Kia'i Moku Guarding the Island, Kauai Invasive Species Committee (KISC

Volume 1 • Number 1 a publication of Spring THE KAUAI INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE

A year later, KISC is still Invasive Species and AgriCULTURE feeling blessed... By Penny Levin Mostly, we hear about daughter of Papa and severely impacted by the invasive species as threats to Wakea. The child was still- apple snail. Hanalei, in the rare and endangered born. Where it was buried, particular, provides the flora and fauna of the the kalo grew. This first majority of taro for poi in islands. Occasionally, an child became the mano wai, the state (a $2.7 million alien insect or fungus the source of life, for the industry). Pomacea becomes an economic threat second child, also named canaliculata threatens to to agricultural crops in Haloa, who was the sever this cord of connection Hawaiì. But, there is one progenitor of the Hawaiian as it consumes the poi crop invasive species in Hawaiì, people. Prior to the 19th (a 10-12 month investment Pomacea canaliculata (the century, wet and dry taro of time and labor) and Sabra Kauka & Keren Gundersen at apple snail) that has placed a cultivation covered places cultural practice, KISC’s new office blessing. whole way of life at risk. thousands of hectares across traditional taro varieties Inside this Issue The Culture in Agriculture the islands and fed perhaps and livelihoods at risk. • Every staple food crop we as many as a million people. INVASIVE SPECIES & 1,3 AGRICULTURE know began as a sacred Today, kalo is a minor food. When Polynesians market agricultural crop, but story continued on page 3 OFF-ISLAND ISC OHANA: OISC 2 arrived by canoe in the it remains the state’s most HOÒ MANA NUI 2 Hawaiian Islands around important crop culturally. 300-700 AD, they brought Many farmers continue to PREVENTION STATION: 4 WEST NILE VIRUS with them a handful of grow taro for cultural and

plants essential to survival spiritual reasons as much as WHAT’S UP IN KOKEE? 4 in unknown lands. Taro, or for food or income. THE MAKAI SIDE OF THINGS 5 kalo, in Hawaiian, was one The three largest taro of these plants. Kalo is growing valleys - Hanalei, KISC’S NEW EARLY 6 sacred in Hawaiian culture. Kauaì; Waipiò, Hawaiì, DETECTION PROGRAM Hawaiians trace their and Keanaè, Maui – whose Ken Hayes VOUCHING FOR THE FOREST 6 genealogy back to Haloa, the loì have been in continual Hanalei Valley, Kauaì Hawaii’s largest poi producer first born child of Wakea cultivation for hundreds of MOST VALUABLE PARTNER 7 and Hoòhokuikalani, years, have been most HDOA PEST HOTLINE 7 The Meaning Behind the NEWsletter KISC’S NEW ADDITIONS 7 Names have always been of of invasive species, we hope that in Lawai, this newsletter will cover FIRST ANNUAL KAUAÌ 7 immense importance in Hawaiian our work will act as a shield around the span of invasive species issues. CONSERVATAION CONFERENCE culture. When we decided to create Kauaì’s precious resources. We do Indeed, invasive species know no this newsletter, we consulted Sam not stand alone in this, and our boundaries. May this newsletter be a continued Gon, Senior Scientist & Cultural newsletter can serve as a gathering In kind response to this vision, inspiration for all of us to stand as Advisor for The Nature place to share all of the amazing Sam suggested several names, all of guardians of the island. Conservancy, to guide us in the efforts dedicated towards which included kiaì, the Hawaiian naming process. His first question protecting our native species from word for guardian. Because our A'ohe hana nui ka was, “What is your vision for this invasion. From the on-the-ground collective work ranges from mauka publication?” management in Kokee and the to makai, kiaì moku,(meaning alu'ia The answer begins with KISC’s north shore helicopter surveys to island) seemed to best reflect the No task is too great, mission. As a committee the Port Allen Carijoa eradication scope of efforts. when done together. committed to preventing the spread and the Coqui cooperative project OISC: Your Off-Island ISC Ohana By Rachel Neville If you are familiar with achieve the most positive other the ISCs) on each KISC, then you probably impact. OISC’s advisory island depend on the public already know about the committee helps us choose to help us look for our target Oàhu Invasive Species our target species based on species and to call us Committee (OISC). We are their potential for invasive- immediately if they see a sister organizations—both ness and feasibility of new arrival that shouldn’t be dedicated to protecting our eradication. here. Some of these new islands from invasive pests. Aside from miconia, our invaders can come from We cooperate with one target species are Himalayan other islands, the mainland another and with other state blackberry (Rubus discolor), or even other countries. For OISC’s Joshua Fischer & Ryan Smith agencies who share our bush beardgrass example, Kauaì residents after a successful Miconia hunt concerns. (Schizachyrium condensatum), should keep an eye out for Like KISC, OISC’s top fountain grass (Pennisetum mongoose, which are concern is miconia (Miconia setaceum), fire tree (Morella abundant on Oàhu, but are calvescens). Currently there faya), pampas grass not highly established on are no mature stands of (Cortaderia jubata and C. Kauaì. Similarly, OISC miconia trees on Oàhu, but selloana), smoke bush asks people who spend time our field crew still finds (Buddleia madagascariensis), in the forest to keep an eye keiki miconia in the places fireweed (Senecio out for banana poka, a plant where mature trees once madagascariensis) and glory that has already invaded fruited. During the middle of bush (Tibouchina urvilleana). Koke‘e State Park but not January, our field crew The only vertebrate target is yet found on Oàhu. Brown visited the main infestation the coqui frog tree snakes might come from site and pulled up 87 (Eleutherodactylus coqui). Guam and the red imported seedlings! OISC’s primary goal is to fire ant might come from the Our other target species eradicate these species, or in U.S. mainland. Invasive differ slightly from KISC’s. some cases, to keep them species is a big problem and We also host an annual confined to a specific all the ISCs need the public’s strategy meeting with our location. For example, help to keep them off our OISC advisory committee, although the fire-hazardous islands. made up of conservation, plant fountain grass is We on Oàhu are happy agriculture and health prevalent in Diamond Head to know that Kauaì has specialists. With so many and Lanikai, it does not such an enthusiastic and invasive plants already on occur in the dryer, fire prone effective team of weed Oàhu, the most intensely leeward part of the island. warriors. Each island in our trafficked island in the state, OISC’s goal is to keep it out archipelago is unique and it is difficult to choose the of the leeward part of the special and keeping them Forest & Kim Starr “top ten most wanted”. This island, where it could cause that way is a big job. Mahalo Top to Bottom: Himalayan black- means that it is imperative severe damage. to KISC for guarding The berry, glory bush, & smoke bush. 3 to use our resources The invasive species Garden Island! different species on OISC’s “Top Ten Most Wanted” efficiently in order to committees (we call each

Ho’o mana nui By Keren Gundersen

Hoò mana nui. “Take it sharing my sense of urgency. I am happy to report, easy. Work with it.” This Working with what we have though, that overall, KISC is Hawaiian expression, which is essential in accomplishing a growing, striving, is constantly being told to anything; and we are enthused, and close family me by one of my co-workers, currently blessed with so unit. I couldn’t be prouder is one that has become my much. Never did I imagine of every member of our crew mantra. I have found it that in a short three years and support staff. KISC crew members Dave Neville extremely helpful as I KISC personnel would & Amos Arashiro, showing us Hoò mana nui. Look how hoò mana nui is done schedule projects, work with expand 600% and the budget around. Take a deep breath. partners, agonize about would expand 300%! But, See the beauty. And work sudden rain storms, or with exponential growth, with it. generally feel as if no one is comes the growing pains. Page 2 Invasive Species and AgriCULTURE continued from page 1. Page 3 “THEY’LL EAT ALL THE About the apple snail ocean by natural water threatens to put farmers out TARO IN THE PATCH The apple snail is listed in flows. Kauaì is one island of business. the Global Invasive Species where deliberate dumping of There has been no scientific BEFORE IT CAN Database snails in streams and taro evaluation of the snail’s MATURE” (http://www.issg.org/datab areas has been documented. impact to native biota (i.e. ase/welcome/) among “One An adult apple snail òòpu) or stream-estuarian Gladys Kanoa, 4th Generation Hundred of the World’s produces thousands of bright ecology in Hawaiì, but taro farmer, Keanae, Maui Worst Invasive Alien pink eggs each year. They competition for space and Species”. It was introduced can breathe on land or under food may be occurring. in the late 1980’s, probably water, and can survive in the Snail densities in Hanalei from the Philippines, as a mud after a pond is drained have reached in the millions local source of food and as a for months, making them per acre. Farmers have potential economic crop extremely difficult to reported the removal of (exotic ‘escargot’ to gourmet eradicate. hundreds of pounds of snails restaurants both locally and Farmers indicate that crop per month from their overseas). Within a period losses of 18-25 % are typical, patches. Apple snails are of 20 years, Pomacea canalicu- despite a range of control even known to harbor lata has spread to wet taro- measures, including hand diseases such as rat-lung growing lands, ponds, picking of eggs and snails, worm (which can be ditches, and wetlands on five water level management, transferred to humans) in of the seven main Hawaiian herding ducks, cleaning and Southeast Asia. Although Islands (Oàhu, Maui, inspecting taro huli no incident has been Hawaiì, Kauaì and (propagules) before planting, reported in Hawaiì to date, Lanaì). Populations are and using screens on the potential risk is there. highest in Hanalei. On irrigation canals and pipes. There are some communities Molokaì, another species of Ducks, in combination with in Hawaiì who may enjoy apple snail (Pila conica) is other techniques have eating apple snails. Perhaps, present but damage from proven effective at reducing it reminds them of similar this species is minor snail populations to levels foods in their home country. compared to Pomacea cana- where taro can still grow to But, this is Hawaiì, a very liculata. Apple snail spread maturity with limited unique and special place. If can be attributed primarily damage. Without ducks, we value the gift of living to purposeful or accidental hand-picking becomes the here, we also need to protect human action, although once primary mechanism for this place, and the culture, Ken Hayes in a watershed, it will make control; a time consuming, that shelters us. Top: Plenty of pink eggs its way downhill towards the labor intensive practice that Middle: Close-up shot of the pest Bottom: Attacking the taro

What can YOU do to HELP? • A statewide survey was conducted in 2004 to determine where the snail has spread. Help to keep it from spreading further. If you have been in a taro patch that has apple snails, clean your feet, boots and tools carefully (newly hatched snails are very small), along with the wheels of your vehicle if it has been near the patches.

• A single farmer, on his own, can’t control the snail; its takes a whole community to reduce snail populations below dangerous levels.

• Don’t take huli from taro patches with apple snails to plant in areas not yet infested.

• It is illegal to transport live snails from one island to another or to dump apple snails in any open freshwater source. If you see someone dumping apple snails in uninfested areas (especially streams) report it to the new statewide Pest Hotline 643-PEST (643-7378).

• Choose not to eat apple snails or accept them as a product in the market or restaurants.

• Ask your legislators to support funding for apple snail control and invasive species prevention. Prevention Station: West Nile Virus Watch By Maile Sakamoto Spring on the mainland brings Control. Because of our 2000-mile and other government agencies are warmer weather, and the mosquitoes protective ocean border, Hawai` has working to keep WNV and other that have lain dormant over the cold remained free of the virus so far, but mosquito diseases out of Hawaiì season. So why should Hawaiì care? we need to stay vigilant to ensure with a constant surveillance effort Certain mosquitoes are capable of that it doesn’t hitch an overseas ride around airports and harbors, and a transmitting West Nile Virus here. Hawaiì needs to be especially plan for rapid response if the disease (WNV), a potentially serious illness concerned because our tropical cli- is detected. The public can help to that affects mainly humans, birds mate hosts a year-round mosquito reduce mosquito breeding areas and horses. Since arriving in New season. With our lifestyle and econ- around the home by eliminating York in 1999, WNV has spread rap- omy being so dependent on a safe areas of standing water. Dead birds idly across the nation, and has now outdoor environment, the impacts of may also be an indicator of WNV, been found in all of the continental WNV on Hawaiì could be so the public can play an important United States. The primary way devastating. part by reporting dead birds to the WNV is spread is when a mosquito Worldwide, mosquito-transmitted Department of Health. bites an infected bird, then, the in- diseases kill more people than any For more information about West fected mosquito bites and transmits other single factor. Malaria alone Nile Virus, check out the DOH the virus to humans, or other birds kills over a million people every year. website at: www.hawaii.gov/health and animals. Mosquitoes also carry yellow fever, Since 1999, nearly 20,000 human cases dengue fever, and several types of If you find a dead bird on Kauaì, please drop (and over 750 deaths) have been encephalitis (brain inflammation). it off at Vector Control, Department of reported to the Center for Disease The Department of Health (DOH) Health or Call # 241-3306

What’s Up in Kokee? By Katie Cassel & Bud Soria

Hui o Laka's Koke’e eight years KRCP has maile and mokihana, but Resource Conservation weeded over 4,000 acres also 50% of Kauaì’s rare Program (KRCP) is a (including repeat acres) and plants, including 26 collaborative project treated over 6,000,000 Threatened & Endangered providing protective weeds. Target alien plants species and an additional 31 management of native forest include strawberry guava, rare plant taxa. Volunteer ecosystems on the Koke’e kahili ginger, privet, and help is needed to save plateau in northwest Kaua’i. blackberry. selected areas of our fragile It was founded in 1998 by the Volunteering with KRCP mountain environment. nonprofit Hui o Laka in is a great way to help pre- KRCP is funded by Hawaiì Bob Nishek and Alison Koepfgen volunteer often to pull Kahili cooperation with the serve the biodiversity of this Community Foundation, ginger from the Alakai ginger outlier Hawai’i Department of Land unique region. Volunteers Cooke Foundation, Hawaiì sites such as Drinking Glass and Waialae Cabin, hoping to keep it from & Natural Resources State are provided: Tourism Authority, U.S. spreading all the way to Waialeale. Parks Division. KRCP staff • Education about Forest Service, U.S. Fish & recruits and coordinates Hawai'i's special ecology Wildlife Service, National volunteers to greatly • A chance to experience Fish & Wildlife Foundation, increase the amount of work rare native plant and other private donors. that can be done. communities unique on Now in its ninth year, Earth, and meet people KRCP has four full-time from all over Hawai'i The Alakai ginger defensible line staff working and and the world who love project is a partnership among the supervising volunteers to these upland forests Kauai Watershed Alliance, the Nature Conservancy, KISC and KRCP. remove non-native invasive • Rustic group housing at

2005 YCC volunteers Carrie, species that threaten the the historic CCC camp To volunteer please call Koke'e Amber and Linnea pause to admire magnificent native available by reservation. the native lily Painiu, while ecosystems that are unique Museum at 808-335-9975 or removing kahili ginger and This ecologically rich area in the world. With about email us at [email protected] strawberry guava from native harbors not only culturally forest in Koke`e. 10,000 hours per year of important plants such as volunteer time, in the last Page 4 DAR Forms New Rapid Response Team By Sara Peleteri

The threat of invasive removing up to 750 lbs. of species to Hawaiì’s the invasive algae Gracilaria terrestrial ecosystems has salicornia per hour. G. long been recognized because salicornia endangers patch the changes and effects are reefs in Kaneohe Bay by often quite evident. Threats forming large mats that to our marine environment, smother coral and drive however, have escaped such away native fish and attention in the past, as invertebrates. Researchers, problems beneath the surface working in conjunction with can be more elusive. Last the AIS Team, are studying year, the need for greater whether the Supersucker can concentration on this issue remove enough of these large was realized, which mats of algae, so that native propelled the Hawaiì algae grazers such as urchins Invasive Species Council and certain types of reef fish (HISC) to fund the can keep the invasive algae formation of the Aquatic growth in check. Included Counter clockwise from upper left: Carijoa riseii, AIS team member Shawn Fugimoto (left) at an Invasive Species (AIS) in this cooperative project alien algae cleanup, volunteers bringing thousands of pounds of invasive species (such as Response Team. are local taro farmers, who Gracilaria salicornia), and AIS diver using “The Supersucker” The mission of the AIS help to recycle the removed Team is to provide a more algae by drying it and using coral Carijoa riisei Corallimorphs are popular in coordinated and rapid it on their taro fields as (“snowflake coral”) from the the aquarium trade throughout response to newly discovered fertilizer. island of Kauaì. Research the country; however, these populations of potentially In 2006, plans are to operate indicates that this soft coral organisms are illegal to posses invasive aquatic species, as the vacuum more often and may pose a threat to in the State of Hawaiì. This well as supplying extra to test it out on other types Hawaiì’s native black coral organism was illegally manpower to manage more of invasive algae, such as beds and while it is prevalent introduced in State waters firmly established Kappaphycus sp. The AIS on most of the other major sometime before 1997 and has populations. Managed under Team also helps out with Hawaiian Islands, the since become established at the auspices of Hawaii volunteer community-based population on Kaua` is the site of introduction. Over Department of Land & algae cleanups on the south confined to the pilings of a the course of several months, Natural Resources/Division shore of Oàhu, organized commercial pier at the the AIS Team has suppressed of Aquatic Resources by the Coordinating Group harbor of Port Allen. This the vast majority of this (DAR), the team consists of on Alien Pest Species project is a massive population and is now in the a supervisor, three (CGAPS). undertaking, involving process of monitoring the area technicians and an The two team members, many divers from UH, periodically to ensure that the Americorps intern on who are based in Hilo, will NOAA, DAR as well as the population has in fact been Oàhu, as well as a monitor- be focusing their efforts on AIS Team and help from the eradicated. ing specialist and techni- surveying the distribution of Kauai Invasive Species As a newly formed team, the cian on the Big Island. invasive algae around the Council. If DAR and the members are all very excited Invasive algae have been a Big Island, as well as AIS Team can geographi- about their mission to protect big priority for the team in developing a state-wide cally eradicate the species Hawaiian ecosystems. 2005, and will continue to be monitoring plan that can from Kaua`, it may help to Americorps intern Katlyn for 2006. In partnership help find new populations of keep it out of the McCoy who moved here from with the University of non-native aquatic ecologically valuable and North Carolina to accept this Hawaiì and The Nature organisms before they can vulnerable Northwestern internship says, “I am really Conservancy, the AIS Team become established. Hawaiian Islands. excited about being in such a helps operate a large vacuum One of the biggest projects The AIS Team is in the beautiful, diverse environment pump on Kaneohe Bay. undertaken so far by the process of eradicating an and having the opportunity to Dubbed “The Supersucker,” team has been an attempt to intentionally-introducted really make a difference with the vacuum is capable of eradicate the invasive soft corallimorph, Actinodoscus my job.” nummiformis. Page Page 5 KISC Initiates an Early Detection Program REPORT INVADERS By Kristin Hall 643-PEST KISC’s weed warriors are looking to which are new to Kauaì. KISC is KISC’s Early Detection Program will prevent future battles through a new planning on conducting monthly surveys continue to expand, offering such Early Detection Program. As a pilot for target species, in order to strengthen workshops in the future. With all eyes project, we plan to see the program our prevention and rapid response on the lookout, those new pests better through many phases. The initial phase strategies. These surveys will watch out! of the project is already underway, concentrate on areas of entry, such as resulting in a KISC Prevention Field ports, nurseries, and botanical gardens. “Invasives aren’t like other forms Guide. Information was gathered for the If anyone has a plant of suspected interest guide’s content by referencing existing or a suggested survey area, please email of pollution, they don’t stop lists from the other ISCs, who have also [email protected]. spreading when you stop been developing similar programs, as well With a grant from the Hawaiì Invasive as the HEAR and PIER websites. The Species Council (HISC), Maui has releasing them. KISC crew will implemented public workshops to train Check it out! use the field the community on species detection and They grow.” guide to aid them prevention www.hear.org National Geographic Magazine www.pier.org in spotting (project website: http://pbin.nbii.gov/ invasive species, reportapest/maui/).

Vouching for the Forest: Making collections makes a difference WHAT IS A VOUCHER? A collected and preserved dried plant specimen, which documents the presence of an identified species at a particular place and time. Top Ten Reasons to Collect Vouchers 1. We have a local herbarium! (Kaua`i’s National Tropical Botanical Gardens has thousands and thousands of specimens from the Hawaiian Islands, the Pacific, and around the world) 2. Learn more about plant identification 3. Vouchers are an important reference for scientific studies 4. Contribute to the 3 billion specimens preserved worldwide 5. Vouchers give us an inventory of our local plant resources 6. Vouchers can help us to positively identify a new invasive species on Kaua`i 7. Vouchers keep track of native species locations 8. Vouchers are a great representation of biodiversity 9. Natural history collections are the best tangible record we have of life on Planet Earth-past and present 10. Collecting vouchers makes you a valuable part of conservation efforts

5 Steps to collect a voucher 1. Select healthy, fertile plants (if small, collect whole-if large, collect branches with flower, fruit, stem & leaves) 2. Place specimen between folded newsprint 3. Fill out the voucher collection form in your field notes, giving careful description 4. Take photos! 5. Submit to NTBG herbarium ([email protected]) KISC crew supervisor, Kristin Hall, checking out NTBG’s herbarium With references to “Good Botanical Practices: Collecting & Vouchering Botanical Specimens,” David Lorence, NTBG Kaua`i Voucher Form

Collector Name/s ______Date______

Location (General area & specific place name) ______

UTM coordinates (GPS) X______Y______

Site Description (Vegetation type & dominant species) ______

Plant Description______Flower______Fruit______Form______

Tim Flynn, KISC chairperson & Additional Information (note color, shape, & fragrances that may change) curator of NTBG’s herbarium, teaching staff from KISC, HDOA, & DOFAW on how to properly collect vouchers Page 6 Page 7 KISC’s Spring MVP-Most Valuable Partner Hawaii Department of Agriculture

This issue’s Most Valuable surveying for Little Fire Ant Partner (MVP) recognition in Kalihiwai, laying out vials goes out to the Hawaii with spam and collecting Department of Agriculture’s spatial data. Craig and Eric Craig Kaneshige and Eric also have been working Garcia. Not only has along side the crew on other HDOA been instrumental in targets such as Long Thorn KISC’s start-up and Kiawe, Fountain Grass, continual rapid response Miconia and Coqui efforts, but have become Frogs. Their added KISC’s Joseph Aguon-Kona & KISC’s Dave Neville giving HDOA’s Eric Garcia at one of the weekly participants in experience and positive HDOA’s Craig Kaneshige a helping long thorn kiawe work sites; one of controlling shared working attitude are deeply hand after Craig & Eric contributed KISC’s toughest targets targets. Recently, KISC appreciated. Mahalo nui for to another cooperative project. assisted HDOA with all the hard work they do. E Komo Mai to KISC’s Newest Additions

LEHUA PREVETZ-LAFAYETTE JONATHAN TACATA

Born: Kealia, Big Island Born: Waimea, Kauai

Least Favorite Invasive: Miconia Least Favorite Invasive: Long Thorn Kiawe Why conservation? I love Hawaii, and I don’t want to see Why conservation? I want to it taken over work outdoors and help take care of the islands Hobbies: surfing, surfing & surfing. If surf no good, hiking. Hobbies: hiking, cruising, & water sports

NEW TOLL-FREE PEST HOTLINE!!! If you see a Pest, don't Rest, call

FIRST ANNUAL KAUAI CONSERVATION CONFERENCE Friday may, 12 2006 8am-4pm Aloha Beach Resort For information: [email protected]

The Kauai Invasive Species Committee (KISC) is a voluntary partnership of government, private and nonprofit organizations, and concerned individuals working to prevent, control, or eliminate the most threatening invasive plant and animal species in order to preserve Kauai's native biodiversity and minimize adverse ecological, economic and social impacts. www.kauaiisc.org Editor: [email protected]