|
Featured Update
Prevention may be the best way to hold back the spread of invasive pests throughout the main Hawaiian Islands. - photo courtesy Hawaii Superferry
The Hawai'i Superferry offers high speed catamaran-style travel between O'ahu and Maui. Its promotions promise to bring together the peoples of the islands and their visitors in a way that is both new and traditional. HISC working groups have worked with the Hawai'i Superferry on restrictions and best practices to reduce the chances of cars and gear carrying invasive species to new locations. Screening and inspections for restricted items and possible invasive species are supervised by Hawai'i Dept. of Agriculture staff.
Each island in Hawai'i has its own unique and fragile ecosystems. There is concern that invasive species might be spread among the islands, traveling on vehicle undercarriages and grills, under the hood or (in the case of seeds) in the treads of tires.
Screenings have found dead honeybees in vehicle engines or on grills but, so far, the varroa mite has not been detected on any of the bees. The varroa mite is present on O'ahu, but not other islands, and it threatens Hawai'i's multimillion dollar honey, queen bee and pollination industry. Approximately 99.5% of all monies generated by Hawai'i bees takes place on the Big Island.
There is also concern about plants, as they have been the primary way that nettle caterpillars, little fire ants and coqui frogs have spread interisland and across the state. Plants must be inspected by the Hawai'i Dept. of Agriculture at inspection stations before arriving at the dock.
Prevention of pest introductions is always the preferred method over eradication and suppression. Biosecurity measures, such as broadened inspection and quarantine, may offer the best solution for preventing, or slowing down, the spread of invasive species throughout the islands.
Patrick Chee
Introducing ...
The new DLNR Invasive Species Coordinator is Patrick Chee, a 1996 graduate of Punahou School who holds environmental science and law degrees both from Creighton University. Chee was in private law practice, mediated at the Mediation Center of the Pacific, and served as a Fish and Wildlife Service volunteer at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge where he focused on habitat restoration and assisted with research on the Laysan and black-footed albatross.
Departing ...
Mindy Wilkinson, the DLNR Invasive Species Coordinator has been asked to participate in a one-year detail, with the option to extend to two years, working with the National Invasive Species Council (NISC). This is a significant opportunity for Hawaii as the Hawaii Invasive Species Council was modeled on the NISC. This detail will provide both high profile representation for the State of Hawaii on invasive species and conservation issues and will also provide the opportunity to achieve progress on priority federal coordination tasks listed in HRS 194 which establishes the HISC priorities. She will continue to be available via email at Mindy.M.Wilkinson@hawaii.gov
|
|
|
|
| Aloha!
The inter-island movement of vehicles, goods and materials whether by plane, barge or ferry is a necessity of life in Hawai'i, and it helps drive the economy. The frequent and rapid movement of vehicles and goods increases the risk of moving invasive species between islands.
In the past few years, the nettle caterpillar, coqui frog and little fire ant have entered the state and been transported to uninfested islands, and more are on their way. Interagency and community responses to these introductions have led to costly suppression or eradication efforts-some successful, and some not.
The most cost-effective way to protect Hawai'i from new invasive pests is to prevent pest introductions through effective biosecurity measures, including inspection services. If funded adequately, the Hawai'i State Department of Agriculture can inspect goods to detect pests before they become widespread.
House Bill 2843 proposes a fee of 50 cents per 1,000 pounds of cargo entering the state to go toward the implementation of an effective biosecurity program including inspection services. This funding mechanism sensibly ties funding levels to the level of risk posed by the movement of goods.
Chris Buddenhagen
Hawai'i Invasive Species Council Coordinator |
Coqui frogs are among invasive species that have been transported interisland. Infestations are rampant on the Big Island. -photo by Hans Sin
Publications
|
|
The little fire ant is orange or red in color and measures no larger than one-sixteenth of an inch. It impacts wildlife populations, domestic animals and public health, and can be a serious agricultural pest. Eradication efforts have been underway for a small population of this species on Kauai, but the little fire ant has spread rapidly in east Hawaii, probably via the sale and transport of nursery stock.-photo by W. Nagamine/HDOA
Quick Links
| |
|
|
|
Report Invasive Pests
643-PEST (7378) |
Protect Hawai'i When traveling inter-island, don't bring plants, fruits, vegetables or illegal animals with you. Sand, soil and plant products can be full of pests. Plants, fruits, vegetables, pets and even muddy shoes are great hitchhiking vehicles for diseases, insects and weed seeds, which can easily escape and establish themselves as new pests.
Thoroughly clean vehicle tires, boots, camping and other gear before returning home after an inter-island trip. Insects and seeds can also hitch a ride to Hawai'i on your stuff, including plants and pets.
| |
|
