This bill requires federal agencies to research and combat Rapid Ohia Death, a fungal disease that has killed over a million native ohia trees in Hawaii. It mandates partnerships with state agencies, continued research on disease transmission, ungulate management in affected areas, and funding for forest restoration.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill requires federal agencies to research and combat Rapid Ohia Death, a fungal disease that has killed over a million native ohia trees in Hawaii. It mandates partnerships with state agencies, continued research on disease transmission, ungulate management in affected areas, and funding for forest restoration.
Last updated: 1/6/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill establishes requirements to research and control the fungus Ceratocystis, known as Rapid Ohia Death, which has killed more than a million native trees in Hawaii.</p><p>Specifically, the Department of the Interior must partner with the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii to control and address the fungus.</p><p>In addition, the U.S. Geological Survey must continue to research Rapid Ohia Death vectors and transmission.</p><p>The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must continue to partner with Hawaii and local stakeholders to manage ungulates (e.g., certain mammals such as deer) in Rapid Ohia Death control areas on federal, state, and private land.</p><p>Finally, the Forest Service must continue to provide (1) financial assistance to prevent the spread of the fungus and to restore the native forests of Hawaii, and (2) staff and necessary infrastructure funding to the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry to research the fungus.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Addresses Rapid Ohia Death fungus killing Hawaii native trees
Requires Interior and Agriculture partnership with Hawaii
Mandates continued research on disease vectors and transmission
Funds ungulate management in affected forest areas
Supports forest restoration and Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Hawaii native forests would receive coordinated federal support to combat the devastating Rapid Ohia Death disease. Research into stopping the fungal spread would continue, and funding for forest restoration would help recover affected ecosystems.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Animals
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
85, 119th Congress (2025). "Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-85
