We are thrilled to announce that May is Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM). This year’s theme, ‘Who protects Hawaiʻi? You do. Invasive species is everyone’s kuleana,’ emphasizes the collective responsibility of our entire community in safeguarding our islands from invasive threats. From hard-working farmers, tenacious conservationists, and watchful inspectors at our ports, to educators shaping our future leaders and everyday outdoor enthusiasts like birders, hikers, surfers, and fishers, each group plays a crucial role.
Together, all of these community members contribute to protecting our agriculture, watersheds, biodiversity and economy, ensuring the preservation of our way of life. Discover the faces of Hawai’i biosecurity through the “Who Protects Hawaiʻi?” interactive story map and video series!
HISAM 2024 Webinars
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 2024 page for more details on these presentations.
Become an Eco-Detective- Tackling Invasive Species with Community Science Tools
Tues. May 7 at 6PM
Join experts Molly Murphy, Kevin Faccenda, Lance Tanino, and Elizabeth Speith as they share valuable insights on utilizing citizen science and crowdsourced observations to better understand the world around us while helping for early detection and effective management of invasive species. Discover how every observation contributes to safeguarding our islands.
Watch the webinar recording HERE.
Understanding hala scale and developing an IPM program to control it in Hawaiʻi
Wed. May 8 at 3PM
This seminar is presented by Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng and Mason Russo of the Turfgrass and Landscape Pest Management Laboratory, UH Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). The talk will cover current distribution of hala scale (Thysanococcus pandani) in the Hawaiian Islands, identification tactics, chemical control strategies, dispersal evaluations, forest regenerative impacts, and biological control explorations.
Watch the webinar recording HERE.
Sniffing Out Solutions: Working Dogs in Invasive Species Management
Thurs. May 23 at 3PM
From sniffing out invasive devil weed (Chromolaena odorata) to tracking down little fire ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) and coconut rhinoceros beetles (Oryctes rhinoceros), these four-legged heroes are indispensable allies in the fight for biodiversity. Join us to learn more about the work of conservation dogs and their incredible human handlers across our islands!
Register for the webinar HERE.
Amplifying Statewide Efforts in Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Communication and Management: Hawai’i CRB Communications Plan
Tues. May 21 at 9:30AM
Join Arisa Barcinas, outreach associate with CRB Response, and Elizabeth Speith from 643pest.org and the HISC, for a deep dive into the new Hawai’i Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) Communications Plan and current CRB status. The plan aims to foster collaborative community action to manage CRB across the state. They will also tackle strategies to combat misinformation and encourage an open discussion to address common misconceptions.
Register for the webinar HERE.
Safeguarding Hawaii’s ʻŌhiʻa Trees Through The ʻŌhiʻa Disease Resistance Program and the Myrtle Rust Monitoring Network.
Thurs. May 30 at 10 AM
Invasive pathogens threaten the health of ʻōhia (Metrosideros polymorpha) trees and the native forests they create. Come and learn about how we are working to develop more Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death resilient trees through the ʻŌhiʻa Disease Resistance Program and to exclude new strains of the myrtle rust pathogen (Austropuccinia psidii) from entering Hawaiʻi via the Myrtle Rust Monitoring Network.
Register for the webinar HERE.
Battling the Beetle: Exploring new tools and technologies for combating Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) in Hawai’i
Thurs. May 30 at 3 PM
Join us as we explore the latest advancements in tools and technologies for combatting the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in Hawai’i with Dr. Michael Melzer, Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng, Dr, Daniel Jenkins, Mohsen Paryavi, and the CRB Response team. Hear from leading researchers at the University of Hawai’i as they discuss the diverse approaches being explored and employed to safeguard Hawai’i against CRB. Register for the webinar HERE.
Navigating Rat Lungworm Disease – Insights, Risks, and Solutions
Friday, May 31 at 12 PM
Join us for this critical HISAM webinar with two members of the UH Hilo Jarvi Lab (Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy) Argon Steel and Kay Howe to learn more about the rat lungworm parasite (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), the disease (RLWD) it causes, and how you can reduce the risk of infection to yourself and your ‘ohana. Learn more about the impacts of this potentially life altering disease and research updates to be aware of.
Register for the webinar HERE.
