The "Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025" aims to combat the spread of Rapid Ohia Death in Hawaii by directing the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to collaborate on research, ungulate management, financial assistance, and forest restoration, and authorizes $5,000,000 to be appropriated annually from 2026 through 2036 to implement the act.
Mazie Hirono
Senator
HI
The "Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025" aims to combat the spread of Rapid Ohia Death in Hawaii by promoting collaboration between the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior with the State of Hawaii. It directs the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to continue research and ungulate management, respectively. The Act also requires the Forest Service to provide financial assistance and staff to prevent the disease's spread and restore native forests, and authorizes $5,000,000 to be appropriated annually from 2026 through 2036 to fund these efforts.
Hawaii Gets $5M Annually to Fight Tree-Killing Fungus: 'Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025' Kicks Off in 2026
The Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025 is throwing a lifeline to Hawaii's native 'ōhi'a forests, which have been devastated by a fungal disease called Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death (ROD). This bill ensures continued funding and collaboration to tackle the problem head-on, meaning that those working on saving the forests will have the resources they need.
Stopping the Spread
This Act really focuses on making sure federal agencies, like the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, are working hand-in-hand with the State of Hawaii. It's not just talk; the bill mandates collaboration (Section 4). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is tasked with continuing its research into how ROD spreads (Section 5). This means understanding the disease better so we can fight it better. Think of it like this: you can't fix a leak if you don't know where the water's coming from.
Boots on the Ground (and Hooves Off!)
The bill also addresses a key factor in the spread of ROD: ungulates (hoofed animals like deer and pigs). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will continue working with local groups to manage these animals in affected areas (Section 5). Why? Because these animals can damage trees, making them more vulnerable to the fungus. It authorizes financial help to prevent ROD's spread and to restore native forests, plus provides staff and funds to the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (Section 5). This is like giving the forest a first-aid kit and the experts to use it.
Money Where It Matters
The bill authorizes $5,000,000 every year from 2026 through 2036 (Section 6) to fund these efforts. This money will be used for research, prevention, and restoration activities by both the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture. It's a significant investment in protecting a vital part of Hawaii's ecosystem. For example, a local farmer who relies on the health of the watershed for their crops could see long-term benefits from this sustained effort to protect the forests. The funding should also help make sure that the forests stay healthy and that future generations can enjoy them.