invasive species

A helicopter survey conducted on Hawaiʻi Island found eight potential infestations of the coconut rhinoceros beetle. The Conversation talked to Ryan Perroy, a geography and environmental science professor at UH Hilo who oversaw the survey.

A nonprofit has removed 1 million pounds of debris from the reefs and shorelines within Papahānaumokuākea; Scientists are using helicopters to search for coconut rhinoceros beetles

A group of key state lawmakers and staff, including those from the state Department of Agriculture, visited New Zealand in September to learn more about how the island nation prevents and manages invasive species.

State lawmakers are likely to push for more biosecurity-related measures during the upcoming Legislative session. During this year’s session, lawmakers passed a law allocating $20 million in state funding for biosecurity efforts in Hawaiʻi. Gov. Josh Green later cut that funding in half in a line-item veto.

After the 2023 wildfires burned more than 1,000 acres in Kula, community members have come together to halt erosion, grow native trees and restore the ecosystem — one plant at a time. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol reports on the efforts of the Kula Community Watershed Alliance.

The Navy is preparing for a large-scale removal effort of a problematic invasive coral that covers around 80 acres at Pearl Harbor. Unomia stolonifera is a species of “octocoral,” also known as “pulsing coral” or "stoloniferous fire coral." It was first detected in the harbor in 2020. HPRʻs Mark Ladao reports.

The Kauaʻi-based National Tropical Botanical Garden's prized loulu palms are being closely monitored as the beetles were discovered on Kauaʻi last year. The Conversation talked to various employees about the race to protect the palms.

The Hawaiʻi Ant Lab reported 19 new LFA sites on Oʻahu this year and eight new sites each on Maui and Kauaʻi. The invasive ant is already considered widespread on Hawaiʻi Island. Six of the newly infected sites on Kauaʻi are plant nurseries.

The state Department of Agriculture is holding an educational event this weekend on invasive and illegal species, with the hope that more people learn more about its Amnesty Program.

Local agencies are asking the public not to dump their aquarium coral, fish and other aquatic species into the ocean, streams or other water sources — an all too easy way to introduce harmful invasive species to Hawaiʻi.