Hawaiʻi Interagency Biosecurity Plan 2025 Progress Report
Of the actions identified in the Biosecurity Plan; 27% are considered complete and 44% are in some level of progress.
The Hawaiʻi Interagency Biosecurity Plan (HIBP) continues to move forward in 2025, with 27% of planned actions complete and 44% in progress. While challenges remain in addressing invasive species issues, public awareness initiatives show particular success with 57% of these actions now complete.
A major victory came through Act 231, the “Biosecurity Bill,” which secured a $10 million increase to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture’s budget for invasive species prevention and response. This funding arrives as we tackle challenges from the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and Little Fire Ants.
2024 Interagency Collaboration Highlights:
- In April 2024 the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and University of Hawaiʻi formalized their collaboration to combat high-priority invasive species
- DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) & Partners “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign addressing marine invasive species
- University of Hawaiʻi development of specialized biosecurity curriculum providing a much needed pathway to buildup a biosecurity workforce across the Pacific Region
The 2025 Legislative Session promises additional support, with proposals including a $4.25M increase for the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council and continued funding for critical research and management programs.
For a complete picture of both progress and challenges in implementing Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity initiatives, explore the full 2025 Progress Report.
Plan Background:
The HIBP emerged from an unprecedented collaboration of stakeholders in 2017, bringing together state, federal, and county agencies, along with industry representatives from agriculture, tourism, and transportation sectors. The Plan was formally endorsed through Resolution 17-1 by the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council, comprised of the chairs of six state agencies with overlapping jurisdiction in invasive species management.