The Maui Forest Trouble: a Literature Review and Proposal for Research

This paper reviews and discusses the literature pertaining to a proposed ecological study of a catastrophic dying of native Metrosideros (Myrtaceae) forest which occurred on windward East Maui in the Hawaiian Islands during the first decade of this century. This dieback event was documented by several workers, most notably H.L. Lyon, and became known as the Maui Forest Trouble. The geology, climate, soils, and vegetation of the proposed study area are described. The historic dieback event is reconstructed in detail from all available information sources. Next, canopy dieback in other Hawaiian forests is described, with emphasis on the island of Hawaii, research methods used there and pertinent findings. Then, a review of canopy dieback in areas outside Hawaii leads to a discussion of dieback concepts and theory. Aspects of bog formation or paludification processes which relate to the Maui Forest Trouble are reviewed. Finally, research on the present-day floristic, structural and edaphic characteristics of the Maui Forest Trouble is proposed. 1 Contribution no. 19, National Science Foundation Grant 79-10933 to D. Mueller-Dombois. 2 The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii: 1026 Nuuanu Ave., #201, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817, U.S.A. Tel. (808) 537-4508.