First Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week: Governor’s Proclamation & 2013 HISC Awards

Posted on Mar 4, 2013 in News

Governor’s Proclamation

Governor Neil Abercrombie (center) gives the proclamation for the first Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week to members of the HISC including (l to r) Gary Gill (DOH), William J. Aila, Jr., Dr. Maria Gallo (UH), Russell Kokubun (HDOA), and David Rodriguez (DOT)

Governor Neil Abercrombie (center) gives the proclamation for the first Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week to members of the HISC including (l to r) Gary Gill (DOH), William J. Aila, Jr., Dr. Maria Gallo (UH), Russell Kokubun (HDOA), and David Rodriguez (DOT)

In 2013, Governor Neil Abercrombie proclaimed the first Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week (HISAW), from March 4-8, 2013. His address to the audience at a HISAW kickoff ceremony at the Hawaii State Capitol on March 4 focused on the need to whatever resources are available to mitigate invasive species impacts and protect our valuable natural resources, economy, and way of life. He referenced the Hawaii state motto, Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka ‘Aina I Ka Pono, and said that we all must do what is pono in protecting Hawaii.

The official proclamation of the first Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week was presented to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. HISAW 2013 included approximately 15 volunteer opportunities across the state, including invasive plant control from Kokee to Keauohana, from the shoreline of Kaneohe Bay to the slopes of Mauna Kea, and including other educational opportunities such as radio trivia contests and informational booths.

2013 HISC Awards

The kickoff to the first Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week included the first Hawaii Invasive Species Council Awards ceremony, in which eight individuals and organizations from across the state were recognized for their contributions to protecting Hawaii from invasive species. The eight winners, along with a number of honorable mentions, were selected from approximately 40 nominations.

2013 Award Winners

  • Greatest Hit of 2012: Kauai Invasive Species Committee, with honorable mentions to the Pohakuloa Training Area Natural Resources Office and HDOT Highways Division
  • Above and Beyond: Scott Godwin, Papahānaumokuākea MNM, with honorable mentions to Dr. Fern Duvall and Dr. Arnold Hara,
  • Business Leader: Young Brothers, Ltd., with honorable mentions to Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks, Inc., and Whole Foods
  • Communty Hero: Mary Begier & the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, with honorable mentions to Katie Cassel and Celia Smith
  • Kauai MVP: Craig Kaneshige, HDOA
  • Oahu MVP: Mashuri Waite, Lyon Arboretum, with honorable mentions to Honolulu Botanical Garden and Marine Corps Base Hawaii
  • Maui County MVP: Peter Vorhes, Windward Aviation, with honorable mentions to Pat Bily and Paul Miller
  • Hawaii County MVP: Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, with honorable mentions to Malama O Puna and Tim Tunison

Read full awardee profiles

Photos from the Governor’s proclamation and award ceremony: