Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

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Plant Native, Cultivate A Connection

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

Lindsay and Kely Rodrigues clear out overgrown weeds on their family land in Waiheʻe Valley with the intention of growing native species once found in their area. For them, planting native goes deeper than just putting a plant in the soil. “I feel proud to live in Hawaiʻi, to be Hawaiian, and to plant native plants.” Lindsay explains. “Planting native is like a time capsule and helps me understand the connection between ourselves, my nāʻau, my kūpuna, and this ʻāina. Being in Hawaiʻi and being Hawaiian, it just makes sense to do this.”

“Planting native is like a time capsule and helps me understand the connection between ourselves, my nāʻau, my kūpuna, and this ʻāina. Being in Hawaiʻi and being Hawaiian, it just makes sense to do this.”

Hawaiʻi is home to some of the most unique plant species in the world. Continental plant species arrived to the islands without the aid of humans. They arrived via one of the three M’s- makani (wind), moana (ocean), and manu (birds). Seeds would blow over in air currents, plants or seeds would float to our shores, and hitchhiking seeds would cling to bird’s feathers- or in their digestive tracts. Millions of years of evolution resulted in new species of plants found nowhere else in the world, with plants adapting to every ecological niche in our islands. These ecosystems contribute to water collection and recharge of freshwater aquifers, provide habitat for native birds and insects, and are interwoven into the foundation and practice of Hawaiian culture.

Kely and Lindsay Rodrigues pose in front of a newly planted aalii on their Waihee Valley property. To them, planting native is not only a way to restore a native landscape from dominant invasive weeds, but cultivate a connection to their culture, kupuna, and place and ensure that future generations experience that connection, too. Photo: Rodrigues

After human arrival, native plant communities quickly declined. Alteration of landscapes, the arrival of hoofed grazing animals, and invasive plant introductions all contributed. Today, Hawaiʻi has gained the unfortunate moniker of being the extinction capital of the world. After millions of years of evolution, Hawaiʻi lost over 100 species in only a few hundred years. Seventy-five percent of the landscape is now non-native introductions. If you look outside of your window right now, chances are that none of the plants you see are originally from Hawaii.

This is changing though. With increasing awareness of how important native plants are to Hawaiʻi, residents are taking up their shovels to incorporate more native species into our modern landscapes. Tamara Sherrill, Executive Director of the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, is helping them. “Residential areas are some of the most important places to plant native. Ninety percent of our native plants are only found in Hawaiʻi, so planting a landscape that looks like no other place in the world not only helps the environment but shows our pride in what makes Hawaiʻi special.” Sherril explains. “Native plants have hundreds of Hawaiian cultural uses and growing them helps save them from overharvesting in forests. They require less water (saving on your water bill) and can also supply your home for lei making, traditional medicine and tea, and as a source of craft materials. Depending on where you live, they can also provide food and habitat for native birds and insects.”

Volunteers weed the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (MNBG) native coastal garden. April is Native Hawaiian Plant Month, and the MNBG is a great place to learn about and get native plants to grow at home. They host weekly native plant sales and giveaways, monthly workshops, workdays every Wednesday, and more. Visit and follow the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens to learn more (Instagram: @mauinuibg, website: mauinuibg.org). Photo: Maui Nui Botanical Gardens

April is Native Hawaiian Plant Month and a great time to start planting! Incorporating native plants into your yard doesn’t need to feel daunting. Sherill offers advice on getting started, “Before choosing your plants, find out your average rainfall and elevation. Learn your general soil type by calling the Maui Master Gardeners or by taking a sample to the UH Maui Cooperative Extension Office.” She adds, “Some native plants tolerate a wide range of environments, but most only do well in the zones that they evolved in. For sea level and other warm areas of Maui, come take a look at what is growing at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.” If you live upcountry or in wetter areas, Garden staff can help you find plants in the nursery that would be best suited for your area.

The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens also host weekly native plant sales and giveaways, monthly workshops, workdays every Wednesday, and more. Visit and follow the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens to learn more (Instagram: @mauinuibg, website: mauinuibg.org).

Back in Waiheʻe, the Rodrigues’ are planning their next phase of planting and Lindsay explains her motivations, “I plant because I’m scared about losing our diversity of native plants. I want our next generation to experience what a truly Hawaiian landscape looks like. Planting native makes me think about the future and how one day this small plant will become a tree that my grandchildren will be sitting under. I plant Hawaiian plants for the connection and the future- for our ʻāina, and for our keiki.”

Serena Fukushima is the public relations and education specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kia’i Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on April 9, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles

Filed Under: Home Slider, Kia'i Moku Column Tagged With: 2022

Gardening This Spring? Plant Pono

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

Knowing what to plant and where can be tricky. Planting guides from the Hawaiian moon calendar to publications from the University of Hawaiʻi’s Cooperative Extension Service all help. They offer information and guidance on proper soil conditions and sun requirements, but did you know that along with these great resources, there are also tools and guides to help ensure that the plants themselves are pono?
Programs offered for growers and nurseries through Plant Pono can do just that. Plant Pono is a partnership between the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council, and the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaiʻi.

First, there’s the Plant Pono Endorsement Program. The program relies on the Hawaiʻi Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA). HPWRA is an evaluation of a plant’s potential to become invasive and cause harm in Hawaiʻi. An assessor with the HPWRA looks at the characteristics of a plant – from growing requirements to the number of seeds it produces – and takes into consideration the conditions present in Hawaiʻi -from pollinators to potential predators–to predict the plant’s potential to be invasive. The final result is a guideline for growers and gardeners indicating whether the plant has a low, moderate, or high risk of causing harm.

Businesses endorsed through the program have pledged to use plants that won’t become invasive. By voluntarily choosing to not sell high-risk plants, these businesses are demonstrating their commitment to Hawaiʻi and providing plants that won’t displace native species. At this time, the Pono Endorsement Program is only located on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi.

If you are not living on an island with a Pono Endorsement Program, the plantpono.org website is a great resource for both nurseries and consumers to look up if a plant is pono or not. With over a thousand plants listed in its database, it’s easy search tool helps to quickly find the perfect fit for your garden or landscape that will also not pose a threat to our greater environment.

But it’s not just the plants themselves that can pose a threat. Pests and diseases hitchhike in plants and shipping materials and are carried long-distance. Inspectors with the State and Federal Departments of Agriculture check plants for unwanted pests and pathogens before and when they arrive in Hawaiʻi. A new program will help provide the tools for identification in the hands of growers as well as inspectors.
The Plant Pest Prevention Training is advanced training for growers to help them know what and where to look for hitchhiking pests. It also includes the steps they can take to stop these species. Covering everything from murder hornets to coconut pathogens, the goal of the program is to build capacity for detecting these problems early. By increasing the number of trained eyes out there looking, the Plant Pest Prevention Training provides additional layers of protection against hitchhiking pests. Information regarding pest distribution can help with purchasing decisions.

Developed with grant funding through the USDA Plant Protection Act 7721, the training will be launched and offered by staff at the county-based Invasive Species Committees to interested nurseries this year. Just like the Pono Endorsement program, participation is voluntary for this training.

As you make your plant purchasing choices this growing season, ask your vendors if they are aware of Plant Pono and the tools offered to nurseries. Visit plantpono.org to learn more.

The website plantpono.org provides great resources for nurseries and consumers alike, including a database with over a thousand plants to help choose the right fit for your garden or landscape without posing an invasive threat. Photo: Forest and Kim Starr

Serena Fukushima is the public relations and education specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kia’i Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on March 12, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles

Filed Under: Home Slider, Kia'i Moku Column Tagged With: 2022

Avocado Pest Now Widespread on Maui- But There is Hope

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

In early January, Richard Smith reached out to the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC), concerned about his avocado tree. “The leaves were turning black and brown, and when I turned them over, I could see these black bug-looking things covering them.”, the Wailea resident explained to staff. “I wasn’t sure what it was- or what I could do to save my tree- so I decided to report it.” Smith sent in photos and the MISC early detection team and entomologists at the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) quickly identified the insects as avocado lace bug.

   First discovered in 2019 on central O’ahu, the avocado lace bug (ALB) quickly spread throughout the Gathering Island. Shortly thereafter reports came in from Hawai’i Island, Kaua’i, and Maui.  Known from Central and South America, the Caribbean, Southeastern United States, and California, ALB is presumed to have arrived in Hawai’i on the leaves of an infested host plant.

“Avocado lace bug probably affects almost every tree on O’ahu to some degree and has spread across the entire island. It is also now well established on Hawai’i Island, and is spreading across Kaua’i and Maui,” said Janis Matsunaga, an entomologist with the HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch. “This has been one of the fastest spreading pests to invade Hawai’i in recent years,” Matsunaga added. On Maui, infestations are concentrated at lower elevations, however, they have been detected as high as Copp Road in upper Kula. There have been no reports of ALB on Molokai or Lānaʻi at the time of publication.

Avocado lace bugs suck the sap from the undersides of avocado leaves, resulting in yellow blotches or browning and leaves falling prematurely. Extensive infestations can result in the tree losing so many leaves that it can’t photosynthesize and sunburning the avocado fruit. Permanent impacts are rare, though. Even trees that sustain severe damage have been able to recover the following fruiting season. Photo: HDOA

 ALB does not directly impact the buttery fruit beloved as a Superbowl Sunday staple or as a topping on trendy millennial toast. Instead, it weakens the plant by sucking the sap from the undersides of avocado leaves, resulting in yellow blotches or browning and leaves falling prematurely. If you have an extensive infestation, the tree can lose so many leaves that it can’t photosynthesize and will put the plant under stress. The lack of shade that the leaves provide can also cause the fruit to sunburn. California farmers report reduced crop yields with large infestations, however, permanent impacts are rare; even trees that sustain severe damage have been able to recover the following fruiting season- a glimmer of hope for Hawaii farmers and backyard growers.

The bugs themselves are tiny. “They are about 1/16 inches long and have black and yellow bodies with a thick horizontal stripe against their lace-patterned wings, where they get the second part of their name. Immature avocado lace bugs are much smaller in size and are black” Matsunaga says. Another clue is black dots amongst the colonies, which are fecal matter and eggs cased in excrement.

A close-up photo shows mature and immature avocado lace bugs, their eggs, and feces. ALB are about 1/16 inches long and have black and yellow bodies with a thick horizontal stripe against their lace-patterned wings. Immature avocado lace bugs are much smaller in size and are black. The black dots are fecal matter and eggs cased in excrement, and are the most visible sign (besides leaf damage) to the naked eye that a tree may have ALB. Photo: HDOA

The University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) is determining the best treatment methods for avocado lace bug in our islands. They encourage limiting chemical applications to when infestations are high, and timing applications to avoid spraying when trees are flowering to protect beneficial insects like honeybees. Trials are also underway in determining particular avocado varieties that are more resistant to avocado lace bug than others. For backyard gardeners that discover a light infestation of ALB and want to treat it, CTAHR recommends using insecticidal soaps to control this pest. For further information and control, visit CTAHR’s website at ctahr.hawaii.edu.

In reporting this pest, Richard Smith was concerned that his avocado lace bug infestation would lead to him losing his beloved avocado tree, echoing the concern of many Hawaiʻi residents. Being vigilant by observing what’s happening in your backyard, reporting something new (such as to MISC or 643pest.org), and catching infestations early, it is likely that Smithʻs tree- and many others in our islands- will survive and continue to produce this delicious fruit.

Serena Fukushima is the public relations and education specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kia’i Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on February 12, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles

Filed Under: Home Slider, Kia'i Moku Column Tagged With: 2022

MISC Hosts Hōʻike o Haleakalā Curriculum Teacher Workshop Over Spring Break

Posted on February 18, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) is holding a teacher development workshop for K-12 teachers and environmental educators on March 14 and 15 featuring the place-based Hōʻike o Haleakalā curriculum. The Hōʻike o Haleakalā curriculum is designed to engage students in the study of the unique ecosystems of Hawaii. The workshop is hybrid, allowing for virtual participation and an optional outdoor learning opportunity.

The virtual classroom workshop will take place on March 14 from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. and will cover lessons from the Coastal and Marine modules, have interactive activities adapted for remote and hybrid learning environments, and feature guest speakers from the East Maui Watershed Partnership and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife. The first day of the workshop is open to educators across Hawaiʻi.

Maui-based participants that attend the March 14 workshop are invited to attend an outdoor field trip the following day, March 15, to the anchialine ponds at ʻĀhihi Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve. These biological gems are landlocked brackish ponds in the middle of Maui’s last lava flow and home to a native species of shrimp found nowhere else in the world. Registration is limited to 12 and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Jeff Bagshaw, Communications and Outreach Specialist with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, will lead the hike. This field trip will supplement the lessons covered in the virtual workshop and connect educators to conservation professionals and resources. Lunch will be provided for all field trip participants.

Maui-based participants that attend the March 14 virtual workshop are invited to attend a field trip the following day on a guided hike to the anchialine ponds at ʻĀhihi Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve. Photos: Forest and Kim Starr

The registration fee is $10.00 for one-day virtual attendees and $25.00 for two-day participants. All participants will receive tools and resources after the workshop to use in their classrooms to help students learn more about Hawaiʻi’s natural world.

To learn more and register, visit mauiinvasive.org/workshops. All registration forms and payments must be received by March 8, 2022. For questions, please contact Serena Fukushima, MISC Public Relations and Education Specialist, at (808) 344-2756 or miscpr@hawaii.edu. 

Filed Under: For Teachers, Home Slider, Press Release

Need a New Year’s resolution?
Here’s twelve ways to protect Maui from invasive species all year long

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

At the start of a new year, many of us are taking time to reflect and set goals. Consider adding to your list a resolution to do small things each month to protect our environment. Here are a few simple actions you can take that will help make a difference on the invasive species front throughout the year.

January
– Clean before you go. If exercise is on your list of resolutions, hiking is a great way to crush your step goal! Take a few minutes to clean your boots, gear, and car of mud and dirt before and after going to a new place. This helps prevent seeds and other invasive hitchhikers from spreading into a new area.

Exercise is on many New Year’s resolution lists for 2022, and hiking is a great way to accomplish this while getting outside. Before hitting the trail, take a few minutes to clean your boots, gear and car of mud and dirt before and after going to a new place. This helps prevent seeds and other invasive hitchhikers from spreading into a new area. — Photo: MISC

February- Learn about statewide invasive species efforts. February is Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM), an initiative to share and bring awareness to statewide invasive species efforts. Join in on this year’s activities by visiting http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc.

March– Report chirping coqui. Hawaii’s wet season (hoʻoilo) is typically November through April. Coqui tend to go out during rainfall or just after it has rained, especially when the temperatures are above 70 degrees, making this month especially good to be alert to coqui calls. If you hear one, report it to mauiinvasive.org.

April– Plant native. April is Native Hawaiian Plant Month. Celebrate by planting native! Native plants use less water, fertilizer, and fewer pesticides, in addition to creating a healthy environment, watershed, and helping native species thrive.

May– Make lei. May day is lei day in Hawaiʻi, and a great time to learn about this important cultural practice. Many lei are made using native plants, some of which you may have planted in April. Some modern lei even include invasive species to highlight environmental issues artistically.

You can keep up your New Year’s resolution all year by doing small things each month to protect our environment. Making lei- with either native or nonnative materials- is a creative way to learn about this important practice and the plants used to make it.- Photo: MISC

June– Prevent the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). ʻŌhiʻa flowers year-round but bloom heaviest March-June. Although Maui has only had one positive ROD case since 2019, it is important to stay vigilant in protecting this cherished tree from this deadly fungus. Report ʻōhiʻa trees that have browned and died suddenly to 573-MISC.

July– Travel smart. Check twice before you bring something interisland. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture must inspect plants and plant cuttings before being taken interisland to ensure there are no unwanted pests or diseases riding along. Also, if you traveled to Hawaiʻi Island, make sure to decontaminate boots and gear before returning home to prevent spreading ROD to other islands.

August– Report pampas grass. This highly invasive grass starts to bloom in August, and large clumps have the potential of producing millions of wind-borne seeds in just one year! In forests, pampas compete against native plants in our watershed and can create a fire hazard. It is illegal to propagate or transport pampas into the state. If you see pampas- either planted in the ground or in an arrangement, report it to 573-MISC.

September– Be neighborly.  Some invasive species problems are too big to tackle alone, but left unchecked will become everyone’s problem.  Offer to help out your neighbors with an invasive species in their yard. If you have coqui frogs in your neighborhood, joining the Community Coqui Control Program with MISC is one way to get involved in tackling this invasive pest. Visit mauiinvasive.org to learn more.

Some invasive species issues are too big for just one person, or ‘ohana, to tackle alone. Helping a neighbor with invasive species in their yard is a great way to not only protect our environment, but meet members of your community. Got coqui in your neighborhood? Join the Community Coqui Control Program! Learn more at mauiinvasive.org. Photo- MISC

October– Survey your yard for little fire ants. October is Stop the Ant Month! Prevent the spread of this painful invasive pest by surveying your yard at least four times a year. Learn more and request a free collection kit at stoptheant.org, and always report stinging ants!

November– Eat an invasive. The season of eating offers plenty of edible invasive species, from axis deer to strawberry guava to pigs. Make a meal, or part of a meal, in the spirit of removing invasive species. Visit chefhui.com to learn more about creative ways to cook invasive species.

December- Have a local Christmas. Choose a locally grown Christmas tree from the Kula Botanical Garden, or get a permit from DLNR and cut down an invasive pine in Kula Forest Reserve! Native alaheʻe also make a great substitute and grow well in pots to use year after year.

If you want to do more, there are a host of organizations and volunteer activities for any interest. You can find volunteer opportunities on Maui at http://mauimauka.org/volunteer..

Serena Fukushima is the public relations and education specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kia’i Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on January 8, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles

Filed Under: Home Slider, Kia'i Moku Column Tagged With: 2022

A Hawaiʻi Christmas Story

Posted on December 14, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Nothing heralds the holiday season like the Christmas tree, but did you know that most of Hawaiʻiʻs Christmas trees are not from here? This year, over 150 shipping containers are estimated to arrive in our State, equating to over 90,000 trees. About 99% of them are Douglas and Noble Firs, grown and shipped from Oregon. Invasive pests not known in Hawaiʻi may be lurking in their boughs, but the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture inspector elves remain on the frontlines to keep these harmful grinches out.

Over 90,000 Christmas trees are expected to be imported to Hawaiʻi this year. Ninety-nine percent of these trees are grown and flown from Oregon state. Photo: Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture

From field to living room, a Christmas tree goes through quite a journey to deck your halls. State Planned Regulatory Official (SPRO) for Hawai’i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Helmuth Rogg, knows this all too well. Rogg served for 17 years as the SPRO for the Oregon Department of Agriculture before starting his position with HDOA last year. “Oregon is the number one Christmas tree producer in America and exports to over 36 countries”, Rogg said. “The process begins well before the holidays when Oregon inspectors check fields for infestations of specific pests, such as the Douglas Fir twig beetle. If there is an infestation, nothing in the field will be exported that year.”

After an eight-year growing period, trees are harvested on farms, then airlifted to a staging area to prevent excess amounts of mud from sticking to them. Once they land, they are gathered, cleaned, and baled. Oregon inspectors then check for pests by vigorously shaking trees and tapping their stumps on the ground to dislodge any hitchhikers before loading them into shipping containers. Before the container doors are closed, inspectors take out three random trees and shakes them. If anything falls out, the entire container is unloaded, and the whole process begins again.

Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture inspectors shake incoming Christmas trees on a white tarp and check for any invasive hitchhikers. If pests are detected, the store that ordered the trees will either send the container back to its origin or pay HDOA to clean the trees in a sealed quarantine facility before heading to the store. Photos: Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture


After Christmas trees are loaded into their containers, they are shipped to Hawaiʻi and greeted by HDOA inspectors. Three trees will be pulled out of each container and shaken on a white tarp. If inspectors find any pests, the container is closed, sealed, and put on hold. The store that ordered the trees will either send the container back to its origin or pay HDOA to clean the trees in a sealed quarantine facility. This process can take up to half a day with ten inspectors, where all trees are unloaded, cleaned, and reloaded into a sanitized container before heading to the store.

This year, over 150 shipping containers are estimated to arrive in our State, equating to over 90,000 trees. About 99% of them are Douglas and Noble Firs, grown and shipped from Oregon. Invasive pests not known in Hawaiʻi may be lurking in their boughs.

Even with all of this effort, pests still manage to sneak in. The most common pests on Hawaiʻi Christmas trees are slugs and yellow jackets. In 2020, inspectors captured a live garter snake in a Christmas tree container. As long as trees are imported, the risk of accidental introductions remains. Still, Rogg reassures, “So far this year, only four out of the 150 containers that arrived needed to be cleaned by HDOA inspectors, or about 1% of Christmas tree arrivals.” Rogg does encourage the public to be vigilant, though. “If something hitchhikes on your Christmas tree, safely collect it in a zip-top bag, take a photo of it, place it in the freezer and report it to 643pest.org, where officials can identify it.”

Choosing local is a great way to eliminate the threat of invasive species arriving to your door. Maui residents have the option to buy locally grown trees, cut down their own tree in Kula Forest Reserve (with a permit) or use a native tree, such as alaheʻe, as a festive alternative. Photo: MISC

Want to eliminate the risk of invasive imported hitchhikers altogether? Choose local. Kula Botanical Gardens is one of the largest Christmas tree growers in the State, with an assortment of upcountry grown Monterey Pines. Kula Kelly’s Farm in ʻŌmaʻopio boasts a small selection of Norfolk Pines. If you crave a family adventure and want to cut down your own tree, the Department of Land and Natural Resources issues collection permits for Monterey Pines, 15 feet or under, for a $20 fee. Lance DeSilva, Forest Management Supervisor with the Maui DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, shares, “Kula Forest Reserve is the only State area on Maui allowed for Christmas tree cutting. If you would like to cut down your own Christmas tree, please give our office a call at (808) 984-8100.” Lastly, Alaheʻe is a native option with a similar growth pattern to a Christmas tree and does well in pots, so it can be potted up and used every year before planting in your yard. Another bonus? Itʻs tiny, white flowers are reminiscent of mock orange blossoms, providing good tidings and cheer well beyond the holidays.

Filed Under: Home Slider, Kia'i Moku Column Tagged With: 2021

Press Release- New Pest Alert: Highly invasive red-vented bulbul spotted on Maui

Posted on December 8, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Kahului, Maui- Recent sightings of red-vented bulbuls (Pycnonotus cafer) on Maui have agriculture and wildlife officials concerned. Native to Pakistan and India, red-vented bulbuls are among the International Union for Conservation of Natureʻs (IUCN) Top 100 Invasive Species worldwide. They have long been established on Oʻahu, but have remained absent on all other Hawaiian islands. Over the years, several individuals have been observed on Maui, however, these individuals were removed, and no established breeding population is known on the island. Red-vented bulbuls are on the State of Hawaiʻi Injurious Species list, making it illegal to release or transport them to other parts of the State or export them without a permit. They are a high priority invasive pest for the State of Hawaiʻi.

Long established on Oʻahu, red-vented bulbul’s have remained absent on all other Hawaiian islands. One of the top 100 invasive species in the world, red-vented bulbuls can cause significant damage to our native ecosystems, watershed, and agriculture and orchid industries. If you spot a red-vented bulbul on Maui, report it immediately to 643pest.org or (808) 643-PEST. Photo: K.Hari Krishnan

On November 28, 2021, Chris Warren, Forest Bird Program Coordinator at Haleakalā National Park, observed a male red-vented bulbul on Stable Road in Spreckelsville, Maui. Since then, several other sightings have been reported near Costco, Whole Foods, and Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. It is unknown if there are multiple birds or just one individual traveling throughout this area. Two reports were also submitted on December 2 of sightings near Honolua and Kapalua Golf Course in West Maui. These sightings have not yet been verified as red-vented bulbuls.

Red-vented bulbul identification tips, from left to right: Male red-vented bulbul, female red-vented bulbul, juvenile red-vented bulbul. Photo: Wikicommons

Red-vented bulbuls are a serious agricultural and wildland pest in Hawaii, and have caused significant damage on Oʻahu. They plague fruit farmers and nurseries, flocking in large groups and devouring commercial fruits such as papaya, mango, lychee, and bananas. They also have a taste for orchid buds, and reportedly caused over $300,000 in damage to the Oʻahu orchid industry one year. Bulbuls are also particularly good at dispersing high-priority plant pests targeted by invasive species committees such as ivy gourd and miconia. If red-vented bulbuls become established on Maui, they pose a severe threat to native forest ecosystems and Mauiʻs watersheds.

Red-vented bulbul are loud with a distinct call. Click on the play button above to listen to one. If you see or hear a red-vented bulbul on Maui, report it immediately to 643pest.org or call (808) 643-PEST.

The red-vented bulbul is about 8 ½ inches long and looks like a black cardinal. Adults are dark with a pointed crest on their head, white abdomen and rump, and crimson under the tail. They also have a slight white marking at the tip of their tail. They make frequent loud calls. The immature bird is like the adult but with some brownish edging on the feathers. Bulbuls are often seen scavenging in parks, hunting for insects in the evening hours, sitting on telephone wires, and are one of the few birds that tend to land on the sides of trees.

Red-vented bulbul’s have a similar body shape to the already established red-crested and northern cardinals. Keep an eye out for dark brown-black coloring, a pointed crest on their head, white abdomen and rump, and crimson under the tail. They also have distinct and loud calls, which are easy to find and listen to on the internet. If you think youʻve spotted a red-vented bulbul, report it immediately to 643pest.org or call 643-PEST (7378). Clear descriptions of the bird, time and place observed, and photos and videos are helpful when submitting reports.

It is crucial to prevent this species from becoming established on Maui. Residents are urged to help by immediately reporting any red-vented bulbul sightings to 643pest.org or calling 643-PEST (7378). Clear descriptions of the bird, time and place observed, and photos and videos are helpful when submitting reports.

For more information, please call 573-MISC or e-mail miscpr@hawaii.edu.

Filed Under: Home Slider, Press Release, Uncategorized

Gobble Gobble! Maui’s Wild Turkeys

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

With Thanksgiving only 12 days away, the traditional centerpiece of this holiday meal is likely on your mind. Stores will be flooded with them, the president will pardon one, old family recipes dusted off to make a favorite variation of it, and leftovers will be eaten for a week as sandwiches and jook. If you haven’t guessed it, I’m talking turkey. But did you know that outside of the freezer, this Thanksgiving icon resides in our islands?

Male wild turkeys show off their plumage in Ulupalakua as a courtship display to nearby turkey hens. Maui turkeys are concentrated mainly throughout private ranch lands above Mākena, Wailea and Kīhei. Although they are introduced species, they are not considered harmful invasive pests. — Forest and Kim Starr photo

According to the Bishop Museum archives, turkeys may be one of the first bird species introduced to our islands post-Western contact. In 1788, several birds arrived from China. In the 1800s, they were abundant on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi as escaped domestic birds formed wild, self-sustaining populations. During the 1930s, a particularly deadly parasite called blackhead disease swept through, greatly diminishing turkeys throughout the state. Efforts to reintroduce them as a game bird resumed to give us the turkeys we have today. The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR-DOFAW) currently manages wild turkey populations.  Although they do not have estimates on the total population statewide, Hawaiʻi Island is thought to have the largest number of wild turkeys, and Lānaʻi has the most in Maui County. In fact, turkeys were so abundant on Lānaʻi in the 1900s, that they were harvested and distributed to other islands to provide the classic centerpiece to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Today they are considered a nuisance by many residents of Hawaiʻi’s third smallest island- seen often along the roadside, in neighborhoods, on hotel properties, and even eating crabs on the beach!

The Maui gobblers are concentrated in the southern parts of the island, dispersed throughout ranch lands above Mākena, Wailea, and Kīhei. They have also been observed in ʻUlupalakua and one was even spotted near Kuihelani Highway recently. Although they are introduced species, they are not considered harmful invasive pests according to Shane De Mattos, Wildlife Biologist for the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife. “Turkeys do not seem to make a substantial negative impact on our environment. The areas they frequent are not pristine ecosystems, and their numbers arenʻt so large that they are competing with natives” They do have the potential to spread invasive seeds, however, as they forage primarily on non-native grasses, seeds, and berries.

Turkeys have been in Hawaii since the late 1700s and quickly escaped domestication. The largest population of wild turkeys in our islands today occur on Hawaii island, with Lanai having the most in Maui County. — Forest and Kim Starr photo

In regards to hunting turkeys on Maui, De Mattos says, “Turkeys are allowed to be harvested during the State game bird season, usually held November through January. On Maui island, they can only be harvested on private lands with a valid State of Hawaiʻi hunting license.” De Mattos encourages hunters and birders wanting to observe wild turkeys to make sure they have permission before entering private lands and to follow best sanitation practices to prevent the spread of invasive species or diseases like Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. “When hunting or going into wild areas, make sure to clean your boots of any mud, as well as wash and clean clothing and gear. Washing vehicles and tires before and after going to new areas is also a great practice,” De Mattos encourages, “Just doing these simple practices can create a huge positive impact to reduce the spread of invasive species in our islands.”

A wild turkey was featured on the 2018-2019 Hawaiʻi Game Bird Stamp. Turkeys are allowed to be harvested during the State game bird season On Maui, they can only be harvested on private lands with a valid State of Hawaiʻi hunting license. – DLNR photo

As for how they taste, Upcountry rancher and hunter, Steven Wong remarks, “You have to know how to cook them right, otherwise they’re dry, tough, and rubbery.” Wong grew up hunting and eating wild turkey and recommends cooking it with green papaya (similar to chicken papaya soup) or in an imu- but with added pork or beef fat to prevent it from drying out. For most of us, it may be best to stick to the Butterball.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on November 13, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

Filed Under: Home Slider, Kia'i Moku Column, Uncategorized Tagged With: 2021, turkey

Duane Sparkman Receives 2021 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Duane Sparkman, Chief Engineer at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, is the 2021 recipient of the Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award. The award is given each year to recognize the efforts in the landscape and agricultural community towards stopping the spread of invasive species in Maui County. The award is presented by the Maui Invasive Species Committee, the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, and the County of Maui.


With his roots in landscaping, Sparkman worked his way up to become part-owner of a large landscape company that maintained 65 acres of resorts along Maui’s coastlines before coming on board with the Maui Westin Resort and Spa. Along with his day job, Sparkman has pursued his passion of learning about Maui’s unique environment. He has volunteered with over a dozen conservation organizations, removing invasive species and planting endangered plants in some of Maui’s most pristine places. In 2012, he worked at Haleakalā National Park with their resource management team, which drastically changed his view of landscape maintenance. Through his experience, Sparkman came to a realization: “If I don’t have to fertilize a native forest, why do I need to fertilize urban landscapes?” He then proceeded to transform the landscape practices at the Maui Westin Resort and Spa’s 12-acre oceanfront resort to organic practices.

Duane Sparkman, 2021 recipient of the Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award. Photo: MISC


Additionally, Sparkman sits on the board of directors of Maui Cultural Lands as their botanist and is the project manager for a 72-acre Hawaiian cultural reserve called Kīpuka Olowalu. He also has a consulting company called Edaphic Perspective, where he assists homeowners, landowners and municipalities transition to organic landscape practices, and has recently partnered with the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council to assist them with their organic land management division

Sparkman’s nomination stems from his passion in seeing thriving and healthy ecosystems from mauka to makai. He has affected not only the industry he works in, but countless other organizations throughout Maui, by sharing his knowledge and skills with community members, respecting and promoting Hawaiian culture and practices, working with local non-profit organizations, and continuing to improve sustainable landscape practices within Hawaii’s resort industry.

The 2021 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award features a glass sculpture of a Maui Parrotbill on a koa branch, made by glass artist Jupiter Nielsen, and mounted on a koa wood plaque. Photo: MISC


Due to Covid-19, the award was presented in a small, socially distanced award ceremony in West Maui and filmed by videographer Spencer Hyde of Dgtl Film. The presenters included Allison Wright, President of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, and Adam Radford, Manager of the Maui Invasive Species Committee. This year’s commemorative plaque featured a sculpture of a Maui Parrotbill perched on a koa branch by glass artist Jupiter Nielsen. The Mālama i ka ʻĀina award is a part of the 2021 Maui Arbor Day Garden Expo and Tree Giveaway held November 2-6. This year, local experts will offer tree and plant care lectures and webinars and the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will host a nursery open house in addition to giving away more than 1,000 Hawaiian trees. More information on Arbor Day can be found at arbordayexpo.org.

Filed Under: Home Slider, Malama i ka Aina Award, Press Release, Uncategorized Tagged With: 2021, county of maui, malama i ka aina award, malama i ka aina award winner, maui association of landscape professionals

Not All Fire Ants Are The Same

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

It’s a familiar feeling many of us have experienced. You may have been picnicking in a park, loading up a surfboard, or walking your dog when OUCH! The sensation between fire and an electric shock move slowly up your leg. You look down and see them. Fire ants. A familiar yet frightening sight, yet are all fire ants in Hawaiʻi alike?

Hawaiʻi has no native ant species. Since humans first began to inhabit the islands (and bring cargo), over 60 species of ants have hitchhiked here. One of the most common and notorious is the tropical fire ant. With a native range from the southern U.S. to South America, tropical fire ants were first documented in Hawaiʻi as early as 1879. These small red ants are now commonly found on every major Hawaiian island. Ground-nesting, they prefer dry, sunny locations and are right at home in beach parks, lawns, fields, driveways, and dirt roads. When a human foot or leg disturbs their nest, they attack – and they pack a punch and immediately start hurting. Because these ants live only on the ground, stings are almost always found on the victim’s feet and legs.

Hawaiʻi has no native ant species. Since humans first began to inhabit the islands… over 60 species of ants have hitchhiked here.

Fire ants are not all the same. Relatively new to Hawaiʻi, the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) usually stick to humid and shady locations: think dense foliage and rainy or irrigated areas. Tropical fire ants are on the ground, whereas little fire ants (LFA) can live in brush and treetops. They don’t have a good grip, so if you brush against an infested plant (or it’s a windy day), they can rain down on you, stinging your neck and falling down your shirt and on your arms, leaving painful rash like wounds that become increasingly itchy and swollen over time.

Size is one of the best ways to tell what type of fire ant you may have encountered. Tropical fire ants are giant compared to LFA, and TFA moves quickly and aggressively, making them easy to see with the naked eye. LFA are slow and sloth-like and extremely tiny. You most likely will feel their sting without even seeing them! Don’t let their size fool you, though- these tiny terrors have an enormous impact, affecting our economy, health, environment, cultural practices, and quality of life.

Established tropical fire ants are much larger than newer, invasive little fire ants. Tropical fire ants live in the ground and are commonly found in beach parks, fields and driveways. These are the ants that will typically sting your feet and legs. Little fire ants are not established on Maui, and can live in brush and treetops. Stings by LFA are typically on the neck, down the shirt, or on arms since they donʻt have good grip and will fall on passerby from above. Photo: MISC

LFA were first detected outside of Hilo in the 1990s, then spread throughout the state, first reaching Maui in 2009. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, and Invasive Species Committees endeavor to stop the spread of these pests, and solicit help from the community in these efforts. In fact, 12 out of the 18 known little fire ant populations on Maui were detected by members of the public.

Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture are working to prevent little fire ants from establishing a permanent foothold on Maui. Monte Tudor-Long, Little Fire Ant Crew Leader with MISC, feels hopeful. “Our control methods are working, and we are proud to say that we have declared several little fire ant populations on Maui eradicated, and those undergoing treatment are showing positive results. But we need the public’s continued help to detect these pests early.” Research and efforts by the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, based on Hawaiʻi Island, has led to the development of new control methods and tools.

Tudor-Long says that it’s important to collect any stinging ants, even if they might be tropical fire ants. By doing so, you can help detect any new populations of LFA or prevent new invasive ants like the Red Imported Fire Ant, a notoriously invasive tropical fire ant lookalike not known to be in Hawaiʻi yet.

Collecting ants is simple “All you need is some peanut butter and a chopstick. Smear the bait on your stick, leave it in a shady place, and check back on it in an hour. If there are any ants on the stick, send them to us!”, Tudor-Long encourages. On Maui, MISC will identify your ants and let you know if you indeed have LFA and then help, free of charge. Don’t have LFA? Your ant sample will still help by contributing to understanding what ants are present in Hawaiʻi’s environment.

Testing for little fire ants is easy, and a great way to ensure that LFA, or other harmful ants, aren’t present on your property. Watch the video above to learn how to test for ants, and request a free testing kit at www.stoptheant.org, or by calling (808) 573-MISC. Video: Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources

October’s Stop the Ant Month is a state-wide campaign that brings awareness to little fire ants and encourages the public to test for ants in the backyards. You can request a test kit at www.stoptheant.org. Throughout the month, kits will also be available at local libraries, garden stores, veterinary clinics, and farmstands in Maui Nui.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on October 9, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

Filed Under: Home Slider, Kia'i Moku Column, Uncategorized Tagged With: 2021, little fire ant, stop the ant month

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Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)
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Acting Manager: Teya Penniman
E-mail: miscmgr@hawaii.edu

PR/Outreach: Serena Fukushima
E-mail: miscpr@hawaii.edu

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