PAHOA, Hawaii – A newly identified disease that has killed large numbers of mature ʻōhiʻa trees in East Hawaii was the topic of some discussion at a community talk story with State Senator Russell Ruderman in Pahoa on Wednesday. The vascular wilt fungus, Ceratocystis fimbriata, is being blamed for the alarming die-off. Researchers are scrambling to find a solution.

MORE: Sen. Ruderman talk story (Nov. 4 in Pahoa)