Why are so many trees dying on Maui?

[EightFingers]

I know this isn't Puna-related directly, but maybe nice to find out what's happening so it doesn't get to Puna (Maui IS "next door"). People I asked personally didn't know.

[leilaniguy]

Maybe you mean the Wiliwili trees along the roads? There is a gall wasp infesting them. They are here too, killed one of 2 Wiliwili on my place, one seems to have recovered.

[EightFingers]

Yes, particularly along the road to Hana (between Hana and Paia). I didn't know they are called wiliwili trees, so after you told me I Googled it. Looks to be a serious situation developing.

[Les C]

I think a lot of the trees on Maui that are affected by the gall wasp are wiliwili relatives with the common name, Coral Tree. They are an introduced tree that has a tall and thin aspect ratio, often used for a windbreak(?) or to line roadways.