The impact of Hurricane Iniki on native Hawaiian forest was highly variable. Preliminary observations suggested that native trees were less damaged than introduced species. The spatial pattern of damage seemed to be related to soil wetness, a prime factor limiting tree root depth. The productivity of forests should be affected by removal of leaves, death of fine roots, and nutrient accumulation by fallen leaves and twings. In areas which were not severely damaged by the hurricane, a new mechanism may be identified whereby sub-catastrophic storms help maintain the unique even-aged population structure of native Metrosideros forests. This research will test hypotheses on mechanisms controlling these apparent patterns, and will measure (1) the spatial pattern of damage, (2) damage by size class and species, (3) changes in leaf area and growth rate, (4) changes in fine root biomass, (5) decomposition of leaves and twigs, and (6) changes in soil nutrient availability.
