Gov. Ben Cayetano has signed an executive order establishing the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, bringing a statewide focus to the threat that alien plants and animals pose to Hawaii's natural resources and economy. Governor establishes
invasive species panelStar-Bulletin staff
Invasive species are introduced plants and animals considered likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health. Generally they grow quickly, have large numbers of young and spread easily to new areas, out-competing and replacing existing plants, animals or ecosystems.
"Invasive species prevention and control is a bipartisan/nonpolitical issue," said Mike Buck, state forester and a member of the National Invasive Species Council.
Examples of invasive species in Hawaii include miconia, a broad-leafed plant that shades out native plants and reproduces at an alarming pace, and fountain grass, which is highly flammable and implicated in fires that have destroyed large areas of rare forest.
An invasive animal that has been in the news lately is the coqui frog, a Caribbean amphibian with a screeching call.
"Hawaii is experiencing a massive onslaught of invasive alien pests, at a rate of about 2 million times the natural rate of introductions," said state Invasive Species Coordinator Mindy Wilkinson. "My biggest fear is that red imported fire ants from the mainland or brown tree snakes from Guam will be introduced with cargo" passing through Hawaii's busy ports.
The statewide council will last for two years and include representatives from state departments of Agriculture; Land and Natural Resources; Business, Economic Development and Tourism; Health; Transportation; Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Hawaiian Home Lands; and the University of Hawaii. Members from government, private and nonprofit sectors will be invited to participate.
Each island already has an invasive species council. The state council's priority will be to provide policy-level direction and planning, according to a release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The Oahu Invasive Species Council, which deals with problems particular to the island, will be meeting 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 14 at the Lyon Arboretum. For more information, contact Wilkinson at 587-0164.