(HONOLULU) – Rapid ??hi?a Death (ROD), a disease caused by fungal pathogens that impacts native ??hi?a trees, was recently detected for the first time in the Wai?anae mountain range on O?ahu.

Previously, the O?ahu-based detections of the disease had been limited to multiple locations within the Ko?olau range. During invasive species surveys conducted by the O?ahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC), a roughly 40-foot ??hi?a tree was found exhibiting symptoms of ROD. OISC collected a sample of the tree and sent it to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Research Service lab in Hilo for analysis. It was confirmed that Ceratocystis huliohia, the less aggressive of two fungal strains that cause ROD, was present.

A team from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and OISC returned to the fallen tree to keep infected material from spreading. Although Ceratocystis huliohia is less aggressive, it can still be fatal to ??hi?a trees. Another discovery in K?ne?ohe, brings the total positive ROD detections on O?ahu to 12, six on residential properties and six in forested, wildland areas. The more aggressive ROD species, Ceratocystis lukuohia, is currently limited to Hawai?i Island and Kaua?i.

In 2016, a partnership of state, federal, university, and non-government organizations began conducting systematic helicopter and ground surveys for ROD. Since then, more than 400 dead or unhealthy ??hi?a trees on O?ahu have been sampled for the disease, with the first positive detection in 2019.

Dead or unhealthy ??hi?a trees with reddish or brown leaves attached can be reported by submitting a photo at: www.643PEST.org or emailing a photo to the O?ahu Invasive Species Committee: [email protected].

Residents and visitors can help protect remaining ??hi?a forests with the following actions:

    Avoid injuring ??hi?a. Open wounds on ??hi?a are an entry point for disease spores. The disease can also spread from tree to tree on machetes or other tools.

    Don’t transport ??hi?a inter-island.

    Don’t move ??hi?a wood or vegetation.

    Clean your hiking boots/gear/tools. Scrub off all dirt and spray boot soles and tools with 70% rubbing alcohol, wash your clothes in hot water, and use a dryer to ensure the disease is not spread on boots and clothing.

    Wash your vehicle if driving near ??hi?a forests. The disease can remain alive and infectious in soil, so wash all dirt off on vehicles.