The least virulent strain of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), a fungal infection affecting ʻōhiʻa trees, was detected last month at a Maui elementary school. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) implemented a Rapid Response Plan to address the presence of ‘huli ʻōhiʻa,’ which is considered less serious than the other strain of ROD.
Crews from MISC and DOFAW removed the affected ʻōhiʻa trees from the school campus. The stumps were treated and sealed, while all green debris was bagged for proper disposal, as on-site burning was not feasible due to nearby residences. MISC also collected samples from surrounding ʻōhiʻa trees for follow-up monitoring.
Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death was first identified on Hawai‘i Island over a decade ago. The fungi infect through bark wounds, obstructing water transport within the tree and causing leaves to brown and die quickly. Huli ‘ōhi‘a, one of the two species responsible for ROD, grows more slowly, allowing infections to remain unnoticed for some time.
Maui holds the second-largest population of ʻōhiʻa in Hawaii, with approximately 80,000 acres mostly situated in State Forest Reserves protected by fencing. Research indicates that damage caused by wild pigs, goats, and deer significantly increases ROD occurrences in unfenced areas.
Community members can contribute to protecting these crucial watershed-protecting forests through various actions.
