HONOLULU - At May 10, 2024's proclamation ceremony celebrating Hawai?i Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM), Governor Josh Green, M.D., helped bring focus to the risks that invasive species pose to the environmental and economic health of Hawai?i, the good work taking place to combat them, and the importance of a cooperative approach in the effort.

May 2024 marks the seventh year the Hawai?i Invasive Species Council has hosted HISAM in coordination with the Hawai?i Department of Agriculture, island invasive species committees, and the DLNR. What started as a seven-day experience has grown into a month-long community event dedicated to educating and mobilizing Hawai?i residents and visitors to help protect our islands against invasives. Festivities include in-person activities, webinars, volunteer trips, individual and business awards, keiki games, and more.

 Invasive species can have devastating and long-lasting impacts on communities and the natural environment if not managed properly. For an island state where 80-90% of our food and goods are imported and the threat of new pests entering the landscape is always present, biosecurity is a pressing issue. Within the past year, little fire ant infestations have increased on O?ahu, coconut rhinoceros beetles have spread to Kaua?i, and invasive grasses played a major role in devastating fires on Maui and Hawai?i Island. Strong coordination and collaboration among state departments, federal agencies, organizations, and communities is key to better invasive species management and a more biosecure state.

The theme of HISAM 2024 is “Who protects Hawai?i from invasive species? You do.” It sheds light on the personal actions everyone can take to help prevent and manage invasive species in our communities. Simple efforts like not planting invasives in your gardens, reporting new pests, and volunteering with local organizations goes a long way. A shared kuleana and collective mindset is what gives Hawai?i the best chance for lasting success.