2025 Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month Awardees
Each year during Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM), we recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses across the islands who demonstrate outstanding leadership and dedication to protecting Hawaiʻi from invasive species.
Awardees were selected by the voting members of the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC), with Island MVPs nominated and chosen by their respective Island Invasive Species Committees (ISCs). This year’s recipients exemplify the value of mālama ʻāina through action, partnership, and innovation.
Back row (awardees, left to right): Jenny and Jasmine Kaohelauliʻi, Kiane Prietto, Greg Friel, Mike Opgenorth, Preston Yamaguchi, Jon Montalbo, Jonathon Ho, and Thomas Griego. Front row (HISC members, left to right): Representative Luke Evslin, Representative Kirstin Kahaloa. Co-Chair Sharon Hurd (HDOA), Co-Chair Dawn Young (DLNR), Senator Lynn DeCoite, Dean Parwinder Grewal (CTAHR), Mary Alice Evans (DBEDT)
🏆 2025 HISAM Awardees
Greatest Hit
Trenton Yasui (Plant Quarantine Inspector V, Invertebrate and Aquatic Biota Specialist, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture)
Trenton Yasui was recognized with the Greatest Hit award for his rapid and professional response to a 643pest.org report involving a restricted aquatic species. Despite the report coming in on a weekend, Trenton, and two state investigators, quickly investigated, confiscated the prohibited animal within days, and followed up directly with the community member who submitted the report. His action, with support from the Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General, helped prevent the potential spread of an invasive species listed under HDOA’s Prohibited Animals, while also leaving a lasting positive impression through courtesy and communication.
Business Leader
Aloha Termite and Pest Control
Aloha Termite and Pest Control (ATPC) was honored for going above and beyond to support community-based invasive species control. After receiving comprehensive training from the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, ATPC volunteered to treat two residential Little Fire Ant (LFA) infestations — covering 35 properties — completely free of charge. Working closely with HAL, ATPC followed detailed best practices, helped navigate sensitive community dynamics, and contributed to what are now two monitored sites on track for eradication.
Their leadership demonstrates how the private sector can play a critical role in invasive species management.
Community Hero
Haleakalā Ranch
Haleakalā Ranch received the Community Hero award for its steadfast dedication to both agriculture and conservation. The ranch plays an active role in protecting rangelands and native ecosystems from invasive species while producing local food and stewarding large open spaces on Maui.
As a partner of the East Maui Watershed Partnership (EMWP) and the Uhiwai o Haleakalā, They demonstrate commitment to invasive species response and protection through land management and support for the efforts of the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) in eliminating pampas grass. Their conservation program reflects a long-term vision for sustainable land use rooted in kuleana, collaboration, and cultural awareness.
Greg Friel, Ranch Vice President and Livestock Manager accepted the award on the ranch’s behalf.
Oʻahu MVP
Thomas Griego (Lanikai community volunteer)
Thomas Griego is recognized as the Oʻahu MVP for his dedication to Little Fire Ant eradication efforts in Lanikai. As a committed community volunteer, Tom attended every treatment over a year-long campaign, working closely with the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) and Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. His deep knowledge of the area, strong relationships with neighbors, and willingness to lead by example helped foster trust and ensure access to over 80 properties across multiple sites.
Tom’s consistency and hard work were key to moving these sites into the monitoring phase—an important milestone in LFA response on Oʻahu.
“Tom’s knowledge and experience of the treatments allowed us to maximize the efforts of so many people and agencies throughout this year-long effort… and it paid off! Lanikai 2, 3, & 5 are now in monitoring phase. Mahalo nui loa, Tom!” — OISC
Maui Nui MVP
Mike Opgenorth (Director, Kahanu Garden and Preserve, National Tropical Botanical Garden)
Mike Opgenorth was recognized as the Maui Nui MVP for his leadership in conservation, outreach, and invasive species response in East Maui.
As Director of Kahanu Garden in Hāna, he has expanded native plant restoration, stewarded Piʻilanihale Heiau, and built strong community partnerships. Opgenorth has played a key role in early detection and public education around Little Fire Ants, Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, and Banana Bunchy Top Virus, acting quickly to share information and support control efforts. His work helps protect East Maui’s biodiversity, agriculture, and cultural heritage.
Hawaiʻi Island MVP
Kiane Prietto (teacher at Kanu o ka ʻĀina)
Kiane Prietto is being recognized as the Hawaiʻi Island MVP for her outstanding dedication to invasive species education and community outreach. As a kumu at Kanu o ka ʻĀina, she integrates invasive species topics into her curriculum through project-based learning, empowering her haumāna with hands-on experiences in conservation and biodiversity monitoring.
Through her participation in the BIORETS REACHES summer program under Dr. Norine Yeung, Kumu Kiane gained expertise in native and invasive snail research. She brought that ʻike back to her classroom by guiding student-led biodiversity surveys and fostering a deeper pilina between students and ʻāina.
Her leadership extends beyond the classroom. After discovering Little Fire Ants (LFA) in her neighborhood, she initiated a social media campaign to raise awareness and mobilize her community to take action. Kumu Kiane exemplifies innovation, kuleana, and a deep commitment to protecting Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems.
Kauaʻi MVP
Work It Out Kauaʻi (Jenny and Jasmine Kaohelauliʻi)
Work It Out Kauaʻi (WIO), led by sisters Jenny and Jasmine Kaohelauliʻi, has earned the Kauaʻi MVP award for their creative and sustained commitment to invasive species outreach through fashion, media, and community engagement.
For the past three years, their “Save the Natives, Stop the Invasives” campaign has brought attention to the threats invasive species pose to Kauaʻi’s unique ecosystems. Using their platform in fashion and design, WIO has reached broader and more diverse audiences by blending storytelling, style, and science in ways that resonate across generations.
In addition to their online campaign, WIO has:
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Hosted community outreach events
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Collaborated with content creators who passionately support KISC’s efforts
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Continued to innovate outreach strategies that elevate public awareness and inspire action
Through their work, WIO reminds us that conservation messaging can be both impactful and beautiful — and that everyone has a role to play in protecting our ʻāina.
Closing the Month with a Proclamation
To wrap up Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month, Governor Josh Green hosted a Proclamation Signing Ceremony at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on May 28, 2025. The proclamation recognized the importance of coordinated action to address invasive species statewide and celebrated the individuals and organizations honored with HISAM 2025 awards.
Representatives from the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC), awardees, agency partners, and community leaders gathered to reflect on a month of outreach, education, and mālama ʻāina.
Governor Green signs the proclamation declaring May 2025 as Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month
Awardees and their ʻohana join Governor Green at the HISAM 2025 proclamation signing ceremony.
Illegal animals voluntarily surrendered through Hawaiʻi’s Amnesty Program on display at the HISAM 2025 proclamation ceremony.
HISAM 2025 awardees were recognized and honored during the proclamation signing ceremony at the State Capitol.
Mahalo nui to all our awardees and the partners who nominated them. These champions remind us that whether you’re a researcher, rancher, teacher, or community leader — we all have a role to play in protecting Hawaiʻi.
🔗 Learn more about HISAM 2025 “What’s at Risk?” presentation and events
🔗More details about the proclamation of May as Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month and the Award Ceremony at this DLNR post
5/28/25 – COMMUNITY MEMBERS HONORED DURING INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS MONTH