Most of us are aware of the threat to Hawaii’s native ohia tree. Rapid ohia death, a fungal infection, has decimated thousands of acres of Big Island ohia forests.
Most of us are aware of the threat to Hawaii’s native ohia tree. Rapid ohia death, a fungal infection, has decimated thousands of acres of Big Island ohia forests.
Lisa Keith, a research plant pathologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, from 7-9 p.m. Thursday (July 6) will describe the work being done to understand the two strains of fungus attacking and destroying the Big Island’s ohia. The discussion will be hosted at the Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus.
She will talk about what ROD is, how it works, where it is from and how it’s detected. Learn what is known so far about this pathogen and hear about the experiments being done with the hope of mitigating or eliminating the considerable damage wreaked by this threat to Hawaii’s ecosystem.
Still another plant species of vital importance to the Hawaiian environment and culture is the pandanus, or hala. Under attack on other Hawaiian islands, it has not reached the Big Island. In this case, the culprit is an insect that causes severe damage and stunted fronds, materials essential to Hawaii’s weavers of hala mats and other articles.
Stacy Chun with the Hilo office of the state Department of Agriculture also will speak Thursday about the threat to hala.
In the instances of rapid ohia death and hala decline, it is important to understand as much as possible about the threats to the Big Island’s natural resources in order to protect and defend the environment and culture of this unique Hawaiian place.
The presentation is free; however, a $5 donation is greatly appreciated.
The evening is part of a once-a- month Thursday night series at VAC focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and the environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience while fostering community connections.
The Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village. For more information, call 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.