- A33 -

Mar 3 hia Lehua Forests and ROD hia trees are the bedrock of Hawaiian forests. Not only do they provide watershed protection and are a specific critical habitat for many biota but they are also a critical food source for endemic birds Friday and Herbert. hia forests grow on the six largest Hawaiian islands the Big Island Maui Molokai Lanai Oahu and Kauai. They are a resilient species tolerant of various conditions such as frost volcanic gases and extreme changes in moisture Friday and Herbert.