Hala trees under pest attack on Maui
Star-Bulletin
article:"The
native Hawaiian hala tree is being threatened by a pest that causes the tree's
famed leaves to turn from a vibrant green to a pale yellow, officials say. So
far, the nonnative scale insect, which is believed to have arrived in a tree
shipment fewer than 10 years ago, has been detected only on Maui, where hala
trees are a fixture of the landscape and culture. The hala, also known as a
screw pine, is known for its leaves, or lauhala, which are woven into mats,
hats, thatching, fans and baskets. Old Hawaiians also used the lauhala for roof
linings."
Posted: Tue - June 22, 2004 at 06:47 AM