Why We Need Your Support

For the past decade, our organization has built the ʻŌhiʻa Disease Resistance Program, a remarkable effort focused on finding ʻŌhiʻa trees that are resistant to Rapid ʻŌhia Death (ROD) – a devastating disease that is wiping out our Native Hawaiian Forests. Fortunately, our preliminary work is finding that about 20% of screened trees show strong resistance to ROD, but we are the only ʻŌhiʻa resistance program in the world, and there is much work ahead.

Why the Need for Your Support is URGENT

The ʻŌhiʻa Disease Resistance Program is a entirely funded by external grants, with most of these coming from the federal government. On January 27, 2025, all federal payments were stopped, with no indication of when the pause would end. Because we are reimbursed by the government for work already accomplished, we have covered costs upfront but can no longer continue spending without clarity on if or when we will be reimbursed. With a highly uncertain funding future, we are asking for support to bridge this urgent gap: we need $20,000 to cover our staff’s salaries for the next month.

What’s at Stake?

The ʻŌhiʻa Disease Resistance Program is successful because of our staff – remarkable professionals who bring a decades of invaluable experience to the Foundation. But our staff have bills to pay and families to care for; without a source of funding, our team needs to find alternative employment. Without our staff, this now world class disease resistance program including thousands of disease resistant ‘Ōhi‘a seedlings from across Hawaiʻi are at risk.

How These Funds Will Be Used

All funds donated through this campaign will support our three full-time ‘ŌDRP staff, including their salary and fringe benefits (medical insurance, workersʻ comp, payroll taxes). These funds will ensure that our team can continue their essential work in finding disease resistant ‘Ōhi‘a.

Three Ways to Give:

• Donate directly
• Share this campaign with your friends, family, and networks
• Connect us with potential donors or funders who can help

Mahalo nui for standing with us in this critical time.

Photos by Hollyn Johnson