Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

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Choose an ʻĀina-friendly tree for the holidays

Fresh-cut pine trees from the continental US are a popular choice for holidays, even here in tropical Hawaiʻi – but imported live trees pose a serious risk to our islands. In past years, snakes, wasps, and slugs have been found in shipments of Christmas trees and other foliage used for holiday decorating.  A 2015 USDA study found that the importation of live plant materials is the highest risk pathway for the introduction of new pests and diseases to Hawaiʻi. Pests that have hitchhiked to Hawai’i in recent years, such as little fire ants, coqui frogs, semi-slugs, and more, were all introduced accidentally on imported plant material.

But, that could be good news for local folks who want to get into the Christmas tree-growing business, according to a Hawaii-grown Christmas Tree Market Potential study funded by the DLNR and the US Forest Service. In 2012 it was estimated that the total number of Christmas Trees sold in Hawai‛i was in excess of 190,000. The Hawai‛i Department of Agriculture estimates that 183,000 Christmas trees (96%) were imported.

We don’t have to put our islands at risk to celebrate the holidays!

Let’s support local businesses and keep the holidays pest-free for Hawaiʻi! There are sustainable alternatives here on the Big Island. Local tree growers can sometimes sell out quickly due to high demand, so you may even consider a “tropical tree” to make your Hawaiian holidays special. Our local nurseries can suggest many great possibilities for you and your family to enjoy.

Here are some options:

#1: Buy an island-grown tree from a local tree farm

local christmas trees
Photo credit (L-R): Chrystal Richard and Franny Brewer
  • Hamakua Christmas Tree Forest – website
    • Open everyday from 10am-4 pm
    • Reserve your tree online!
  • Hoʻoluana Tree Farm- website
    • Closed for the 2025 season
  • Buy a locally-grown tree from the Hawaii Forest Industry Association
    • Hilo Christmas Extravaganza Arts and Craft Fair on Nov. 21st and 22nd

(Know of additional growers?  Please contact us so we can add them to the list!)

#2: Call your local nursery and ask for locally-grown alternatives

kids decorating kukui tree
Get your keiki involved in the process! Photo: Rick Barboza

Native alaheʻe trees are a great choice because they grow well in a pot and their branches are sturdy enough for ornaments. Norfolk, Cook, and Monterey pines are all grown on the island, and can even be purchased in a pot to be used year after year before finally planting in your backyard.  Araucarias, a “tropical” pine,  grows well below 4,000 feet. Cypress is a great substitute for pines, and won’t drop tons of needles!  Many options are available that won’t contribute to the importation of live plants.

#3: Purchase an artificial tree

artificial holiday tree

Artificial trees can be used year after year, saving money for you while keeping the islands safe from invading pests. Learn more about the benefits of artificial trees. 

#4: Channel your creativity

driftwood holiday tree and anthurium tree
Photos (L-R): Driftwood tree by Sue Bierman, anthurium tree by Cavi Ferrel

You can make a holiday tree with just about anything!

Have some land and a love of plants?  Consider growing Christmas Trees!

Are you a farmer or rancher looking to diversify a bit of your property and tap into a growing market with high demand? Our local tree growers sell out every season, and with this product, your customers will be all smiles! Check out this market analysis from DLNR on growing Christmas trees, and learn more about the research on tree species and growing from the Aina Mauna project at the Hawaii Forest Industry Association and the update from Dec 2019.

Work at BIISC – apply by Sep 26!

man in forest next to ohia tree

Are you passionate about protecting Hawaiʻi Island’s environment and interested in building real-world conservation skills? The Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) is excited to host two internship positions through the Kupu ʻĀina Corps program for the 2025–2026 term!

These paid internships provide valuable hands-on experience in conservation, outreach, and natural resource management. Whether you’re drawn to creative communications or rugged fieldwork, there’s a place for you on our team. Both positions are based in Hilo, with opportunities to travel around Hawaiʻi Island.

Full position descriptions:

Plant Control Crew Field Assistant
Outreach & Education Assistant

Internship #1: Outreach & Education Assistant

Type: Full-time or part-time, flexible hybrid schedule
Location: Hilo-based, with occasional island-wide travel

What You’ll Do

  • Create and manage digital content (social media posts, blog articles, educational printables)
  • Document BIISC’s work through writing, photography, and video
  • Assist with outreach events like classroom visits, community presentations, and tabling
  • Shadow field staff to learn about invasive species management, occasionally joining conservation field activities

Who We’re Looking For

  • Strong communication skills (writing + verbal)
  • Comfortable with social media (Instagram, Facebook), Zoom, Google Suite, and Canva
  • Able to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate with a creative team
  • Passionate about conservation and engaging with community
  • Background in simple graphic design or natural resources is a plus, but not required

Perks of the Position

  • Flexible hours and hybrid work options (ability to work from home)
  • Professional development in outreach, conservation, and communications
  • Opportunity to connect with community and make a meaningful impact
Apply Today!

Internship #2: Plant Control Crew Field Assistant

Type: Full-time (up to 40 hours per week)
Location: Hilo-based, with island-wide fieldwork and camping

What You’ll Do

  • Assist with eradication of invasive plants across Hawaiʻi Island (up to 14 priority species)
  • Use physical (hand-pulling, cutting) and chemical (herbicide) methods tailored to site conditions
  • Train in GPS and mapping, pesticide hand tool safety, ATV use, decontamination protocols, and wilderness first aid
  • Participate in occasional outreach and community projects (e.g., BioBlitz events, neighborhood weed control)

Who We’re Looking For

  • Comfortable working outdoors in rugged conditions (hot, rainy, steep, uneven terrain)
  • Physically fit: able to hike several miles, lift/carry 40 lbs, and work long days
  • Willing to camp ~⅓ of the time (3–4 nights during the workweek)
  • Safety-minded, reliable, and team-oriented
  • Entry-level welcome — training will be provided; no experience required

Perks of the Position

  • Work in some of Hawaiʻi Island’s most unique and beautiful environments (from backyards to cloud forests)
  • Receive extensive field training and optional Restricted Pesticide Applicator’s License
  • Provided gear (boots, rain gear, PPE) to stay safe and comfortable in the field

How to Apply

These positions are offered through the Kupu ʻĀina Corps program.

Submit your application on the Kupu website and send your resume to biisc@hawaii.edu

If you’re ready to gain real-world conservation experience, build professional skills, and help protect Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems, we encourage you to apply!

Apply Today!

Australian Tree Fern

Why is the Australian Tree Fern (ATF) an Invasive Species?

Australian tree fern (Sphaeropteris cooperi) is an invasive species in Hawai’i, scoring a whopping 16 on the Hawaii Pacific Weed Risk Assessment. This ornamental plant has escaped cultivation and is considered invasive for a variety of reasons. It outcompetes native plants in the forest by growing faster and taking up valuable canopy space. It can also easily spread through tiny dust-like spores that are found underneath its fronds. These spores are readily taken up by the wind or animals and can be dispersed as far seven miles from the original parent plant location.

How to quickly identify ATF?

Australian tree fern (ATF) is an expert at camouflage because it is commonly mistaken for a variety of different native tree ferns. Hāpu’u is the common Hawaiian name for a few different species of tree ferns that are native to Hawai’i. There are many differences between ATF and the different types of Hāpu’u but the quickest way to identify is by looking at the “crown” of the tree fern (the top of the tree fern where new fronds emerge) and checking to see what color the hair is. If it is white/ silvery and a skin irritant it’s ATF. If it’s not, it is most likely a different tree fern.

ATF vs Hapuʻu Fronds

Other key differences include overall silhouette, and the trunk. The silhouette of ATF resembles a martini glass while Hāpu’u has more of an arched shape. The trunk of the ATF is skinny and has a ‘scaly’ texture from where the fronds fall off from and is hard when touched. Whereas Hāpu’u has a thick, soft fiber wrapping.

ATF vs Hapuʻu silhouette

What can you do?

ATF is often sold and planted in gardens. To prevent further human spread don’t buy ATF when offered in stores or nurseries. Supply and demand dictates where and in what quantities ATF is sold. If the big box stores can’t sell it, they lose incentive to put it on the shelves again. 


You can also write to your legislators! Follow this link (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/) and you can type your address or zoom in on the map, select the district on the map, and click the arrow on the right side of the blue box. The web page will redirect you to a page with your legislators’ contact information. Please note some districts have multiple legislators you can contact, so be sure to contact whomever you’d like or message all of them. You can also contact the Hawai’i Department of Agriculture at (https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/contact/) and relay your concerns.

To learn more about ATF, follow these resources:

Sphaeropteris cooperi

https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/invweed/WeedsHI/W_Sphaeropteris_cooperi.pdf

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle: Hawaiʻi Island Update (July 2025)

A CRB being held in a gloved hand showing the size of horn and brown fuzzies on its underside.
Adult male CRB

What is the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle?

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB, Oryctes rhinoceros) is an invasive pest that poses a severe threat to palm trees in Hawaiʻi, including coconut, date, and native loulu palms. This beetle damages trees by boring into the crown to feed on sap, weakening and eventually killing the plant. First detected in Hawaiʻi on Oʻahu in 2013, CRB has spread across the island, causing widespread concern for agriculture, landscaping, and native ecosystems.

For more updates on CRB, please visit our CRB Pest Page.

CRB on Hawaiʻi Island: A Timeline of Events

July 2025: Three adults caught at Kona airport and Keahole Ag park.

June 2025: Ten adults caught at Kona airport, Keahole Ag park, and HOST traps. New detection of 1 adult at Kiholo. New detection of 4 adults at HCC Palamanui. New detection of 1 adult at Kukio.

April – May 2025: Eight beetles are found in Kona at HOST Park, Keahole Ag Park, and Kohanaiki. Training sessions on CRB awareness and management have been conducted for landscapers, resort staff, and community members. Breeding traps have been installed at HOST Park alongside existing detection traps. Efforts to locate breeding sites and conduct dog-assisted detection surveys continue to expand.

March 2025: Four adult coconut rhinoceros beetles are found in Kona, making this the first detection outside of Waikoloa. Trapping, surveying, and outreach efforts are ongoing.

May 2024 – February 2025: BIISC continues palm health surveys, engages in scent-detection efforts using a trained dog named Manu, and expands community outreach to encourage public reporting.

December 2023 – April 2024: Intensive trapping and survey efforts take place, with four adult CRB detected at different locations in Waikoloa. Despite extensive searches, no larvae or breeding populations are found, providing cautious optimism that the population is still in its early stages.

November 2023: HDOA confirms the beetle’s identity, launching an interagency response with BIISC and other partners to assess the extent of the infestation.

October 2023: The first CRB detection on Hawaiʻi Island occurs in Waikoloa Village when a resident submits a suspicious beetle to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA).

What’s Being Done to Stop CRB on Hawaiʻi Island?

Stopping CRB before it becomes established is critical. Here’s how BIISC and its partners are responding:

1. Intensive Monitoring and Early Detection

  • Over 100 detection traps deployed in Waikoloa, Kona, and surrounding areas.
  • Scent detection dog surveys with Manu, who is trained to sniff out CRB.
  • Ground and aerial surveys to check for signs of beetle damage.
First adult beetle found in Kona on routine BIISC trap check.

2. Community Involvement and Reporting

  • Public education campaigns to help residents identify CRB, its damage, and how to report sightings.
  • Trap monitoring program allowing residents to host CRB traps in their yards.
  • Workshops and school presentations to engage youth in invasive species awareness.
CRB activity booth for keiki at the 2025 Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Bioblitz.

3. Prevention and Rapid Response

  • Interagency collaboration with HDOA, DLNR, and other partners to coordinate island-wide efforts.
  • Strict green waste management to prevent accidental spread via infested plant material.
Breeding trap at HOST park installed by BIISC and CRB Response.

How You Can Help Protect Hawaiʻi Island

Stopping CRB is a team effort. Here’s what you can do:

  • Report any suspected beetles, larva, or palm damage immediately to BIISC or HDOA.
  • Be mindful of green waste disposal—CRB is most likely to be found in green waste, compost, mulch, etc.
  • Avoid moving material ideal for CRB breeding.
  • Check your palms for V-shaped cuts, boreholes, or dying fronds.
  • Spread the word by sharing this information with neighbors, landscapers, and farmers.

It’s Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month!

We are thrilled to announce that May is Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM). HISAM is an annual event dedicated to educating and mobilizing the residents of Hawaiʻi to protect our islands from the threats posed by invasive species. This year’s theme, ‘What’s at Risk,’ we explore the people, places, and species most at risk — and what we can do to protect them. From the health of our watersheds and marine ecosystems to our cultural practices and food security, invasive species threaten the foundation of Hawaiʻi’s well-being. Join us to explore and celebrate the unique places, people, and biodiversity throughout our paeʻāina (Hawaiian archipelago) and Moananuiākea (the vast Pacific Ocean), and learn how to restore balance and build resilience for future generations.

HISAM Webinars 2025

We are very excited to share this series of informative webinars aimed at deepening understanding and fostering community engagement. Below are some of the webinars relevant to our BIISC community, but please check out the rest of the webinars happening throughout the month! Register today to save your spot and check the HISAM 2025 page for more details on these presentations.

Native Species Love: ʻElala

Tues. May 15 at 10AM

Most people in Hawaiʻi are familiar with cockroaches, ants, and fruit flies — but what about the native insects that quietly inhabit our forests and landscapes? In this webinar, explore the beautiful and cryptic diversity of Hawaiʻi’s native ʻelala (insects) with two leading researchers, Dr. Natalie Graham (University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo) & Dr. Camiel Doorenweerd (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa) 

Watch the webinar recording HERE (coming soon!) 

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death: What’s at Risk and What We Can Do to Save It

Fri. May 16 at 12PM

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death continues to threaten Hawai‘i’s forests, but efforts are underway to protect what remains. Learn how fencing out ungulates and research into disease-resistant ʻōhiʻa are helping forest managers and communities protect this keystone species. Speaker: J.B. Friday, Extension Forester, Komohana Research and Extension Center (CTAHR)

Get the zoom link: HERE. 

Native Species Love: Kāhuli

Tues. May 20 at 9:30 AM

Ke kāhuli leo leʻa o ka nahele – the sweet-voiced treesnail of the forest. This ʻōlelo noʻeau compares a beautiful human voice to the soft, melodic tones once heard throughout Hawaiʻi’s forests when kāhuli were abundant. In this webinar, Aimee Sato shares the cultural importance of kāhuli, and Kiane Prietto highlights how haumāna on Hawaiʻi Island are taking action to support these native treasures.

Register for the webinar HERE. 

Native Species Love: Lāʻau

Wed. May 21 at 3:00 PM

Many native plants in our lowland communities are treasured for their role in hana noʻeau — skillful, artistic cultural practices. In this webinar, Avalon Paradea shares her journey as a haumāna of kapa and plant-based dyes, while Kekai Naone speaks about ulana lau hala (lau hala weaving) and his path as a kumu hula

Register for the webinar HERE. 

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Update: Big Island 

Fri. May 23 at 4:30 PM

CRB has recently been detected in new locations on Hawaiʻi Island, particularly in Kona and Waikoloa Village. This webinar will provide important updates on the current status of the beetle, how it spreads, alternative host plants, the damage it causes, and management strategies for individuals and communities. Speakers: Arisa Barcinas, CRB Response Team & Kawehi Young, Big Island Invasive Species Committee

Register for the webinar HERE.