The Hawaiʻi Soil Microbiome Lab investigates the complex roles of microbial communities, including prokaryotes, fungi, and protists, in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly within soil. Soil is a dynamic and heterogeneous environment that supports an extraordinary diversity of microbes, shaping ecosystems and influencing global change, food production, and disease prevention. Our research focuses on understanding soil microbes’ ecological functions, interactions, and responses to environmental factors. Under the ICEHMM COBRE, we explore the ecology of soil-borne pathogens Legionella spp., which cause legionellosis, a pneumonia potentially linked to climate-sensitive environmental changes. Taking advantage of the diverse soil types and ecozones on the Hawaiian Islands, we aim to develop a risk assessment framework for soil-borne pathogens by studying biotic and abiotic factors that affect pathogen persistence and spread, benefiting Hawaiʻi and beyond.