Hawaii Invasive Species Council

🏆 2024 HISAM Awardees & Governor’s Proclamation

We are thrilled to recognize the following individuals and organizations for their dedicated efforts to combat invasive species. Meeting these community heroes in person during Governor Green’s HISAM proclamation signing and the awards ceremony was truly inspiring!

Here are the remarkable awardees:

Outstanding Business Leader: Keoki’s Paradise, Darin Tann

For three years, Keoki’s Paradise has collaborated with KISC to speak during their Mālama ʻĀina series. They created an educational program for employees and organized quarterly treks into Kokeʻe to remove invasive Himalayan ginger and strawberry guava. This volunteer work is done on their days off! Additionally, Keoki’s has donated gift certificates for ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest and produced stickers and keiki activity booklets for customers. We’re excited to discuss a regular conservation trivia night at the restaurant.

Community Heroes: Joe Wat & Kapua Kawelo

Kapua Kawelo, a biologist from Kahaluʻu, and Joe Wat, Community Development Coordinator at KEY Project in Waiheʻe, have shown outstanding leadership in their communities. They detected Little Fire Ants (LFA) in their areas and took the lead in treatment initiatives, surveys, and community meetings. Kapua’s deep connection to the ʻāina and Joe’s infectious enthusiasm have united their communities to raise awareness and combat LFA, creating lasting positive impacts.

Greatest Hit: Melody Euaparadorn

Melody, from the Hawaii Ant Lab Hilo Office, has coordinated statewide efforts against Little Fire Ants. Her work involves extensive outreach to residents for property surveys and treatments. Melody’s dedication is evident in her relentless pursuit of property access and her comprehensive field notes and maps. She also travels to Oahu for on-the-ground fieldwork, demonstrating her commitment to this vital cause.

Hawaiʻi Island MVP: Deborah Chang

Deborah reported an online seed company selling invasive quaking grass seeds to the 643-PEST line. She contacted the company, which now includes a cautionary disclaimer on its product page. Deborah’s advocacy inspired the creation of a template letter for consumers to request that companies stop selling invasive plants or seeds, showcasing her ongoing dedication to invasive species issues.

Maui Nui MVP: David Dahlberg

While removing dead palm trees, David and his crew discovered larvae of the coconut rhinoceros beetle. Recognizing the significance, David immediately reported the finding, prompting a swift response from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. His actions prevented the spread of these pests and increased community awareness and vigilance against the coconut rhinoceros beetle threat.

Oʻahu MVP: Kimeona Kane

Kimeona Kane, Chair of the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board and Director at 808Cleanups, has been a vocal advocate for addressing the threat of Little Fire Ants. His leadership and proactive stance have driven efforts to protect his community and the wider region from this invasive species.

Kauaʻi MVP: Lei Wann

Lei Wann of Limahuli Garden and Preserve eagerly supported KISC in organizing an in-person event for ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest. She helped develop a logo and graphics and utilized the garden to educate visitors and community members about invasive species threats. This partnership will continue to strengthen as the event grows and builds deeper ties with the community.

Mahalo to all the awardees for their unwavering commitment and aloha ʻāina spirit!

Explore the full list of HISAM 2024 events & educational webinars.