Stop the Spread of Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death!
'Ōhi'a is the Foundation of the Forest
Hawai‘i’s rainforests have been heavily affected by Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). ROD is a fungal disease that is decimating populations of ʻŌhi‘a (Metrosideros polymorpha). ʻŌhi‘a is the foundational tree of the Hawaiian forest. It is so well adapted for Hawai‘i’s volcanic landscape that it can pull moisture from the air and transfer that water to the ground below to recharge the aquifer. On Hawaiʻi Island, hundreds of thousands of ʻŌhiʻa trees have already died across thousands of acres.
The Hawai’i Department of Agriculture has imposed a quarantine that prohibits movement of all ‘ōhi’a plants or plant parts, including flowers, leaves, seeds, stems, twigs, logs, and soil between islands except by permit.
Follow this process before entering and after leaving any new area. Always clean hands and tools between taking plant material from different trees. Wash vehicles before and after traveling off road, especially tires and undercarriage. It is critical to remove all soil. When possible, substitute other flowers for lehua in lei making. If you continue to gather, please pick only the first four inches of ‘ōhi‘a stem tips (includes flowers and liko).
ROD is expected to result in declines in aquifer recharge related to decreases in rainfall.
Take Action
Please keep these guidelines in mind:
Avoid areas confirmed to have Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death. Look for signage at trailheads. Always follow decontamination protocol: remove all soil from gear and shoes, then sanitize by spraying (saturate) using 70% rubbing alcohol.