Even though today might seem like a good day to take care of some holiday mailings, do not — repeat, do not — head to the post office today. Post offices nationwide are closed today for a national day of mourning in honor of former President George H.W. Bush’s funeral.

The USPS also has suspended all regular mail delivery and retail service for the day, though will provide limited package delivery.

Also closed today: major stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ and the Dow Jones Industrial Average; and most federal agencies, such as Social Security offices and all passport agencies and centers.

Rapid ohia death invades Kauai

Earlier this year, an ohia-killing fungal disease dubbed rapid ohia death (ROD) was detected for the first time on Kauai. Previously, the blight had been spotted only on Hawaii island. Since identified there four years ago, it has ravaged an estimated 135,000 acres of the native trees. Last week, state officials found ROD at two additional Kauai sites.

While scientists continue to make strides in understanding the disease, non-scientists can help fend off further ROD damage by refraining from pruning. (The disease enters trees through wounds.)

Also, clean gear, shoes and clothes before and after entering forested areas where ohia may be present.

More information is online, cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/rod.