Schatz Calls For Immediate Action From Interior Secretary On Rapid Ohia Death In Hawai‘i

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called for immediate action from the Department of the Interior to stop the spread of Rapid Ohia Death.  In a letter to Interior Department Secretary Sally Jewell, Schatz called for additional personnel and resources to protect ohia on Hawai‘i Island and prevent the spread of the tree disease.

“If this was a forest fire, there would be no question about an all-hands-on-deck, no-holds-barred response.  Rapid Ohia Death is bigger than a forest fire in size and scope, and we need to treat it as such,” said Senator Schatz.  “Researchers have given us clear guidance on how we can stay ahead of this tree disease and prevent its spread to the rest of the state. That is why I have requested Secretary Jewell to direct the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service to provide the additional personnel and resources that will be necessary to protect our ohia.”

In addition to the Department of the Interior, Senator Schatz is rallying support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  On Thursday, the Senate passed the agriculture appropriations bill for fiscal year 2017, which included a provision introduced by Senator Schatz that would direct the USDA to study reported recent outbreaks of Rapid Ohia Death in Hawai‘i and report recommended action for response and management within 90 days.

The disease, which attacks ohia trees, was first reported in 2010 and has become a major threat to Hawai‘i Island’s native forests and the watersheds that depend on them.  More than 35,000 acres have been infected by the fungus that causes Rapid Ohia Death.

To read Senator Schatz’s letter to Secretary Jewell, click here.