Maui's native ʻōhiʻa trees have been affected by Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), a fungal infection that reached an elementary school on the island. After the discovery of the disease at the end of January, the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) took quick action, which included informing the public and addressing the severity of the issue. They removed infected trees and treated the area to prevent further spread, according to a Department of Land and Natural Resources release on the Office of the Governor's website.

The strain found at the school was identified as 'huli ʻōhiʻa, which is less aggressive than other strains but still a threat to the local ecosystem. According to the release, "All cut stumps were treated and sealed" to contain the infection. Since on-site burning was not an option due to nearby housing, all green waste was bagged for proper disposal.

The ʻōhiʻa trees are vital to watershed protection, with an estimated 80,000 acres of them on Maui, primarily in State Forest Reserves. The response to ROD has been informed by lessons learned from Hawai‘i Island, where studies show a higher infection rate in areas with frequent animal damage and uncontrolled grazing.

MISC has been actively monitoring the situation, collecting samples from surrounding ʻōhiʻa trees. The community is also encouraged to take precautions, such as avoiding injury to ʻōhiʻa, not transporting vegetation between islands, and cleaning gear that may come into contact with the trees.

Additionally, people are advised to wash vehicles driving near ʻōhiʻa forests and clean hiking boots and clothes. The fungus spreads through open tree wounds, creating a serious challenge for Hawaii’s landscapes.