Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025
The Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025 would require federal agencies and the State of Hawaii to continue a coordinated effort to address Rapid Ohia Death (ROD), a fungal disease affecting the ohia tree (Metrosideros polymorpha) caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata. The bill formalizes ongoing collaboration among the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii, and directs sustained activities in three areas: research on how the disease spreads (vectors and transmission), management of ungulates (hoofed animals) in ROD control areas on all land types with private landowner consent, and restoration and financial support to prevent spread and recover native forests, including funding for the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry to conduct ROD research. The measure signals a continuing federal-state effort to protect Hawaii’s native forests and related ecological and cultural resources.
Key Points
- 1The act requires the Secretary of the Interior to partner with the Secretary of Agriculture and the State of Hawaii to address Rapid Ohia Death.
- 2Research mandate: Interior agencies (USGS and Forest Service’s Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry) must continue research into ROD vectors and transmission.
- 3Ungulate management: Interior (USFWS) must work with Agriculture, Hawaii, and local stakeholders to manage ungulates in ROD control areas on federal, state, and private land, with private landowner consent.
- 4Restoration and research funding: Agriculture (Forest Service) must provide financial assistance to prevent spread and restore native forests, and fund staff/infrastructure for the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry to study ROD.
- 5Scope is limited to ongoing, collaborative federal-state efforts in Hawaii, with emphasis on prevention, restoration, and research.