Hawaii residents are urged to use the Pest Hotline to promptly report sightings of invasive pests such as snakes, unusually aggressive stinging ants, and illegal or unknown animals. Call 643-PEST (643-7378).
Interim State of Hawaii strategic plan for invasive species control, research and public outreach
Hawaii is in the midst of a growing invasive species crisis affecting the islands' endangered plants and animals, overall environmental and human health, and the viability of its tourism and agriculture based economy.
Invasive pests already cost the State of Hawaii millions of dollars of crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, and the spread of disease. But many more harmful pests threaten to invade Hawaii, causing further damages. Even one new pest - like the brown tree snake or the red imported fire ant - could change the character of our islands.
The purpose of this strategic plan is to provide the framework for a statewide invasive species prevention, control, research and public outreach program.
The interim strategic plan is currently under review. A shorter version of the strategic plan was produced that includes references to the duties outlined in the legislation HRS 194. The plan has been reviewed by each of the working groups and is awaiting approval by the Council. We welcome your review of the DRAFT revised plan. Please email your comments to the HISC coordinator.
