Yesterday, Governor Ige signed SB2059 into law during a ceremony at Washington Place attended by invited guests that included teachers and 30 keiki.  The measure, which passed unanimously, designates ʻōhiʻa lehua as the official Hawai‘i State Endemic Tree. ʻŌhiʻa is the most common native tree is ubiquitous from lower elevations to the highest peaks.

During remarks, prior to signing the bill, Governor David Ige said, “ʻŌhiʻa lehua is a symbol of Hawai‘i. As a keystone species it makes up fully 80% of our native forests. Unfortunately, Rapid Ōhiʻa Death has killed more than a million ʻōhiʻa trees on Hawai‘i Island alone over the past eight years. Providing this recognition for ʻōhiʻa will help spread the message about how important this species has been and will continue to be, to life in Hawai‘i.”

It’s hoped the recognition of the ʻōhiʻa will increase awareness of its importance and will be of value in educating residents and visitors about the need to protect native forests from serious threats like Rapid Ōhiʻa Death.

The bill signing concluded with the ceremonial planting of a young ʻōhiʻa tree on the grounds of Washington Place. Gov. Ige, First Lady Amano-Ige, Chair Case, Senator Brian Taniguchi, Representative Lisa Marten, and students from Waimanalo Elementary and Mānoa Elementary schools took turns shoveling additional dirt around the plant and watering it.

DLNR Photo