Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025

The Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025 would establish a coordinated federal response to address Ceratocystis, a fungus known as Rapid Ohia Death that has killed over one million native trees in Hawaii. The bill would require the Department of the Interior to partner with the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii state officials to control and manage the fungus.

Under the bill's provisions, the U.S. Geological Survey would continue researching how the fungus spreads, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would work with Hawaii and local stakeholders to manage wild mammals like deer in areas affected by the disease. The Forest Service would provide financial assistance to prevent the fungus from spreading further and to restore Hawaii's native forests, as well as funding for staff and infrastructure at the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry to support ongoing research efforts.

The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. If enacted, it would coordinate multiple federal agencies and provide resources to combat this threat to Hawaii's native forest ecosystems.