Ohia trees are dying rapidly, Why?

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I knew if I asked a question, the great punaweb members would give some very informative answers. Thank you. Bluesboy, I thought this same way about the islands and the Ohia. The Ohia may be a sensitive tree in some ways, also very strong in comparison to other trees when living on or near volcanoes and lava?.
Delta9r, Thank you for the informative answers. What intrigues me most though may be your views of large portions of land away from roads (your overflights)?. I agree with you about the complexity part too(that's killing trees), Would you agree that the causes COULD be man induced Geothermal, agriculture practices, cell towers, electricity, ect?. Or do you think its natural causes like volcanic, drought, or bugs and disease?. Or combination of both?. You seem to have a good view and an open mind.(thank you). P.S do you ever take pictures on these flights or can you get some good maps that shows this progressive die back?.

Rob, I don't think your Ohia trees are dead or dying from the suppressing Gauva, or the fern that grows around them. Because all that foliage does is hold and retain water longer for the larger Ohia's. J.M.O though. I hope they bounce back or stop dying too.