ISCs Invasive Species Committees of Hawai‘i

What are the ISCs? Successes Challenges Island Overviews Education & Outreach Where the ISCs work Preserving Hawaiian Culture The Power of Partnerships Why Invasive Species Matter Funding Outlook

2015 The ISCs are projects of the University of Hawaiʽi's Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit What are the Invasive Species Committees?

awaiʻi's Invasive Species None of the ISCs has corporate or non- Committees operate on profit status. The "business side" of H the ISCs (accounting, audits, payroll, five islands, targeting invasive workmen’s compensation, and grant species on a landscape level. management) is primarily managed by the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), an applied-research unit of the University The ISCs were created to facilitate and of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The ISCs are entirely streamline invasive species control work funded by grants and donations. that existing state and federal agencies had difficulties addressing. The ISCs are The hired manager and staff of each ISC informal, inter-agency partnerships working develop action plans and carry out all to identify and eradicate some of the most survey and control work. Each ISC has a threatening incipient pests. The formation robust outreach program to educate and of these partnerships began on Maui in engage the public. Species targeted for 1991 directed toward controlling Miconia control are both ecological and incipient calvescens, a highly invasive melastome tree agricultural pests and include plants, from Central and South America that had vertebrates, and pathogens. ISC devastated Tahiti's forests and threatened to work is scientifically grounded, "data- do the same if left unchallenged in Hawaiʻi. driven", and uses geospatial information to Personnel involved on Maui were acutely adapt management strategies for the most aware that several other species required cost-effective approach. similar attention and in December 1999 they The ISCs: Island-based, scientifically expanded their efforts toward eradication grounded, and priority focused. of a wider diversity of pests thought to be incipient. Similar efforts were soon Working to protect Hawaiʻi Nei from adopted on other islands. Each island-based invasive species. partnership was referred to as an "Invasive Species Committee" - Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee (or KISC), Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC), MISC, MoMISC, Rapid Response & BIISC. Since 2001, ISCs have operated on Early Detection five of the main, non-privately held Hawaiian Funding Islands, targeting invasive species on a Partnerships landscape level. MISC also worked on Lānaʻi until land ownership changed in 2012. The ISC structure consists of a committee of interested parties, primarily natural resource managers and scientists from federal, state and county agencies, and from private organizations, landowners, or business associations. Committee members help set priorities and provide policy guidance. Landholders Community Education

Photo: Mike Neal 2015 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 1 Successes Key Challenges

Oftentimes, the biggest challenges help motivate Collectively, the ISCs have aerially surveyed over the Invasive Species Committees to better utilize limited resources and devise creative solutions to acres, ground surveyed over acres accomplish their missions. and treated over plants statewide during Difficult terrain, inclement weather, and hard-to-control the last . species are par for the course. New pest introductions occur continuously, adding complexity and stretching the capacity of the responders.

Key challenges include:

• Repeat introductions of target species via inter- Successes island shipments In the last year, new On Molokai, MoMISC served as the island's invasions made headlines rapid-response center for agricultural pests • Difficulty detecting cryptic in local news and sparked by receiving public reports, collecting species in dense and concern in Hawaiʻi. Little voucher specimens and working with state hazardous vegetation fire were discovered on and federal experts to identify new problem • Long-term commitments for species. MoMISC has succeeded in keeping Oʻahu and Maui, having moved inter-island base yard and office space on hapuʻu logs. Palm-destroying coconut coqui frogs, little fire ants and miconia from rhinoceros were detected on Oʻahu. becoming established on the island. • Recalcitrant landowners who Because the ISCs have conducted little Collectively, the ISCs surveyed more than won't allow control of target fire surveys for more than a decade, 103,360 acres, by air and more than species they were able to quickly respond to new 41,700 acres by ground. Crews removed • Lack of adequate or stable incursions. OISC trained city and county over 168,000 plants from Hawaiʻi's forests, funding to ensure that years staff on survey protocols. MISC surveys urban areas, parks, wildland and ranch lands. of control efforts won't be found three new LFA infestations on Maui; Priority targets included miconia, albizia, lost with the next economic staff worked closely with Hawaiʻi Ant Lab fountain grass, pampas grass, fireweed, downturn. and Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture to Australian tree ferns, and a host of other tackle the state's largest wildland infestation plant, vertebrate and invertebrate species. The ISCs work with local, outside of Hawaii Island. KISC continued to The ISCs target most priority species for national and international assist with control efforts on a vertical cliff island-wide eradication. researchers who are developing hallenges on Kauaʻi's north shore. On Oʻahu, OISC The ISCs educate and inform the public about new control technologies, participated in multi-agency responses to the invasive species threats. Staff interacted with looking for effective biocontrol and . more than 256,800 community members at agents, and exploring In response to the devastating windfall of 550 events. The ISCs created and shared innovative detection methods to help address some of Hawaiʻi's

albizia trees after Hurricane Iselle, BIISC high-impact outreach materials about invasive C initiated a pilot program to explore cost- species, using print, radio and broadcast most pressing invasive species effective ways to remove this hazardous tree media, including a half- problems. In many cases, along roadsides. BIISC staff also vetted all hour documentary about significant increases in funding are needed for new axis deer reports on Hawaiʻi Island. little fire ants. large-scale implementation.

2 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 2015 2015 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 3 Hawaiʻi Island

BIISC kicked off 2014, a year of growth, with a new website and ʻuluhe logo. Like the native ʻuluhe fern, BIISC is tough and plays an important role in maintaining H awai i healthy forests. Both stop invasive plants ʻ at the forest edge and almost anywhere you go on the Big Island, you'll find them doing their job. BIISC sought and obtained significant new private and federal funding to increase I sland staff and training capacity for BIISC and partner agencies. New projects included: the Plant Pono Nursery Endorsement Program, which rewards local growers who stop importing invasive plants and effectively manage invasive pests; working with the Thirty Meter Telescope to limit the risk of importing new invasive species during on- site construction; and surveying 200 miles of roads for a private landowner. Following Hurricane Iselle, BIISC coordinated an albizia task force, bringing stakeholders together to advance cost effective albizia management solutions. about invasive pests at 32 community events and volunteer training days. Staff Building upon 18 years of experience, used TV news stories, radio interviews, BIISC's field team mapped invasive and newspaper articles to explain impacts species and maintenance issues along and describe management strategies for 233 miles of state highway and removed invasive species. 46,632 invasive plants from over 2,000 acres of natural area. These efforts BIISC continued to work from summit to brought two target species down to shore, removing the highest-risk invasive single-digit populations this year. species from natural area reserves, pastures, roadsides, and backyards, serving On the Big Island, connection to the land is the The BIISC axis deer team surveyed the people and communities of the Big 157,000 acres, vetted deer reports, foundation of the economy, recreation, and way of life. Island. assisted DLNR with new threats on public Each person has a stake in invasive species management. lands, and trained - state partners to use cutting-edge BIISC mapped invasive species and maintenance technology. BIISC connected with issues along of state highway more than 6,200 island residents

Photos (this page and right): Joshua McCullough 2015 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 5 Maui

From a small crew hired in 1999, MISC 3 invertebrate targets). has grown to include three field crews, an early detection team and an outreach MISC has eradicated 12 of 18 known and education program. During FY15, coqui frog populations, but the frogs a u i have spread down a 3.5-mile stretch M MISC will employ 30 full or part-time staff (26 FTE). The MISC-produced video, MISC tackled 23 different plant species. Stopping the spread of Invasion: Little Fire Ants in Hawaiʻi miconia into forested watersheds had more than online views remains a top priority. Aerial strategies use helicopters to target individual plants; the innovative technology of Māliko Gulch on Maui's north shore. Maui Invasive Species Committee developed at UH College of Tropical Using a gravity-fed system to spray Agriculture and Human Resources citric-acid, MISC is preventing this (CTAHR) uses herbicide paintballs for infestation from taking over Maui. surveyed a total of work in low-density populations. Control of coqui on this scale has never been attempted in Hawaiʻi. acres by air Ground and aerial operations are wiping out pampas grass, which has invaded the MISC partnered with the Hawaiʻi Ant East and West Maui watersheds. MISC Lab (HAL) and Hawaiʻi Department has successfully eradicated seven plant of Agriculture (HDOA) on the state’s species from the island; another three are first eradication of little fire ants on target for eradication. MISC's early (LFA). In 2014, two new infestations detection team surveyed 100 miles of were detected by MISC and HDOA; in state roads for 69 species (66 plant and September, the miconia crew discovered the largest wildland infestation outside of Hawaiʻi Island. HAL and MISC and have begun treating this site; the overall strategy has yet to be determined given the challenging terrain. MISC will implement an LFA- detector dog program during 2015. Outreach and education remain vital to MISC's success. In January 2014, MISC launched Invasion: Little Fire Ants in Hawaiʻi, a half-hour video that broadcast on statewide television and helped raise public awareness about the ants. Other highlights included informational displays at 14 events and 28 presentations for a combined reach of 6,115 people, and 65 classroom visits engaging 1,483 students and teachers.

6 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 2015 Photo: Michael Oswald Molokai

Although the island of Molokai is MoMISC prioritizes another six invasive relatively small, MoMISC currently species whose numbers have been monitors over 30 pest species and, greatly reduced: palm grass, rubber M oloka i until recently, did so with only 2 full vine, tree daisy, banana bunchy top, time staff. tumbleweed and gooseberry.

The willingness of partners to cooperate in getting important work done validates that MoMISC has the support of conservation organizations. Partners contributed a total of 321 hours and volunteers contributed 255 hours. MoMISC also has the support of every major landowner and land manager on the MoMISC has eradicated * highly invasive species off island. While high-profile invasive species Molokai. In 2014 alone, over acres were surveyed are reaching and becoming by for invasive species. established on other islands, proactive, early detection surveys on Molokai focused on miconia, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and red palm weevil: zero detected.

In 2014, over 12,000 acres were surveyed by ground and air for invasive species with a total of 6,327 plants controlled. Early detection efforts enabled MoMISC to collect the first records of MoMISC has successfully eradicated hala scale, coconut mite, and brown seven highly invasive species from anole on Molokai. Working both the island and continues to conduct daytime and nighttime shifts, MoMISC early detection surveys for incipient successfully intercepted coqui frogs on pest species. In 2014, 795 acres 4 occasions, keeping Molokai coqui- were surveyed for fireweed with free. 3,384 plants controlled; another 851 acres were surveyed for BBTV While most of the work that MoMISC with 43 plants treated. MoMISC conducts is terrestrial, it is the only ISC also conducted initial suppression controlling a marine species. Upside- of a new priority target – quailbush. MoMISC is working hard to contain down jellyfish is a nuisance species the spread of the highly invasive affecting both locals and tourists Australian tree fern and mule’s foot who are using the infested area for fern. recreation. *Giant reed (Arundo donax), Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Albizia (Falcataria moluccana), Macaranga (Macaranga tanarius), Quailbush (Atriplex lentiformis), Pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata) 2015 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 9 Oʻahu of the state’s population call Oʻahu home. Despite the impact of people, Oʻahu still has abundant natural O ‘ahu resources that need protection. The Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee on hāpuʻu ferns shipped to Lānaʻi. A multi- (OISC) was founded by a concerned group agency response was launched to survey of citizens and land managers volunteering potential LFA locations and treat all known their weekends to control fountain grass and infestations. OISC participates in bi-monthly miconia. OISC has grown into a partnership strategic planning meetings with partner of federal, state and municipal agencies with agencies and conducts weekly detection a full-time field crew that works across all surveys across the island. Two infestations land ownerships. are treated every 6 weeks. OISC conducted OISC now systematically controls the islands 127 surveys over 129 acres and assisted most damaging forest invaders, employs 17 with 14 infestation treatments. people and educates the public about forest OISC continues to assist the Hawaiʻi health and invasive species. OISCs partners Department of Agriculture with monitoring include the Hawai i Department of Land and ʻ for the coconut rhinoceros beetle, a major Natural Resources Division of Forestry and pest of palms, and conducted 178 surveys Wildlife, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, for this invasive pest over the past year Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, covering 18,327 acres. Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, Honolulu Botanical Gardens, and other state and OISC crews systematically federal removed Himalayan blackberry agencies. OISC spends of its work plants over 63 acres from Pālolo Miconia is effort surveying the southern Valley and Mauʻumae Ridge. This regarded as Koʻolau Mountains thorny vine blocks access to Hawaiʻi's most and removing trails and recreation areas, clogs threatening streams and displaces native watershed plants. weed. In 2014, the OISC field crew Since OISC's inception in 2002, OISC has removed this invasive plant from over 5,384 removed fountain grass from areas outside acres of difficult back-country terrain. Chromolaena odorata, also known as devil Over the course of the year, OISC staff the main infestation in order to protect the weed, is a state-listed noxious weed, toxic to led nine volunteer trips and recruited Little fire ants (LFA) are a new stinging ant Waiʻanae coast from fire-prone fountain other plants, livestock and humans. It can root 91 people to survey 83 acres in Mānoa that infests yards, homes, farms and forests. grass. Fountain grass suppresses seed vegetatively, produces up to 800,000 wind- Valley for invasive species. These trips LFA are native to South America and were regeneration and is fire-adapted, meaning dispersed seeds a year and is a fire-promoting bring families, students, and veteran first discovered on Hawaiʻi Island in 1999. brush fires fueled by fountain grass can be species that forms dense, monotypic stands. volunteers together for the common goal These tiny, painful ants are spreading across hotter and more destructive than other grass Currently, devil weed occurs only on Oʻahu. of service and education. OISC outreach the State, hidden in plants, gravel, and fires. It grows where other plants cannot; OISCs management goal for this species staff participated in school and community even cars. In December 2013, LFA were such as sheer rock cliffs with little to no soil, is island and state-wide eradication. OISC events and developed an Oʻahu-specific discovered in hāpuʻu logs sold at nurseries which will allow fires to spread upward into surveyed 1,473 acres, controlling a total of little fire ant Hōʻike curriculum that was and garden shops on Oʻahu and Maui and protected ma uka areas. 5,243 plants. used in six classrooms.

10 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 2015 Kauaʻi

In 2014, the Hawaiʻi Department of have likely Agriculture, Plant Quarantine, notified Kauaʻi been multiple K aua‘i HDOA Branch that farm equipment being incursions of shipped from the Big Island had tested this positive for little fire ant (LFA). KISC's crew over the years. Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee (KISC) responded the same day and surveyed the At present it is dedicated to protecting the island landing yard with hundreds of bait vials. is not clear from new pest invasions that threaten KISC was able to provide needed manpower whether there our economy and unique ecosystems. to support a key partner in early detection is a reproducing surveys. Fortunately, the results were A true measure of success is being population prepared for invasions before they occur. negative. on Kauaʻi. To KISC's efforts in preparing an adequate address this defense reside within its partner network. Another example of preparedness is work situation, KISC Interagency collaboration includes rapid involving the borer beetle. This has teamed response and long range planning. The pest would almost certainly wipe out with the USFWS to host a Pacific-wide following are a few examples of how the profitability of Kauaʻi Coffee’s four KISC prepares for invasions. million coffee plants and the associated meeting of mongoose experts from Japan, jobs of dozens of families. KISC staff the Republic of Seychelles and Hawaiʻi. teamed with CTAHR researchers to create Expected results from the meeting include a a rapid response plan and CTAHR began strategy to prevent further introductions and monitoring detection traps. KISC purchased monitoring protocols to determine the extent a microscope to confirm identification of current mongoose activity on Kauaʻi. and GPS units for surveys, and then digitized the company’s KISC is prepared to respond operational State funding of to multiple invasions while maps onto helped KISC leverage an additional working to control 20,000 ruggedized invasive plants, survey over computers to of oil-spill mitigation 1,500 acres and 33 miles of coordinate an money toward mongoose planning, roads each year. in-field rapid prevention, and detection efforts. response if Informational programs reach the beetle the public, professionals, and is detected. The final step was to create students ranging from grade school to outreach material for tourists and farm Kauaʻi Community College, creating public workers to look for signs of infestation. awareness and vigilance to further expand With the beetle now established on Oʻahu, our defense network. KISC's phone is coffee growers on other islands face increasing risk of infestation, highlighting the constantly ringing with reports of coqui frogs importance of partnering for early detection. on plant shipments, locations of possible LFA populations, invasive plant identification Finally, one of the greatest future threats to requests, and many other pest sightings. Kauaʻi's endangered ground-nesting birds is the possibility of widespread establishment Throughout Hawaiʻi, Invasive Species of mongoose. KISC has spent years Committees are an essential resource for monitoring for mongoose and successfully holding the ground in the battle against captured two in 2012. There invasive species.

Photo: The Nature Conservancy 2015 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 13 Education and Outreach Education & Outreach

Engaging the community is critical to stopping about the impacts of invasive species. the spread of invasive species. Public support ISC staff members also introduce young and understanding provide access to private people to their natural heritage by providing property where many target species first become opportunities to experience native Hawaiian established. Public testimony at community forests. Participating in invasive species control meetings and accurate reports about new pests projects helps prepare today's students to in local media help galvanize action and secure be future leaders who can help ensure the funds. Public reports about suspect ants are the sustainability of Hawaiʻi's natural resources. most likely way that new infestations of little The ISCs give presentations to businesses and fire ants will be detected. Effective education other groups, coordinate volunteer events, and outreach must be honest, accurate, and and maintain informative displays at many compelling to gain public trust and support. community events. Local media often seek out Outreach and education are top priorities for the the ISCs for updates about the latest invasion. ISCs. Outreach staff work with local schools In 2014, the ISCs attended more than 550 to offer classroom activities and presentations events across the state and reached an estimated 256,800 people through events, publications, and websites.

Only with strong community support can we continue to make progress in the monumental and challenging fight against Invasive species.

14 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 2015 Photo: Paul Krushelnycky Where the ISCs Work Preserving LEGEND - All ISC Activities: Calendar Year 2014 Aerial Activities Hawaiian Culture Ground Activities Oʻahu Conservation Lands ʻA‘ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia

Kauaʻi No task is too big when done together. other forest plants used for ceremonies and Invasive species impact Hawaiian culture in medicinal purposes. Little fire ants could multiple ways: they destroy significant food make many gathering grounds unpleasant crops, hamper traditional activities, restrict for keiki and kupuna alike. access to sensitive areas, and cause extinction of species that are significant to Although economic impacts to cultural Hawaiian heritage. practices may be hard to capture, loss of traditional materials and places would be Molokai Apple snails have infested Hawaiʻi's devastating not only to Hawaiians, but to loʻi, decreasing kalo yields. Hala scale Hawaiʻi as a whole. is damaging lauhala, which is used by traditional weavers. The invasive mangrove The ISCs work to protect Hawaiian culture Hawaiʻi Island is spreading in Hawaiian fishponds, by battling invasive species from ma uka destroying ancient rock walls and reducing to ma kai. By consulting local practitioners fish production. Limu, once abundant about cultural protocols and by educating across the islands, is being overtaken by and connecting future generations to Maui alien seaweed. Long-thorn kiawe blocks the land, ISC staff deepen their own beach access and invasive blackberry connections to ka poe and ka ʻāina of prevents traditional gathering of maile and Hawaiʻi.

The ISCs work across all landscapes to address incipient invasive species across multiple jurisdictions, including state, federal, county and private lands. Work is conducted from ma uka to ma kai, on the ground and from the air, on natural resources and agricultural pests. The ISCs specialize in Early Detection, Rapid Response, Control, and Community Outreach to protect the islands from invasive species.

16 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 2015 Photo: Adam Rose The Power Why Invasive of Partnerships Species Matter Prevention and early detection can help avoid future costs resulting from harm to Hawaiʻi's agriculture, human health, environment and economy.

• Agricultural pests reduce yields, increase costs and require more pesticides. • Infestations hamper exports to international, mainland, and neighbor island markets. • Over 80% of endangered Hawaiian species are at risk primarily because of alien invasive species. The Invasive Species Committees rid pest species from their neighborhoods. (ISCs) of Hawaiʻi are island-based, • Invasive species affect ecosystem services: reduced volume and reliability Field crews on each island survey, map, grass roots partnerships of government of fresh water is tied to invasive tree infestations. and conduct control work on the most agencies, private businesses, non-profit threatening pests and act as rapid response organizations, and private volunteers • Invasive pests serve as vectors for human disease: the arrival of a single teams to eradicate new pests before they working together to control or eradicate gravid Anopheles mosquito could bring malaria to Hawaiʻi. become wide-spread. the worst pest species that threaten each • Alien algae smother coral and can completely alter reef ecosystems. island. ISC projects involve partners from multiple agencies all working toward a common The ISCs were originally formed to "fill the • Invasive species exacerbate risk of extinction. Loss or decline of a single goal. Survey and control actions on little gaps" in agency jurisdiction and capacity species can compromise ecosystem health and productivity. fire ants, coqui frogs, invasive jellyfish, that prevented action on damaging pests axis deer, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and across an entire island. Those same • The cost of safeguarding tourism increases with every new invader: biting other species were collaborative efforts agencies have partnered to increase ISC sand flies, snakes, coconut rhinoceros beetles, and little fire ants can with county, state, federal and private capacity and form a statewide invasive damage Hawaiʻi's appeal. partners. species information network. By working • Invasive plants increase soil erosion and promote fire. in and with the community, the ISCs are Island-based partnerships and statewide creating positive relationships that help support helped form the ISCs, and today • Alien invaders reduce our ability to achieve food sustainability. gain property access and increase local help ensure they stay true to their mission: investment in invasive species projects. working together to protect each island • Invasive plants and animals can be caustic or poisonous to humans. from the most harmful invasive species. Local landowners contribute time, • Invasive species act as hosts for other damaging organisms, such as rusts equipment, and financial support to help or other pathogens that affect crops and native plants. • Revenues to natural resource-based businesses are reduced due to LFA efforts pooled the efforts of partner groups invasions. across the State and directly involved ISC personnel • Invasive plants affect culturally significant plants (kalo, hala, maile) and sites (fishponds, heiau) 18 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 2015 Funding Funding

FY2016 ISC FY2016 Funding Needs Funding Needs F unding $1,682,565 BIISC Hawaiʻi Island: BIISC expects to hold Oʻahu: OISC is currently facing a funding $2,000,000 FY16 operations at current funding levels of gap of $250,000 for FY15 and will likely face approximately $1.6 million, as new projects the same budget gap in FY16. To adequately overtake those successfully drawing to a suppress the species prioritized by OISC's $2,287,816 close. The team will focus on 12 target species committee and have the resources to quickly MISC/MoMISC including albizia. An additional $400,000 respond to new incursions, OISC's ideal $2,800,000 is needed for two buildings, economically budget is $2.1 million. This would support designed from shipping containers. The a staff of 26. Currently, OISC's budget is at buildings will consolidate two Hilo teams $1.2 million with a staff of 17. Although OISC $1,284,213 at a single worksite in has been able to detect OISC many species before Hilo, provide electricity ISC FY2015 Funding $2,100,000 and sanitation at the they have become baseyard, which has State widespread, many of these species are still neither, and establish 15% a S. Kona satellite multi-year projects $779,450 FY15 Actual station, now a 5 hr drive Federal because the seeds KISC $865,000 FY16 Need away. Estimated salary 16% can remain dormant savings are $40,000/ County in the soil for many year in travel time in years, requiring regular 67% Hilo, and $30,000/year maintenance to detect Private in travel to S. Kona. new plants before / Other they become mature.

Maui/Molokai: Kauaʻi: KISC projects FY16 revenues MISC and MoMISC currently project FY16 to maintain at approximately $780,000. revenues at approximately $2 million, which Additional funds are needed to contract will create a shortfall of $350,000 just to equipment to complete eradication of seed- maintain current operations (last salary increase bearing long thorn kiawe trees. In addition, was 2008). Annual need is $2,800,000. With KISC is attempting to increase its capacity more capacity, MoMISC could achieve more by creating both a robust plant replacement eradications and enhance early detection for program targeting highly invasive landscape agricultural pests. MISC needs a dedicated species as well as assisting DLNR Division crew to focus on little fire ants and coqui of Aquatic Resources with defining aquatic frogs. Additional funds are needed for citric invasive species targets. Infastructure acid (coqui) and helicopter time for pampas maintenance costs increase yearly which grass and miconia. The miconia "core" needs strain overall budgetary resources. a rotating 3-to-4 month internship program to Annual need of $865,000 would be control increasing numbers of mature plants. adequate to meet these needs and goals.

20 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 2015 2015 Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi 21 The state’s five island-based invasive species committees (ISCs) are projects of the University of Hawaiʻi, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. The ISCs work to protect Hawai‘i’s forested watersheds, agriculture, tourism-based economy, natural and cultural resources, and the health and lifestyle of residents and visitors by stopping the spread of invasive species. The ISCs conduct on-the-ground response and control work and outreach and education across the state. Together, the ISCs and their partners are making a difference by targeting incipient invasive species across multiple jurisdictions, including state, federal, county and private lands. All photos by ISCs unless noted.

The ISCs received funding support from the following agencies and foundations: City and County of Honolulu-Board of Water Supply, Hawaiʻi County Council, Hawaiʻi County Research and Development, Kauaʻi County-Office of Economic Development, Maui County-Department of aterW Supply, Maui County-Office of Economic Development, Oʻahu Botanical Gardens, Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources-Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation-Highways Division, Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council, Office of Hawaiian Affairs-Wao Kele o Puna Forest Reserve, University of Hawaiʻi (UH) Hilo-Office of Mauna Kea Management, HawaiʻiTourism Authority, United States Department of Defense (DoD)-Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, DoD-Pacific Missile Range Facility, DoD-Naval Facilities and Engineering Command Hawaiʻi, U.S. National Park Service (NPS)-Haleakala National Park, NPS-Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, NPS-Pacific Islands Exotic Plant Management Team, U.S. Department of Agriculture-U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)- USFS-Invasive Species Strike Team, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Laurence H. Dorcy Foundation, Maui Quarantine Fund, Thirty Meter Telescope Corporation, Sun Edison, Inc., SWCA Consulting. Facility support is provided to the ISCs from UH CTAHR, DLNR DOFAW, and The Nature Conservancy. The ISCs also partner with 66 other federal, state, private and nonprofit organizations, many of whom contribute expertise and field time to accomplish shared goals.

Invasive Species Committees of Hawaiʻi - 2015 Annual Update