Thursday Night at the Center: “Rapid `Ōhi‘a Death/ Hala Discussion”

Thursday Night at the Center: “Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death/ Hala Discussion” 

Thursday, July 6 at 7pm at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village

ROD/Beyond the Basics

Most of us are aware of the threat to our Big Island’s keystone ‘ōhi‘a forest species.  Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD), a fungal infection, has decimated thousands of acres of Big Island forests.

Dr. Lisa Keith, a research plant pathologist with the US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, will describe the work being done to understand the two strains of fungus attacking and destroying our island’s ‘ōhi‘a on Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 7pm – 9pm at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus.

She will tell us what the ROD fungus is, how it works, where it is from, and how we detect it.  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 Hawai`i’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 Hawai`i’s weavers of hala mats and other articles. Stacy Chun from Hilo’s Department of Agriculture will speak about the threat to hala.

In the instances of both Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death and hala decline, it is important to understand as much as possible about the threats to our islands’ natural resources in order to protect and defend the environment and culture of this unique Hawaiian place. This presentation is free; however, a $5 donation is greatly appreciated.

This evening is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and our environment.  The series is intended to inspire, enhance your appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.