Outbreak of moths robs koa trees of their leaves

The forests in the Hilo and Hamakua regions can recover from the natural event, officials say

By Star-Advertiser Staff and News Services

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Feb 16, 2013

~~<p>State officials say many trees in mature koa forests of East Hawaii are losing their leaves due to a sudden, sharp increase in a native moth population.</p>
<p>Koa trees in nearly 25,000 acres of forest between 2,000 and 4,000 feet above sea level in the Hilo and Hamakua regions appear to be affected.</p>
~~

State officials say many trees in mature koa forests of East Hawaii are losing their leaves due to a sudden, sharp increase in a native moth population.

Koa trees in nearly 25,000 acres of forest between 2,000 and 4,000 feet above sea level in the Hilo and Hamakua regions appear to be affected. Login for more...