HONOLULU — The monthlong Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Month, which kicked off on May 1, aims to prevent and minimize the negative impacts of invasive species while highlighting the positive actions taken to protect the state from them.

What You Need To Know

  • The public can take part in informational webinars throughout the month

  • There are also volunteer events open to the public on Oahu, Hawaii Island and Maui

  • “This year’s theme highlights that everyone has kuleana for protecting Hawaii against invasive species, including community members and staff from all of our partner agencies,” said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang

This year's theme, "Who Protects Hawaii? We All Do," underscores the collaborative approach needed to address and manage invasive species.

HISAM is, in fact, hosted by the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, a collaboration co-chaired by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources with partners including the Hawaii Department of Health, the University of Hawaii, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and the Hawaii Department of Transportation.

The Hawaii State Legislature has underscored the severity of the invasive species threat, describing it as "the single greatest threat to Hawaii's economy, natural environment, and the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people and visitors."

The public can participate in informational webinars throughout the month and learn how to become an eco-detective using community science tools, about little fire ants, the coconut rhinoceros beetle, the development of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death-resilient trees, conservation dogs on the frontline and more.

There are also volunteer events open to the public on Oahu, Hawaii Island and Maui.

"Biosecurity is a kākou thing," said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang in a news release. "This year's theme highlights that everyone has kuleana for protecting Hawaii against invasive species, including community members and staff from all of our partner agencies."

HDOA Chair Sharon Hurd said, "Hawaii's agriculture and environment are constantly battling invasive pests and diseases. We need everyone's awareness and kōkua to help defend against these threats to our islands."

Visit the Hawaii Invasive Special Awareness Month website for event details and to register.

Hawaii DLNR's "How to Test for Little Fire Ants" shares easy-to-follow tips for testing little fire ants on properties.

How to test for Little Fire Ant from Hawaii DLNR on Vimeo.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.