In 2010, residents in Puna began reporting an alarming observation: across the community, large swaths of ʻōhiʻa trees were dying. Within days to weeks a seemingly healthy tree would brown and die. The cause was at first unknown, and the phenomena came to be known as Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). Hundreds of samples were taken… Read More…
Per Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Jan 2020, a new pest has been reported on Oahu. This pest is not yet known to be on the Big Island, but avocado folks should be vigilant. If you note anything suspicious, please take clear photos from various angles that you can use to begin communications with DOA folks. … Read More…
January 2020: live specimens are still being collected! If you have a possible QLB, please drop it off at 23 E. Kawili St.in Hilo. If you find a QLB but are not able to catch it alive, please take a picture to send to us, then squish it or freeze it to prevent it from… Read More…
Each year, over a million flights are landing in Hawaiʻi or taking off to other destinations. As global movement of people and goods to Hawaiʻi increases, so do the chances of an alien species hitching a ride to our beautiful islands. According to the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS), an average of 20… Read More…
We are so excited for the debut of the new-and-improved PlantPono.org! Find out more about a plant before you buy, or search for suggestions for the perfect non-invasive plant for your property.
The Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) is a project of the University of Hawaii Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. The Committee is a voluntary partnership of government, private and non-profit organizations, and concerned individuals working to address invasive species issues on the island of Hawaii.
