Hawaii Invasive Species Council

In a proactive response to the increasing threats posed by invasive species in Hawai’i, the HISC/CGAPS Outreach Working Group is sharing Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the prevention of inter-island invasive species spread.

The Urgent Need for Action

Recent events have underlined the urgency of our message. The inter-island movement of the coconut rhinoceros beetles, the biosecurity challenges faced during disaster recovery on Maui, and the continuing need for updated and comprehensive regulations have made it more crucial than ever to have practical measures in place.

Our Call to Action

We appeal to all stakeholders – from legislators and contractors to landowners in Hawai’i – to proactively incorporate these BMPs into their operational processes and requirements. Implementing these guidelines will be a significant step in safeguarding our island’s food security, economic stability, delicate ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage.

Key Highlights from the BMPs

Our BMPs provide actionable strategies to combat the spread of major invasive threats, including:

• Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles (CRB): Strategies to monitor, control, and prevent the spread of this significant threat to our coconut and native loʻulu palms, as well as many other trees and crops. CRB are moved to new areas in many common materials, such as mulches, rich soils (such as bagged soils), compost, green waste, and infested palm trees. 

• Little Fire Ants: Measures to detect and manage this invasive species that can harm native fauna and pose risks to residents. LFA infestations have immediate impacts on agriculture, biodiversity, our quality of life, and even the safety of our pets. LFA have been known to hitchhike on potted plants, green waste, and many different infested materials. 

• Coqui Frogs: Techniques and best practices to control and prevent the spread of these noisy greenhouse invaders that can quickly become established in backyards and gulches. Coqui frogs have been known to hitchhike in potted plants, green waste, many different infested materials. 

Moreover, our guidelines delve into the essential topic of landscaping, providing insights into plant selections that are both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sound. A special emphasis has been laid on highlighting high-fire risk species and the need for their appropriate management.

A Comprehensive Solution

While the immediate intent of these BMPs is to guide those in government positions and contractors, their relevance extends beyond these sectors. We believe that with shared knowledge and collective efforts, we can slow the movement and impacts of invasive species across the state.

Download and share the BMPs here: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/files/2023/09/BMPs-for-Invasive-Species-Prevention-091223.pdf

Graphic version of BMPs from the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)