Reminder: Permanent restrictions remain on the transport of ʻŌhiʻa
As the 62nd Merrie Monarch Festival begins tomorrow, the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture is reminding travelers that quarantine restrictions remain in effect for the transport of ʻŌhiʻa from Hawaiʻi Island due to the fungal plant disease known as rapid ʻŌhiʻa death (ROD).
Rapid ʻŌhiʻa death began devastating the native tree when it was first detected in 2010 in Puna. In 2014, the fungus was initially identified as Ceratocystis fimbriata by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Daniel K. Inouye Agricultural Research Service. However, recent research has reclassified Ceratocystis fimbriata into two distinct species that are new to science: Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratocystis huliohia.
Since it was first detected, rapid ʻŌhiʻa death has led to the destruction of at least 1 million ʻŌhiʻa trees on Hawaiʻi Island alone. To help combat the spread to other islands, the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture issued an emergency quarantine in August 2015, with a permanent quarantine put in place by 2016.
The quarantine restricts the movement of ʻŌhiʻa plants and plant parts, including flowers, leaves, seeds, stems, twigs, cuttings, untreated wood, logs, mulch, green waste, frass (sawdust from boring insects), and any soil from Hawaiʻi Island. Even if the ʻōhiʻa originated from another island, it may not be transported off the island.
Quarantine inspectors will be stationed at airports in Hilo and Kona on Sunday and Monday, April 27-28, to collect any ʻŌhiʻa material, which will be returned to the native forests on Hawaiʻi Island. During last year’s Merrie Monarch travel period, Hilo inspectors intercepted 27 lei poʻo (head leis).
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience will provide hoʻihoʻi baskets to collect any ʻŌhiʻa. Baskets will also be stationed at the Hilo and Kona airport Plant Quarantine Branch offices.
The Merrie Monarch Festival draws dozens of hula hālau and hundreds of spectators to Hawaiʻi Island. It is important to note that the act of harvesting ʻŌhiʻa may spread the disease, as spores may be carried in soil and by harvesting tools, vehicles, shoes, and clothing to uninfected areas.
The disease was detected on Kauaʻi in 2018 and on Oʻahu in 2019. Also in 2019, one ʻŌhiʻa tree on Maui was infected and destroyed, and ROD has not been detected on the island since. It is not known how or where the disease entered the state.
A lei poʻo is inspected before it is taken by a Department of Agriculture inspector at the Hilo International Airport.
Any person who violates the quarantine rule may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined not less than $100, with a maximum fine of $10,000. For a second offense committed within five years of a prior conviction under this rule, the person or organization shall be fined not less than $500 and not more than $25,000.
Travelers seeking more inspection information may contact the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine offices:
- Hilo – 808-961-9393
- Kona – 808-326-1077
- Kauaʻi – 808-241-7135
- Honolulu – 808-837-8413
- Maui – 808-872-3848
The Merrie Monarch Festival is next week from Aprili 20 to 26. Check for a travel alert flyer that has been posted on the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture website.
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