HILO, Hawaii – On September 20, Hālau ʻŌhiʻa made a presentation to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees during a meeting in held in Hilo, explaining their role in the response to Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death.

The ʻōhiʻa is one of the most important native trees in Hawaii, both ecologically and culturally. Scientists are currently scrambling to solve the problem of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, caused by a fungus, Ceratocystis fimbriata, that is killing thousands of acres of forest on Hawaii Island.

The role of Hālau ʻŌhiʻa is to bring a cultural perspective to the issue, which became even more prevalent during the 2016 Merrie Monarch Festival, which this year offered a Puaʻenaʻena Ceremony. Kekuhi Kanahele, Kainana Francisco, and Christian Giardina spoke on behalf of the group.

► MORE: OHA in Hilo, September 2016

► MORE: Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death