Take a dive with professional spearfisherman Justin Lee in his home waters on Hawai'i Island.
Saving Ohia documents the growing crisis of Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) that is destroying thousands of acres of forests on Hawai’i Island. Providing an in-depth look into the cultural and critical ecological importance of the keystone ohia tree and the potential impact of the ongoing epidemic. Ohia trees cover nearly 1 million acres statewide, the backbone of Hawaii’s native forests and watersheds, which act as the only source of freshwater on the islands.
Hundreds of thousands of trees are already dead, and while the disease continues to spread, scientists are racing to find answers, working with conservationists and residents to preserve the unique ecosystem and way of life in Hawaii.
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Learn how you can help:
For more information about the film: www.savingohia.com
For more information about Rapid Ohia Death: www.rapidohiadeath.org
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Produced by CLUB SULLIVAN TV in partnership with the Hawai'i Invasive Species Council.
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5 Steps You Can Take To Combat Rapid Ohia Death:
Avoid Injuring Ohia: Wounds serve as entry points for the fungi and increase the odds that the tree will become infected.
Don’t Transport Ohia Inter-Island: Quarantine rule’s to help prevent ROD are in effect from spreading. Don’t move ‘ōhi‘a plants, whole or parts, ohia wood, or soil from Hawaiʻi island
Don’t Move Ohia: Reduce spread, refrain from moving ohia logs and branches around Hawaii Island. If you don’t know where the wood is from, don’t move it and keep it out of the green waste.
Clean Your Gear & Tools: If you must work around or cut ohia, clean tools and gear before and after use. Brush all soil off of tools and gear, then spray with 70% rubbing alcohol. Shoes and clothes should also be cleaned before and after entering forests for hiking, trips, or camping.
Wash Your Vehicle: Wash the tires and undercarriage of your vehicle with detergent and remove all soil or mud, especially after traveling from an area with ROD or if you’ve traveled off-road.