The news that one of the two fungal pathogens known to cause Rapid Ohia Death or ROD is now confirmed to be on Kauai is a serious concern. Ohia (Metrosideros spp.), the most abundant native tree in the state of Hawaii, is a foundation species that is essential to all of our wet and mesic forest ecosystems. As we learn more about this situation, I encourage the public to get informed about how to protect our forests and prevent the spread of this pathogen. We all need to implement the best practices that are being recommended by the rapid response team of experts and the State of Hawaii‘i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). At this time, we encourage you to follow DLNR for the latest news updates. — Chipper Wichman, President and CEO, National Tropical Botanical Garden
Kauai Rapid Ohia Death Video News Release, May 11, 2018 from Hawaii DLNR on Vimeo.