H.R. 375: Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025, aims to address a specific tree disease affecting the native Hawaiian tree species known as 'ohia, which is caused by a fungal pathogen. Here are the main components of the bill:

Definitions

In this legislation:

• Rapid Ohia Death: This term refers to the disease caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata that affects the 'ohia tree, scientifically known as Metrosideros polymorpha.
• State: The term refers specifically to the State of Hawaii.

Collaboration Efforts

The bill mandates collaboration among various federal and state offices to tackle the issue of Rapid Ohia Death. The principal entity required to take action is the Secretary of the Interior, who must work in partnership with the Secretary of Agriculture and the State of Hawaii.

Sustained Efforts

The legislation outlines ongoing strategies for research and management in several key areas:

• Research on Vectors and Transmission: The Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the United States Geological Survey, and the Chief of the Forest Service, must persist in researching how Rapid Ohia Death spreads.
• Ungulate Management: Collaboration will continue to manage wild animals, like deer and pigs (referred to as ungulates), which may exacerbate the spread of the disease. This management will occur in designated control areas on both federal and state lands, as well as private lands, but only with the consent of those landowners.
• Restoration and Research Funding: The Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, is tasked with providing financial assistance to prevent the spread of Rapid Ohia Death and to support the restoration of Hawaii's native forests. This includes:
• Financial support through agreements with the Secretary of the Interior to back efforts aimed at controlling the disease and restoring forests.
• Funding for staffing and infrastructure for the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry to enable ongoing research regarding the disease.

Goals of the Bill

The primary goals of this bill are:

• To stop the spread of Rapid Ohia Death in Hawaii.
• To restore and maintain the health of native forest ecosystems in the State.
• To ensure that all stakeholders, including federal agencies, local government, and private landowners, work together effectively in these efforts.

Overall Impact

The bill emphasizes a collaborative approach and sustained efforts to combat Rapid Ohia Death, which poses a significant threat to a crucial part of Hawaii's natural heritage. The outcomes hinge on the coordination of various agencies and the inclusion of local stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive response to the disease.

Relevant Companies

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