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.
