Alien plant wreaks
havoc in HawaiiThe issue: Miconia, an ornamental tree
imported from South America, is taking over
thousands of acres of native forests in Hawaii.The severe damage that just one invasive plant like miconia can inflict on Hawaii's delicate environment should spur state officials to adopt a more stringent system of screening noxious species before they can take root in the islands.
When miconia calvescens was first imported more than 40 years ago, few could predict that the South American ornamental would so thrive in Hawaii's permissive environment that it would quickly propagate and overwhelm many native forests and mountainsides. Those familiar with the plant's destructive nature, such as Betsy Gagne of the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, sounded the warning bells, but it wasn't until 1993 that officials in Hawaii could be persuaded to ban miconia.
Now, the cost of eradicating miconia -- if it can be done -- is estimated at $49 million. However, the monetary toll is small compared to the ruination miconia could cause to Hawaii's ecosystem. The plant elbows its way into wildlife havens, its huge leaves blocking sunlight to native plants that feed and harbor endangered species. It threatens Hawaii's watersheds because miconia's shallow roots are unable to hold the soil on hillsides and mountains, leaving them susceptible to landslides.
Miconia infestation primarily affects about 12,000 acres on East Maui and 20,000 acres on the Big Island, but with one plant being able to produce several million seeds a year, the infestation could easily spread across the island chain.
The state Legislature, which shortsightedly cut funds for miconia eradication to $400,000 this year from $500,000 last year, should recognize that the invasion could have an economic effect on Hawaii's modern cash crop, tourism. Our varied native plants are certainly part of the allure of the islands.
Further, the state's present system for reviewing alien plants works backwards. If a plant is not on the state's list of banned species, it is allowed in.
Officials are considering a system similar to that in Australia and New Zealand where plants are allowed to be imported only if they are on an approved list. If not, importers must show that a plant would not adversely affect the environment. This method would better protect Hawaii's fragile environment. As Gagne said, an alien plant should be considered "guilty until proven innocent."
Published by Oahu Publications Inc., a subsidiary of Black Press.Don Kendall, President
John Flanagan, publisher and editor in chief 529-4748; jflanagan@starbulletin.com
Frank Bridgewater, managing editor 529-4791; fbridgewater@starbulletin.com
Michael Rovner, assistant managing editor 529-4768; mrovner@starbulletin.com
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