possibly make limited-edition Cuban mahogany guitars from the old tree.