Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

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Prevention Is Key For Maui To Stay Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Free

Posted on January 31, 2023 by Serena Fukushima

A large, invasive beetle is spreading on Oʻahu. First detected in December 2013 at a golf course near the Honolulu airport, the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) was confined to central and west Oʻahu during the early years of the infestation, thanks to the work of Coconut Rhinocerous Beetle Response – the interagency team that formed to address it. But since the summer of 2022, the project has seen an explosion of detections, with CRB infestations discovered at new locations on the island. The beetles have not been detected on any of the neighbor islands, but it’s likely just only a matter of time before they arrive.

At 2 1/2 inches long, coconut rhinoceros beetles are nocturnal and can fly up to 2 miles, spending most of their lives hidden high in the tops of coconuts. — Photo: CRB Response

Coconut palms are the preferred host, but the beetles also live on other palms, banana trees, sugar cane, agave, and even ironwood, taro, and hala. Mature coconut trees can typically withstand feeding damage, but juvenile plants often die. Over time, as mature trees age out, an entire species of palm can disappear. Endangered native palms – loulu – are especially at risk.

At 2 ½ inches long, these large, black beetles are nocturnal and can fly up to two miles, spending most of their lives hidden high in the tops of coconuts, boring into the crowns of healthy palm trees. Adults bore through unopened leaves to feed on the sap. An adult female beetle emerges from the crown to lay up to 140 eggs in its lifetime in nearby mulch piles or decomposed tree stumps. Plump, brown-headed larvae with bluish-grey tails are huge – ranging from two to four inches long.

Through a coordinated partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA), and other key organizations, the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response team has been working to stem the tide of this invasive pest on Oʻahu. The team’s multi-pronged strategy includes the placement of pheromone traps, detector dogs, treatment of high-risk materials, quarantine protocols, research, and outreach. Arisa Barcinas is the Outreach Specialist for CRB Response, and champions successful control of CRB. “When green waste is managed properly,” she explains, “It can drastically reduce an infestation and allow damaged palms to grow back.”

Coconut rhinoceros beetles bore into the crowns of healthy palm trees and bite through unopened leaves to feed on the sap. The most obvious sign of this beetle’s presence are bore holes in the crowns of palm trees or V-cut formations in the leaves. — Photo: HDOA

The beetles spread to new places by hitchhiking in the holds of aircraft and through movement of nursery stock, compost, and mulch. To contain the beetle and prevent its spread to other islands, HDOA declared Oahu a CRB quarantine zone. Businesses must complete a series of steps before moving high-risk material, like mulch or host palms. Before being shipped, HDOA inspects and treats the material using high heat or fumigation. If beetle damage is detected, plants don’t move. Plants and materials are inspected again at their destination to ensure there are no hitchhikers.

Early detection efforts have been in place to prevent the spread to other islands. The Maui Invasive Species Committee’s (MISC) Early Detection team conducts regular surveys for CRB. Staff on Maui and Molokai (Molokai Invasive Species Committee) monitor traps at the airport twice a month.

Prevention and reporting are critical to catching this pest early. Barcinas says, “It’s important to understand how devastating CRB can be if it spreads to other islands. Community involvement is crucial to prevent the establishment of this pest in other places.” Her team has been increasing its work on neighbor islands by installing more traps and coordinating logistics to bring over detection dogs for surveys.

Invasive species committee staff on Maui and Molokai monitor coconut rhinoceros beetle traps at the Kahului Airport twice a month. The beetle is only found on Oahu, and prevention and reporting are critical to catching this pest early should it reach Neighbor Islands. – Photo: Forest and Kim Starr photo

The most obvious sign of this beetle’s presence are bore holes in the crowns of palm trees or v-cut formations in the leaves. Using mulch and compost right away by spreading it thinly, rather than storing it in piles, is another way to prevent beetle breeding habitat and undetected infestations. Suspect CRB on Maui should be reported immediately to 643pest.org. Make sure to upload a photo of the beetle and/or signs of damage and note the exact location in the report. A pest prevention training describing CRB and other invasive species is offered to nurseries and can be found at plantpono.org. More information about this pest and compliant businesses on Oʻahu are at crbhawaii.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 January 14, 2023 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

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Filed Under: Home Slider, Kia'i Moku Column Tagged With: 2023

Invasive species can cause native ecosystems to go up in smoke

Posted on January 31, 2023 by Serena Fukushima

In early November, a wildfire ripped through nearly 2,100 acres of parched land in West Maui. The fire blazed across the landscape, then quickly moved upwards through one of the last and highly diverse native ecosystems left on Maui, destroying some of the last remaining endangered flora and fauna on earth. Unlike many forests around the world that depend on wildfire, Hawaiian forests are not adapted to wildfire cycles (The only natural wildfire occurrence in our islands happens around volcanic events). and are slow to recover after a fire event. Where once an ecologically diverse environment thrived, invasive species quickly move in.

Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership aerial surveys reveal the devastation of the November fire in West Maui. This photo shows the stark contrast between burned forest and kipuka that evaded the blaze. Crew members are navigating logistics to safely land to do ground surveys to determine the extent of the damage to rare native forest in this area. — Photo: Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership

Most of Hawaii’s fire zones were once home to diverse native dryland forest. Since the introduction of invasive ungulates and plant species, over 90% of the original Hawaiian dry forests have been destroyed across the state. When the forest disappeared, introduced, invasive grasses adapted to fire moved in. Melissa Chimera, Pacific Fire Exchange Coordinator for the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization notes that Hawaii has one of the largest footprints of wildfire impact per landmass in the United States. “With the decline in agriculture around the state, large swaths of abandoned farm lands were replaced with fire prone invasive grasses,” Chimera says, “Grasses like guinea grass and fountain grass (found on Hawaiʻi Island) create a fire cycle, quickly burning then reestablishing in the bare ground.” Not only does fire affect people and native forest, but runoff from bare ground post fire moves into oceans, smothering coral reefs. Chimera also notes that the latest predictions for Hawaiʻi is expecting some of the most drastic effects of the climate crisis by mid-century. Heavy rains, followed by prolonged drought, creates an increased fire risk as well- boosting growth of invasive grasses which then dry up and become fire starters at a landscape level. Areas like Lāhainā, dominated by these invasive grasslands, are an example of one area caught in the fire cycle.

Kim Thayer, Program Associate with the Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership, works in some of the last dryland forest found in West Maui. Already battling invasive ungulates looking to feast on these precious plants, climate change induced drought has quickly dried up the area. Thayer notes, “Before the fire, it was so dry. Even the aalii, one of our most resilient native plants, was crispy.” When the fire took off, legs of it raced 4,500 feet to the peak of Helu, a steeply cliffed slice of land south of Kauaʻula Valley. “There is an assemblage of plants that are so specific to that place, they don’t exist anywhere else on the mountain, let alone the world”, Thayer says of Helu. The names of extremely rare species such as Cyanea heluensis and Stenogyne kauaulaensis lend to how specific these plants are to this area. While the earth was still smoldering, her team did an aerial survey to get an idea of the extent of the burn. Thayer laments, “The forest burned down to the ground in some of the places.” As of publication of this article, it was too ashy for the helicopter to land safely to do a boots on the ground survey to survey the extent of the damage and what was lost, but the outcome is looking grim.

Stenogyne kauaulaensis is one of the critically endangered species found in an area of West Maui hosting some of the last native dryland forest on the island. It is unknown how many species were lost when the November wildfire blazed through this precious swath of forest. Pictured is a 2010 photo of nursery-cultivated Stenogyne kauaulaensis slated for restoration efforts. — Photo: Forest and Kim Starr

When native forest is burned, there is a possibility of regrowth from an established seed bank or older trees. But invasive grasses grow faster, and outcompete the slower growing natives in an area. The added pressure from feral pigs and axis deer create a disastorous recipe for native forest resilience after repeated fire pressure.

As we move into climate change induced weather events, including wildfires, Chimera encourages people to take action. “The time to prepare for a wildfire is not when the fire is moving your way, but now”. She recommends several ways to get fire ready: Keeping access open for emergency personnel, clearing excess vegetation around your home, and using fireproof materials (like metal roofs) to harden your home. A plethora of resources and research can be found at pacificfireexchange.org.

A wildfire scorched nearly 2,100 acres of West Maui in November. Areas like Kauaʻula and Helu are home to some of Maui’s last native dryland forest ecosystems. Native species are generally not adapted to wildfire, and invasive grasses colonizing the bare ground will inhibit full recovery of the dryland ecosystem. Rare native species such as Stenogyne kauaulaensis and Cyanea heluensis call these high mountain peaks home and are found nowhere else in the world. — Photo: Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership

As for restoration efforts in Helu, Mauna Kahālāwai is still assessing the damage and navigating complicated logistics to access the isolated peak. Looking ahead, Both Chimera and Thayer believe that landscape level invasive grass control is key to reducing wildfire occurrences. Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership has been working in Olowalu Valley in partnership with Kīpuka Olowalu to create a native plant green belt with the goal of planting 1,000 plants to restore the riparian corridor and help with fire suppression. A few valleys down, Keʻeaumoku Kapu, a resident of Kauaʻula Valley, has been organizing a similar project to restore the charred earth with lush native species. Find out more and how to volunteer with both groups at www.maunakahalawai.org and by emailing Kapu at kapukapuakea@gmail.com.

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 December 10, 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

The Sweet History of ʻUala: A Staple Food to Give Thanks For

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

A year-round staple in our islands will soon take center stage on many Thanksgiving dessert tables. The sweet potato is often overlooked, with favor leaning towards the more popular pumpkin pie. Still, its origins weave a fascinating history which include Poynesian voyagers, territorial farmers, invasive species, and celebration of African American culture . Follow the journey of this humble root in Hawaii and beyond.

The sweet potato (Ipomoea batata) is a part of the morning glory family and can grow from sea level to over 2,000 feet. The root (potato) is high in carbohydrates, beta-carotene, and vitamins, and the edible leaves are high in protein, making it an ancient and modern-day superfood. It grows in a variety of soils and withstands drought, making it a staple in ancient Hawaiʻi. Hawaiians had developed over 250 varieties of sweet potato- ʻuala in Hawaiian- which ranged in color from yellow, orange, red, purple, and white. Its importance is emphasized in the ʻŌlelo Noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb) “He ʻuala ka ʻai hoʻola koke i ka wī (The sweet potato is the food that ends famine quickly). But how did uʻala get here?

Using DNA analysis, French researchers from the Center for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology found that Hawaiʻiʻs sweet potato originated high in the South American Andes mountains. To get an accurate sample of pre-contact potatoes, they analyzed the dried remains of ʻuala from Captain James Cook’s voyages in 1796. They traced the genetic blueprint of these samples to Ecuador and Peru. In addition to indigenous, archaeological, and linguistic knowledge, ʻuala’s genetic evidence showed that Polynesian voyagers interacted and traded with natives in South America. After the Hōkūleʻa’s worldwide voyage from 2013-2018, the ability of ancient Polynesian voyagers to make a trip like this was no longer up for debate; however, the humble sweet potato offers further evidence that these highly skilled ancient wayfarers were able to make a journey of this magnitude.

Hawaiians had developed over 250 varieties of sweet potato- ʻuala in Hawaiian- which ranged in color from yellow, orange, red, purple, and white. By 1923, only 70 known species remained. Today, there are only about 24. Photo: Serena Fukushima

ʻUala was an essential famine food and crop in ancient Hawaiʻi but was also significant to modern economies. Commercial cultivation of sweet potatoes first began in 1849. In 1919, it was grown as one of the top ten emergency foods during the World War (replacing white potatoes and used as livestock feed). But, despite being extensively cultivated in Hawaiʻi, the ancient Hawaiian varieties were being lost. By 1923, only 70 known species remained. Today, there are only about 24.

By the 1990s, just over 1,000 acres of sweet potato were in cultivation in Hawaiʻi, generating over $7 million for the economy. In 2016, farmers had less than 500 acres in sweet potato statewide, generating just under $2 million.

 The reason why? Pests –  primarily sweet potato weevils. These ½ inch, ant-looking insects are the most significant pests to sweet potatoes worldwide. The larvae channel the potato roots, and high concentrations can result in hundreds of larvae feeding on just one potato. This makes the potato unmarketable and inedible (the root becomes bitter in response to the pest damage). Sweet potato weevils are not the only potato plagues- the sweet potato bug, leaf miners, vine borers, hornworms, and nematodes are others. There is hope though. Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa have recently discovered two Hawaiian varieties showing promising results in flavor, yield, and pest resistance. Perhaps the sweet potato may become an agricultural staple in Hawaiʻi yet again.

Commercial cultivation of sweet potatoes has been an important part of Hawaii’s agriculture economy since 1849, however, by 2016, farmers had less than 500 acres of sweet potato in cultivation statewide. Photo: Forest and Kim Starr
Pests such as sweet potato weevils (current photo), the sweet potato bug (left), leaf miners, vine borers, hornworms, and nematodes are the main culprits. Photo: Wikipedia

As a staple on the holiday dinner table, sweet potato pie is widely beloved. Although indigenous peoples cultivated sweet potatoes in the Pacific and the Americas centuries before the first Thanksgiving, sweet potato pies as a holiday tradition stems from Southern plantation kitchens, baked by enslaved African Americans. After emancipation, recipes followed freed peoples throughout the country, remaining a holiday favorite in African American communities today. But the love of sweet potato pie reaches far and wide and has made its way back to Hawaiʻi. Try this tropical twist on the traditional sweet potato pie this Thanksgiving: a Sweet Potato Haupia Bars recipe by Maui-based Instagram and YouTube cooking star Relle Lum (@keeping.it.relle) at keepingitrelle.com/sweet-potato-haupia-pie-bars.

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 November 12, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles

Filed Under: Kia'i Moku Column Tagged With: 2022

Citizen Science Can Help Stop the Ant

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

Citizen scientists have been key to finding most of the little fire ant (LFA) populations on Maui. Without their reports, Maui likely would not have a chance to stop this destructive ant from taking over our island. Ant submissions from concerned residents have also been key to understanding which species are already on the island. In order to understand Maui’s ants better, Monte Tudor-Long, Little Fire Ant Crew Member with the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) compiles records of ants collected through MISC surveys and community reports. “MISC has collected over 40 species of ants- just about every ant known to exist on Maui.” Tudor-Long says.

October is Stop the Ant Month, a statewide initiative bringing awareness to little fire ants and other harmful ant species. Folks who submit ant collection kits to MISC during October will be entered into a raffle to win prizes all month long! Photo: MISC

All the ants in Hawaiʻi are thought to have been brought here by humans. Over 60 species are now present. Ants are considered “ecosystem engineers” altering soils, nutrient cycling and decomposition, and food chains.  They are effective and aggressive predators. Here in Hawaiʻi, many have become invasive, causing harm to the animals not evolved to defend themselves against non-native pests.

Tudor-Long believes that identifying Maui’s ants can lead to the early detection of harmful, new species. “If every household on Maui sent in samples of their ants, it would create a citizen science-based research repository that could help inform future conservation decisions,” he says. Public submissions can help find new ant species not yet known to be in Hawaiʻi. They are also vital in detecting new little fire ant populations, a MISC target because of the harm they cause. In fact, 13 of the 19 existing LFA infestations were reported by the community.

Tudor-Long encourages folks to observe the ants around them and send them to MISC (request a free collection kit at stoptheant.org). He’ll reply with the identification of the ant, and if LFA is detected, MISC will control the infestation. October is also Stop the Ant Month, and folks who send ants to MISC this month are entered into a raffle to win prizes. Here are some common ants that Maui residents may see and some invasive ones that Maui has a chance to stop:

Observing and collecting the ants around you can help prevent harmful, invasive ants like the little fire ant on Maui or red imported fire ant (not yet in Hawaii) from becoming established in our islands. Both of these ants are target species for the Maui Invasive Species. If you suspect these ants in your area, request a free ant collection kit at stoptheant.org or report to (808) 573-6472. Photos: Alex Wild

Target Ants- Report to MISC at (808) 573-6472
The little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) or LFA damages economies, harms native wildlife, pets, and livestock, and prevents people from spending time outside. The only way to confirm the identification of LFA is by examining them under a microscope. The ant’s venom, which is delivered by multiple stings at once, leads to an itchy, burning sensation that can last for hours or even days.  LFA are slow-moving and unaggressive. This arboreal ant literally rains down on people as they brush past infested foliage. LFA are not widely established on Maui and should be reported to MISC.

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) or RIFA has not been detected in Hawaiʻi and should be reported to MISC. Plaguing the southern United States, RIFA are exceedingly aggressive, attacking with painful stings. The hope of controlling and eradicating this ant will require early detection of its arrival. Says Tudor-Long, “If it arrives under the radar and we fail to notice right away, it will spread rapidly throughout the drier, sandy lowlands of Maui.”  For this reason, samples of tropical fire ants, a lookalike species, should be routinely collected and sent to MISC to make sure it is not RIFA.

All the ants currently in Hawaiʻi are thought to have been brought here by humans, and over 60 species are now present. The Hawaiian carpenter ant, tropical fire ant, and African big-headed ant are all common species that most people see in their homes or yards. Photos: Alex Wild, Melody Euaparadorn (Carpenter Ant)

Common Ants on Maui- Not controlled by MISC:
The Hawaiian carpenter ant (Camponotus variegatus)
is the largest ant in the state- up to half an inch long. Winged males and females fly when mating, often swarming toward lights. They are nocturnal, do not sting, and mostly leave people alone.  The Hawaiian carpenter may nest in wood cavities but does not damage wood. Carpenter ants are one of the first ant species ever documented in the islands, first recorded by entomologists in 1879.

Tropical fire ants (Solenopsis geminata) have been tormenting beach-goers in Hawaiʻi since the mid-1800s. These aggressive ants sting the feet and ankles of any passerby near their nests. Tropical fire ants are red and can reach up to a third of an inch.  Compared to little fire ants, these ants are gigantic – up to four or five times the size of LFA.  Slow-moving LFA are nearly invisible, while fast-moving Tropical Fire Ants are quite easy to see swarming on your bare feet. 

The African big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) was one of the first ants to be introduced here. By the late 1800’s it wiped out scores of endemic insect species as it mowed its way through Hawaiʻi’s native forests. You can find these ants just about everywhere in Hawaiʻi up to around 3,000 feet elevation. They bite our legs and feed on non-native insects like the larvae of houseflies. This species makes small ant hills – and ant “roads” – especially after heavy rains. 

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 October 8, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles


Filed Under: Kia'i Moku Column Tagged With: 2022

New training helps nurseries be on the lookout for invasive species

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

Hawaiʻi is home to plant and animal species found nowhere else. For millions of years, new arrivals would establish in our islands an average of once every three thousand years via makani (wind), moana (deep ocean currents), or manu (birds or seeds hitchhiking in their gut). After they arrived to our isolated island chain, they evolved to live in their new environment, becoming new species over hundreds of thousands of years. Today, due to globalization, a new plant, animal, or pathogen that has never been documented in Hawaii arrives every three days. Some of these new arrivals can become invasive, harming not only our environment and Hawaiʻi’s unique biodiversity but also causing adverse effects on our agriculture industry, health, cultural practices, and quality of life.

Multiple agencies across the state work every day to address invasive species issues and local businesses are pitching in. Since many new species arrive hitchhiking on nursery materials, nurseries can be front-line heroes in helping to stop new pests before they spread into the environment.

A new training for nurseries is now available. The Pest Prevention Training Program was created by a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The training, offered by the island-based Invasive Species Committees, will feature information about the identification, reporting, and best management practices for some high-risk pests that are either not known to occur in Hawaii, not known to occur in the United States, or pests that are present but are a high priority for containment (like coconut rhinoceros beetle)

Here are some pests not yet found on Maui to be on the lookout for. If you think you’ve seen these pests, report immediately to 643pest.org:

The Pest Prevention Training Program is a new training for nurseries across the state to detect and protect Hawaiʻi from invasive species. The training will feature information about the identification, reporting, and best management practices for some high-risk pests that are either not known to occur in Hawaiʻi, not known to occur in the United States, or pests that are present but are a high priority for containment. Some of the pests not known to be in Hawaiʻi that will be covered in the training are featured (from top left to right) milk snail, citrus greening effects on fruit, brown marmorated stink bug, lethal palm yellowing, northern giant hornet, black velvet leatherleaf slug, and red imported fire ant. Photos (in order): Bugh, Lotz, Ellis, Harrison, Alpsdake, Cranshaw, and Noble.

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
Currently only found on Oahu, the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB). Adults are long (up to two inches), shiny black in color, with a single horn. CRB are nocturnal and can fly. They are primarily found in decomposing green waste or in the crown of palms, where they leave oval-shaped boreholes midrib of fronds or in the crown or trunk of the tree. Fronds cut in a V-shape pattern are another indication of CRB presence. They have also been found in hala trees in Hawaiʻi and can threaten rare native Hawaiian palm species. Extensive damage can kill trees.

Citrus Greening
Citrus greening is bacteria that affect citrus’s vascular system and nutrient uptake. Though not detected in Hawaiʻi, the primary vector, the Asian citrus psyllid, is present in our islands. Throughout the world, the arrival of the Asian citrus psyllid has been followed by the detection of this disease-causing bacteria. This bacterium is responsible for the loss of millions of acres of citrus in the US and beyond. In Florida, citrus greening resulted in 8,000 lost jobs with an economic impact of $4.5 billion. Today, Florida’s citrus industry covers half the acreage it once did. Symptoms include lopsided, bitter, hard fruit with tiny, dark seeds, blotchy mottling on leaves, and fruit that remains green even when ripe.

Red Imported Fire Ant
The Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) is an aggressive ground-dwelling ant known for its painful stings. RIFA has resulted in a $1 billion impact in the United States alone. Native to South America, it is a serious pest across the continental U.S. but has not yet been detected in Hawaiʻi. Similar in size and behavior to the well-established tropical fire ant, members of the public are encouraged to submit samples of any stinging ant to their local invasive species committee to prevent an unknown infestation of RIFA from becoming established. Request a free ant collection kit at stoptheant.org.

Lethal Palm Yellowing
Lethal palm yellowing is caused by a bacterial parasite that lives within the plant’s vascular system. This disease affects at least 37 palm species and is responsible for wiping out the majority of the tall-type coconut cultivars in Jamaica and Florida. It can take three to nine months before symptoms are apparent, including yellowing of the leaves and premature dropping of fruit.

Local nurseries can learn more about the Pest Prevention Training as well as the full list of pests to be on the lookout for at plantpono.org/pest-training.

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 September 10, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles

Filed Under: Kia'i Moku Column Tagged With: 2022

The Hawaiian Crow May Soon Soar on Maui

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

One of the rarest birds in the world may soon fly through the remote, forested slopes of Maui. The ʻalalā, or Hawaiian Crow, is endemic to our islands, but due to impacts from introduced predators (such as cats and mongooses), loss of habitat, and diseases, they are now extinct in the wild. Just over 100 individuals are all that remain in the world, raised in conservation breeding facilities on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. The latest efforts to reintroduce birds to the wild on Hawaiʻi Island took place between 2016-2019. The birds suffered low survival rates after release, which led scientists to pause the program. On Hawaiʻi Island, ʻalalā has a native predator- the ʻio, or Hawaiian hawk. There are no breeding populations of ʻio on Maui, so conservationists believe that the Valley Isle could serve as the next step in the recovery of the endangered Hawaiian crow.

The Hawaiian Islands were home to at least five different native crow species. ʻAlalā (Corvus hawaiiensis) are the only ones that remain, and the last wild individuals were observed by researchers on Hawaiʻi Island in 2002. Subfossil records indicate that at least one variety of these Hawaiian crows was present on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu.

The last wild Hawaiian crows were spotted on Hawaii Island in 2002, however subfossil records show they were once prevalent on Maui. Remaining ʻalalā are in conservation breeding facilities, and reintroduction efforts on Hawaiʻi Island have been complicated by introduced predators, diseases such as toxoplasmosis, and a native hawk predator. Maui lacks populations of native hawks, and could soon be a viable home to these endangered species. Photo Credit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Sarah Malick-Wahls is the Maui Nui ʻAlalā Research and Recovery Coordinator with the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project. Her team is looking at remote, native forested areas on Maui to release captive-bred birds. She explains, “ʻAlalā thrive in ohia dominant forests, and multiple Maui sites have the potential to host this endangered species once again.”

ʻAlalā have a varied diet- they eat invertebrates, eggs, and nestlings of other forest birds, nectar, and carrion- but their diet of native fruits made them an integral part of a native forest ecosystem as seed dispersers. Indulging in over 30 varieties of native fruiting plants, ʻalalā could contribute to restoring diverse native forests that benefit the watersheds, cultural practices, and unique plants and animals that inform Hawaiian culture. Intelligent and vocal, alala form complex social relationships with human-like calls. One translation of ʻalalā means to “bawl, caw, wail, scream, etc.” which perfectly describes the sound of their cacophonous symphony. 

Reintroduction efforts to bring back the call of ʻalalā to Hawaii Island forests have been complicated. Introduced predators such as mongooses, rats, and cats have greatly impacted ʻalalā survival, especially fledglings that spend time on the ground while learning to fly. Some crows have even contracted toxoplasmosis transmitted from feral cats, which is still a concern for future release efforts.  While Hawaiʻi Island reintroduction efforts are on pause, conservation breeding facilities are running out of space to house the entire population of ʻalalā, so conservationists are thinking creatively about reintroducing Hawaiian crows to their former homes on other islands. Multiple ʻalalā populations in separate locations also help ensure the species’ survival in the event of extreme weather instances (like hurricanes) or other unforeseen circumstances that could threaten this critically endangered species.

ʻAlalā eat invertebrates, eggs, and nestlings of other forest birds, nectar, and carrion- but their diet of native fruits made them an integral part of a native forest ecosystem as seed dispersers. Intelligent and vocal, ʻalalā form complex social relationships with human-like calls. One translation of ʻalalā means to “bawl, caw, wail, scream, etc.” which perfectly describes the sound of their cacophonous symphony. Photo Credit DLNR/DOFAW

“The reintroduction of ʻalalā to Maui could contribute not only to the survival of this species but can help revitalize and restore native forests.” Malick-Wahls explains. Along with her team, she’s held meetings with communities in East Maui–one of the potential release areas–to share the proposed plans. “So far, community input has been overwhelmingly positive.”Malick-Wahls says.

Her team will incorporate comments from the initial community meetings into a release plan for draft environmental and cultural assessments. These drafts are projected to be ready this winter for broader public commenting. If all goes well, the forests of Maui may once again be filled with the distinctive call of this treasured native species in its forests after hundreds of years of silence.

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 August 13, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles

Filed Under: Kia'i Moku Column Tagged With: 2022

New rabbit disease discovered on Maui

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

In June of 2022, the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) alerted the public that tissues submitted by a practicing Maui Veterinarian tested positive for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease.  The owner had a farm in Kula, and HDOA determined that nine of the twelve of their rabbits had died fairly suddenly without showing significant prior signs of illness. Only recently found in the United States, RHDV2 is a virus found in hares and rabbits that causes internal bleeding and death. The Maui detection marked the first known case of this disease in Hawaii.

A New Mexico-based wildlife biologist encountered wild rabbit carcasses in 2018 while walking his dog in the desert. He sent samples the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed as the country’s first case of rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV2). The virus later caused outbreaks in 2020 for both wild and domesticated rabbits throughout 19 states. In response, HDOA ramped up biosecurity efforts to prevent infected rabbits from arriving to our islands.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) was discovered for the first time in Hawaiʻi on a Kula farm. The virus only affects hares and rabbits. There are no wild rabbit populations in Hawaiʻi, and it is the law to keep rabbits contained and off the ground if they are outside. Invasive wild rabbit populations are not only detrimental to the environment but would make eradicating RHDV2 impossible. Photo: Maui Invasive Species Committee file photo

Dr. Jason Moniz is the Veterinarian Program Manager with HDOA’s Animal Industry Division, Animal Disease Control Branch. “Since the 2020 outbreak of RHDV2, importers of rabbits are required to have a veterinarian examine and issue a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 72 hours before departure to ensure that they are healthy and have not been exposed to RHDV2. ” Upon arrival in Hawaii, inspectors check the animal again before releasing it to the owner. Finally, owners are required to quarantine the rabbit for 30-days before introducing it to other rabbits. Inspectors do follow-up calls with imports seven days after arrival to ensure the rabbits remain healthy. This strict process also provides HDOA with records on 100% of the rabbits that come into Hawaii. If there is a disease outbreak, they have the records to trace the potential origin.

With this recent case, HDOA couldn’t find a link between any introduced rabbits and those on the Kula farm. “It’s like this dropped out of the sky,” Dr. Moniz stated. However, he has suspicions about how the virus may have arrived. “RHDV2 is an incredibly hardy virus, able to survive not only on rabbits, people, and inanimate objects for up to three months.” he explains. Even wearing an unwashed piece of clothing after coming in contact with sick rabbits could trigger an outbreak months later if it comes into contact with healthy ones.  Dr. Moniz also has concerns about the potential for feed to be contaminated if harvested from areas where RHDV2 is present.

Good sanitation and biosecurity practices are essential for protecting rabbits, and the same general practices apply when introducing any new animal (or plant) to protect Hawaii from new invasive pests. HDOA recommends the following:

  1. Keep new rabbits and other animals separated for at least 30 days. Dogs, cats and other imported animals are not at risk for RHVD2, but the virus can hitchhike on their fur and spread to healthy rabbits.
  2. Sanitize all equipment and cages used for rabbits with 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide mixed with water.
  3. Do not allow visitors in rabbitries or let them handle pet rabbits without clean, protective clothing. If a visitor was recently in a state that has an outbreak of RHVD2, ensure they decontaminate any items they traveled with before coming into contact with your rabbit.
  4. Always wash hands with warm soapy water before and after entering your rabbit area.

There are currently no wild rabbit populations in the state. If there were, a disease like RHDV2 would be impossible to eradicate. Additionally, wild rabbits can cause environmental damage. In the early 1900s, wild rabbits on Kauo (Laysan) island ate all the vegetation, causing the extinction of native seabirds that lost their habitat. Hawaii state law requires pet owners to contain their rabbits above ground under penalty of fines, loss of the pet, or even imprisonment. Rabbits, well, breed like rabbits; spay or neuter them in case of accidental escape.

Owners or veterinarians experiencing unusual losses of rabbits should contact the HDOA’s Animal Industry Division at (808) 483-7100 or (808) 837-8092.

Report rabbits in wild areas to MISC at (808) 573-6472.

Learn more about rabbit hemorrhagic disease here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/fs-rhdv2.pdf

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 July 9, 2022 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles

Filed Under: Kia'i Moku Column Tagged With: 2022

Dracula ants re-emerge on Maui

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

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

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

Habits Are Key To Preventing the Spread of Rat Lungworm

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Serena Fukushima

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

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

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

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