As of 2009 the plant was known from 10 small, scattered populations along the peaks of the Koʻolau Range, for a total of approximately 160 individual plants. Only one of these populations contains over 50 plants. Most of these populations are located on land used for military training operations. Threats to the species include trampling and fires associated with military activity, trampling by hikers, damage to the habitat caused by feral pigs, flooding, trail maintenance, and exotic plants such as Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta) and moho (Heliocarpus popayanensis).