Hawaii Invasive Species Council

eNews

The Hawaii Invasive Species Council eNews is sent to interested persons by email about every month. In each eNews we discuss current issues relating to management of invasive species in Hawaii. This site serves as a means to archive those newsletters.

The Council provides statewide coordination of invasive species management efforts in the areas of prevention, rapid response, eradication, control, research and public outreach . Its members hope to respond with effective management action and institutional policies to the silent invasion of Hawaii by insects, disease-bearing organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests. Invasive species are considered to be one of the single greatest threats to Hawaii's economy, natural environment, and to its people's health and lifestyle. Invasive species already cause millions of dollars in crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, and the spread of disease. Every day the media reports another serious case of an invasive species attacking Hawaii, whether it is the coqui frog, Salvinia molesta, miconia calvescens, Ohia rust or dengue fever. Yet there are many more harmful species that threaten to invade Hawaii and wreak further damage. Many have not arrived in Hawaii yet. Even one new pest, such as the brown tree snake or the red imported fire ant, could forever change the character of the islands. Stopping the influx of new invasive species and containing their spread is essential to Hawaii's future well-being.

The Council was set up in Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS 194 for the special purpose of providing policy level direction, coordination, and planning among state departments, federal agencies, and international and local initiatives for the control and eradication of harmful invasive species infestations throughout Hawaii and for preventing the introduction of invasive species that may be potentially harmful.

Report Alien Pests

643-PEST (7378)