Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025

# Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025 – Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill directs federal agencies to continue and expand efforts to combat Rapid Ohia Death, a fungal disease that has killed over one million native ohia trees in Hawaii. The bill requires the Departments of Interior and Agriculture to work together with Hawaii state officials to research the disease, control its spread, and restore affected forests. It specifically tasks the U.S.

Geological Survey with studying how the fungus spreads, the Fish and Wildlife Service with managing wild animals (like deer) that may help transmit the disease, and the Forest Service with providing funding and staffing for research and prevention efforts. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts Hawaii's environment and residents, particularly those in areas with ohia forests. It also involves federal agencies and the Hawaii state government, which would coordinate on implementation. More broadly, it affects Native Hawaiians and others who depend on native forests for cultural, ecological, and economic reasons. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.