Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

New invasive little fire ant population discovered in Haʻikū

Posted on by

In late August, the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) received a report of stinging ants in Haʻikū, via the Statewide Pest Hotline, 643pest.org. The community member reported painful stings from tiny, red ants inside the home. MISC staff visited the site, confirmed the presence of little fire ants (LFA), and began conducting surveys in the neighborhood on August 29th. The MISC team estimates the infestation to include approximately four-to-six acres and will finish mapping its extent before beginning control treatments.

Little fire ants (LFA) are collected by an LFA team member during a survey. A new infestation of LFA has been discovered in Haʻikū. MISC estimates the infestation is approximately four-to-six acres and will finish mapping its extent before beginning control treatments. Photo: MISC

Little fire ants are native to South and Central America and are thought to have arrived in Hawaiʻi in the late 1990s. The ants are tiny – only as long as a penny is thick. They form supercolonies with multiple queens, blanket landscapes, and outcompete most other insects in the area, both native and non-native. Elsewhere in the world, little fire ants have had devastating impacts on native biodiversity.

The ants live in moist, shady environments on the ground and in trees. Typically, people first experience little fire ant stings on the neck or arms; the ants are easily dislodged from trees or branches, falling onto whomever passes below. These painful stings can cause hikers, farmers, and hunters to abandon areas where LFA become well established. When little fire ants invade yards and homes, they can blind pets and cause residents to move to avoid relentless stings.

“Community reports of stinging ants are critical in preventing little fire ants from becoming established on Maui,” says Teya Penniman, MISC Acting Manager.

Reports from community members have led to the detection of 13 of the 19 known infestations on Maui. Once detected, each infestation is treated for approximately one year, then monitored to ensure elimination. The new infestation in Haʻikū will make eight little fire ant sites on Maui under active treatment. Six sites are in the monitoring phase (ants not currently detected), and five have been eradicated. Maui’s largest little fire ant infestation in Nāhiku has shown promising results: 95% of the samples collected in last year’s survey efforts were empty, indicating that the treatment of this 175-acre site is working. A comprehensive survey will take place later this month to further gauge progress.

“Community reports of stinging ants are critical in preventing little fire ants from becoming established on Maui,” says Teya Penniman, MISC Acting Manager. “It’s our best hope for early detection. Calling MISC or using the 643-PEST reporting tool helps catch these invaders before they can spread further.”   

Little fire ants are an invasive species that are not widely established on Maui. They can impact native biodiversity, blind pets and cause residents and farmers to move to avoid relentless stings. MISC needs the community’s help to find LFA infestations early. Request a free ant collection kit at stoptheant.org. Photo: MISC

MISC recommends collecting ants in your yard for identification at least once per year and every time you purchase new materials such as mulch or nursery plants. It only takes a few minutes to test for LFA:

Smear a tiny bit of peanut butter (or mayonnaise if peanut allergies are a concern) on several thin strips of cardboard, and place them in shady places in your yard. After 45 minutes, collect the samples with ants, place them in a plastic bag labeled with your name, address, and contact information, and freeze for 24 hours to kill the ants. Mail them to your local Invasive Species Committee. On Maui, send them to MISC, P.O. Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768.

MISC recommends checking your property for little fire ants and other unknown arrivals at least once a year, and every time bringing home new landscaping materials (mulch, potted plants, etc.). Click the infographic above for a video on how to test for LFA. Photo: stoptheant.org

Funding from the County of Maui and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council supports little fire ant detection and control efforts in Maui County. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture inspects incoming plant materials and produce for invasive pests, preventing additional infestations, and partners with MISC on survey and control efforts.

Visit stoptheant.org to learn more about collecting ant samples and request a free ant collection kit. Contact MISC with concerns, questions, or reports at 808-573-6472 or miscants@hawaii.edu.  Reports can also be submitted through 643PEST.org.

Maui Invasive Species Committee Hosts Teacher Development Workshop Over Fall Break

Posted on by

Click Here To Register For The Fall 2022 Workshop!

The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) is holding a teacher development workshop for K-12 teachers and environmental educators on October 6th and 7th, featuring the place-based Hōʻike o Haleakalā curriculum. The curriculum features multi-disciplinary science lessons rooted in Hawai’i and is designed to engage students in the study of the unique ecosystems of our islands. The classroom portion of the workshop will begin on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at the Maui Invasive Species Committee’s Baseyard at Old Maui High School. It will cover lessons from the curriculum’s Alpine/Aeolian, Rainforest, and Coastal Modules; engage participants in hands-on activities from the curriculum, and feature guest speakers from Haleakalā National Park, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi, and the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Participants will then attend a huakaʻi (field trip) to The Nature Conservancy’s Waikamoi Preserve the following day. Waikamoi Preserve is one of Hawaiʻi’s last remaining native ecosystems and provides an important sanctuary for hundreds of native Hawaiian plants and animals, many of which are endangered. The Preserve also protects part of the 100,000-acre East Maui Watershed, which provides 60 billion gallons of clean water annually to Maui’s residents, businesses, and agricultural community. Teacher workshop participants will embark on an educational guided hike on the Preserve’s boardwalk trail, which is only accessible by reservation for guided hikes, educational trips, and research opportunities.

The registration fee for the two-day workshop is $45.00. Lunch is provided on both days, and all participants will receive tools and resources after the workshop to use in their classrooms to help students learn more about Hawaii’s natural world.

Teacher workshop participants in 2019 embark on a guided educational hike through The Nature Conservancy’s Waikamoi Preserve. MISC’s two-day workshop in October will feature a huakaʻi to the Preserve, along with lessons about Hawaiʻi’s watersheds, invasive species, and Haleakalā’s ecology for teachers to utilize back in the classroom. Registration is open until September 14th. Photo: MISC

To learn more and register, click this link. All registration forms, waivers, and registration fees must be received by September 14, 2022. For questions, please contact Serena Fukushima, MISC Public Relations and Education Specialist, at (808) 344-2756 or miscpr@hawaii.edu. 

##

Click Here To Register For the PBS Virtual Screening And Panel!

Posted on by

Click Here To Register For The Virtual Screening And Panel!

Maui conservation efforts featured in new BBC Studios Series, The Green Planet

In the summer of 2021, a BBC film crew journeyed into East Maui and The Nature Conservancy’s Waikamoi Preserve to film segments for a new series called the Green Planet. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the series explores the hidden worlds of plants. The final episode (which features Hawai’i conservation efforts) focuses on human’s complex relationships with plants. It looks at our reliance on them for the food we eat and the air we breathe and also how humans across the globe are finding new ways to help plants create a greener planet.

Official Trailer for the new BBC Studios series, The Green Planet. Maui conservation efforts are featured in the final episode of this series titled, “Human Worlds”. Video: BBC Studios


The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) worked with the BBC to showcase efforts in combating invasive miconia in East Maui. Miconia, an ornamental plant from Central and South America, was introduced to Hawaiʻi in the 1970s. Its large purple and green leaves shade out other plants, while its shallow root systems and giant water drops increase erosion. In Tahiti, this purple plague inhabits over two-thirds of the island’s forests, contributing to the loss of native biodiversity.

Miconia, an ornamental plant from Central and South America, was introduced to Hawaiʻi in the 1970s. Its large purple and green leaves shade out other plants, while its shallow root systems and giant water drops increase erosion. Miconia is a target pest for the Maui Invasive Species Committee, which utilizes a variety of approaches to manage it. MISC’s efforts are featured in the new BBC Studios series, The Green Planet, narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Photo Credit/Copyright notice: BBC Studios


MISC is working hard to ensure the same doesn’t happen here, and The Green Planet helps to tell its story to an international audience in its final episode called “Human Worlds.” MISC Public Relations and Education Specialist Serena Fukushima explains, “We need several tools to control miconia on Maui. Our staff controls miconia from the ground while also utilizing longline spraying and HBT in inaccessible areas.” HBT, or herbicide ballistic technology, is a technique developed by Dr. James Leary of UH-CTAHR that uses herbicide-filled paintballs and is featured in the episode. “Using helicopters, the trained team hovers next to a miconia plant on a cliff or hillside. They shoot the plant with the paintball, breaking the stem and allowing a small amount of herbicide to absorb into the tree, eventually killing it. This method reduces the amount of herbicide in the environment while removing the quick-spreading invasive plant.”
The BBC film crew spent a week on the ground with the MISC Hana Miconia Crew and in the air with HBT specialists to capture the multi-tiered efforts crews are taking to combat this invasive species. In The Nature Conservancy’s Waikamoi Preserve, the film crew follows Maui Nui Coordinator for the Plant Extinction Prevention Program, Hank Oppenheimer, who works to protect and perpetuate critically endangered native plant species.

The BBC film crew shows MISC’s Hana miconia team a playback of footage from their segment. The film crew spent over a week on the ground and in the air capturing MISC’s miconia efforts in East Maui for the new BBC Studio’s series, The Green Planet. Photo: MISC


A virtual episode screening will take place on Tuesday, July 26, from 2:00-3:30 p.m., allowing Hawaii residents to watch it first before its August 3rd release on PBS Hawaii and the PBS network. The screening is followed by a live question and answer panel featuring East Maui District Councilmember Shane Sinenci, MISC Operations Manager Adam Knox, Hana Miconia Crew Leader Aja Akuna, and Maui Nui Coordinator for the Plant Extinction Prevention Program, Hank Oppenheimer. Click here to register for the screening and panel.

Dracula ants re-emerge on Maui

Posted on by

In March of 2022, the Maui Invasive Species Committee’s (MISC) little fire ant (LFA) crew was wrapping up what they thought would be an uneventful day. The crew had placed peanut-butter-baited vials as part of a routine survey to attract little fire ants. LFA team member, Monte Tudor-Long, was examining the samples under a microscope when he noticed a solitary, reddish-tinged ant mired in the peanut butter in one of the vials. Assuming it was an LFA, he almost moved on to other vials, but something nagged him to look closer. He painstakingly washed the ant with alcohol and placed it on a slide. Tudor-Long was surprised to find the ant was not LFA or even a common tropical fire ant, but something he had never seen before. It turned out to be a Dracula ant, known as Stigmatomma zwaluwenburgi, and had not been recorded anywhere else for the last 20 years. But what was it doing here?

Dracula ants drink the blood of their larvae, leading to the gruesomely appropriate name. As odd as this behavior is, it doesn’t appear to harm the young and provides essential nourishment to queens. You would not find this ant on your kitchen counter. Like any good vampire, these solitary hunters spend most of their lives in the dark. They lurk underground or in leaf litter and typically aren’t born with eyes.

It has been 77 years since Stigmatomma zwaluwenburgi, a type of Dracula ant, has been recorded in Hawaii. This ant is not believed to be invasive, and gets its name from its tendency to drink the blood of its larvae. The sample collected on Maui this year will contribute to DNA research to determine the origin of this rare ant. Photo: MISC

Scientists and naturalists have only collected a dozen specimens of Stigmatomma zwaluwenburgi in the world. The species was first discovered in Hawaiʻi in 1937 by R.H. Van Zwaluwenburg, an entomologist with the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association, and was named after him. The ant collected by MISC is the first one found in Hawaiʻi since 1945 – 77 years ago.

Tudor-Long sought outside confirmation of his identification. “MISC’s ant matched with Stigmatomma zwaluwenburgi,” said Paul Krushelnycky, Assistant Researcher with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. Krushelnycky sent the sample to Brian Fisher at the California Academy of Sciences who is revising the taxonomic tree of Dracula ants. Fisher had not been able to extract enough DNA from the few remaining specimens. Armed with this fresh sample, he can now delve more deeply into the genetic history of this Dracula ant.

“Think of it like a 23 and Me for ants,” Krushelnycky explains. “The more samples taken of these ants and their relatives, the more complete the branch of this sub-family grows, and more specific connections are formed. We then begin to understand where it could have originated.”

Members of the Maui Invasive Species Committee little fire ant crew were conducting surveys of an existing LFA infestation when a Dracula ant wandered into one of the vials. Reporting and collecting stinging ants in Hawaii is essential to preventing the spread of a new little fire ant infestation or detecting a new invasive species such as the red imported fire ant. It can also lead to exciting discoveries like this Dracula ant. To request a free ant collection kit, visit stoptheant.org. Photo: MISC

Since Hawaiʻi has no native ants, it is still unknown how this one originally arrived. As for the single ant found in Huelo, Tudor-Long is still in awe of how it came to his desk. “This tiny ant, next to an infestation of some of the most voracious invasive ants in the world, just seemed to have wandered into the vial.”

While this species is unlikely to be invasive, the discovery highlights the importance of careful observation. “Reporting and collecting stinging ants in Hawaiʻi is essential to preventing the spread of a new little fire ant infestation or detecting a new invasive species such as the red imported fire ant,” he says. “You could also discover something unique, like this Dracula ant.” Who knows what new discovery may be lurking in your backyard? If you don’t look, you will never know what you may find.

You can help look for LFA and other potentially harmful ants at home! To request a free ant collection kit, visit stoptheant.org.

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 June 11, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles

Habits Are Key To Preventing the Spread of Rat Lungworm

Posted on by

In 2017, rat lungworm disease was making big headlines with an unprecedented 21 cases on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. Those afflicted told stories of blinding headaches and feeling like their skin was on fire.  Although the disease had been present in Hawaiʻi for over 50 years, many residents were learning about it for the first time. The spike in cases followed the spread of the invasive semi-slug. Nearly all slugs and snails in the islands can carry the parasite, but the semi-slug is the most common vector.

 Invasive semi-slugs carry a high concentration of the rat lungworm parasite. These slugs are prevalent around human dwellings. They are remarkably fast and efficient climbers – commonly found in gardens, buckets, water catchments, and even slithering into open drinking containers. Photo: Wikiwand

These pests hide in produce and if gardeners and shoppers don’t thoroughly wash their lettuce, broccoli, or other greens, humans can accidentally ingest infected slugs and snails.  Even juveniles smaller than a tic-tac can carry the parasite. In the human body, the parasite makes its way into the brain and dies. This triggers a rare type of meningitis that causes the lining around the brain to swell. Results range from flu-like symptoms and light sensitivity to nerve damage and even death. Diagnosis is complex, and there is no specific treatment or cure.

The rat lungworm parasite begins its life cycle in a rat’s lungs. The eggs of the parasite hatch in the lungs and travel to the digestive tract, exiting the body through the rat’s feces. Nearby slugs and snails eat infected poop, becoming secondary hosts. Other hosts include cane toads, coqui frogs, freshwater shrimp, and centipedes.

The rat lungworm parasite begins its life cycle in a rat’s lungs. The eggs of the parasite hatch in the lungs and travel to the digestive tract, exiting the body through the rat’s feces. Nearby slugs and snails eat infected poop, becoming secondary hosts. In the human body, rat lungworm disease causes the lining around the brain to swell. Results range from flu-like symptoms and light sensitivity to nerve damage and even death. Diagnosis is complex, and there is no specific treatment or cure. Photo: CDC

In February 2022, Bishop Museum published a survey confirming the presence of rat lungworms in invasive slug and snail hosts on six Hawaiian Islands (excluding Kahoʻolawe and Niʻihau). Norine Yeung, Malacology Curator at the Bishop Museum, was not surprised by the results. “There are over 60 invasive slug and snail species in the state,” she says. “All have the potential to carry rat lungworm. As long as there are rats, slugs, and snails in Hawaiʻi, it is almost certain that the parasite will continue to exist here.”

Gardening does not have to be scary when practicing good habits. To prevent rat lungworm from landing on your dinner plate, keep rats and slugs at bay and thoroughly wash produce before eating. Photo: S.Fukushima

But with the rat lungworm parasite so widespread, why arenʻt there more cases of human infection? In 2020 and 2021, Hawaiʻi saw a combined total of 10 cases. The Covid pandemic led to more people staying home and an increase in home gardening, so it seems plausible that more people would be in contact with the parasite. Yeung has a hunch on why folks havenʻt been getting sick, “Rat lungworm awareness campaigns reached nearly every resident during 2017. On the front page of the news, in community meetings, information was everywhere.” If Yeung is correct, residents not only got the message but strengthened daily habits to prevent contracting the parasite. Fast forward to 2022, and continued practice of these habits remains vital. Here are a few actions to  incorporate into your routine:

  1. Eliminate hungry rats from your garden or orchard. Set traps (be sure to check them) and remove debris that could be hiding or nesting places for rodents.
  2. Slugs and snails need cool, damp places to rest during the day. Remove overgrown vegetation, check under potted plants, or use dripline irrigation to reduce habitat. If slugs and snails are present, bait pellets and granules containing metaldehyde or iron phosphate have proven effective in reducing numbers (just make sure pets don’t have access to them).
  3. In the evening or early morning, pick pests from your garden using disposable gloves or a designated pair of tongs. Drop any plucked pests into a wide-mouthed bottle filled with a 15% salt water solution.  After several days, the saltwater will kill the slug and any rat lungworm larvae. Dispose of it in the trash. Other methods to kill both host and parasite are pouring boiling water on collected slugs in a metal pot or freezing them in a sealed bag for 48 hours.
  4. Rinsing produce under running water and drying is the best way to remove any parasites from your veggies. Boiling, steaming, and sauteeing veggies for at least 3-5 minutes will kill any lingering larvae. Freezing produce for 48 hours is also effective. For fruit or veggies with a peel or rind (think bananas, mangos, pumpkins, etc.), rinse thoroughly before consuming.

Yeung feels optimistic. So far, no new cases have been reported this year. “Good sanitation and washing are key to preventing the spread of this parasite,” she says. She recommends keeping an eye out for invasive garden pests so new rat lungworm hosts don’t get established. Report any new pests to your local invasive species committee or 643pest.org. Learn more about snails and slugs through Bishop Museumʻs Malacology Department webpage at bishopmuseum.org/malacology.

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 May 14, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles

Plant Native, Cultivate A Connection

Posted on by

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

Gardening This Spring? Plant Pono

Posted on by

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

Avocado Pest Now Widespread on Maui- But There is Hope

Posted on by

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

MISC Hosts Hōʻike o Haleakalā Curriculum Teacher Workshop Over Spring Break

Posted on by

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. 

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

Posted on by

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

PCSU logo

Sign up for MISC Updates

* = required field

Contact Us

Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)
Office: (808) 573-6472
Press and Media Inquiries: (808) 344-2756
Mailing Address:
PO Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768

Acting Manager: Teya Penniman
E-mail: miscmgr@hawaii.edu

PR/Outreach: Lissa Strohecker
E-mail: miscpr@hawaii.edu

Statewide Pest Hotline: 808-643-PEST
Report a Pest Online