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 is, ‘Together, we protect Hawaiʻi,’ derived from the ʻōlelo noʻeau Aʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia – no task is too big when done together. This traditional saying reminds us of the power of collaboration. Invasive species can feel overwhelming, but ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia– when we work together, even the biggest challenges become possible to overcome. That spirit of working together is rooted in something deeper: huli ka lima i lalo. Turning hands to the land. Across Hawaiʻi, farmers, field crews, community volunteers, kamaʻāina, and conservation professionals are doing exactly that: turning hands to the land.
HISAM Webinars 2026
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 2026 page for more details on these presentations.
What Bees Can Tell Us About Invasive Species: Investigating eDNA in Honey
Wed. May 20 at 12PM
Honey bees forage across the landscape collecting tiny traces of biological material from plants, animals, fungi, and pathogens. These traces of environmental DNA (eDNA) become embedded in hive honey and may provide clues about biodiversity, ecosystem health, and even the early presence of invasive species. Join Jim & Carey’s Happy Bees for a fascinating journey through Hawaiʻi Island honey and learn how bees may help us better understand the environments they inhabit
Register for the webinar HERE
Rat Lungworm Disease: What You Need to Know to Protect Your ʻOhana
Fri. May 22 at 10 AM
Learn how rat lungworm disease moves through Hawaiʻi’s environment, practical steps individuals and families can take to reduce risk of exposure, and updated guidance for medical professionals responding to possible cases. Speakers will discuss the parasite life cycle, transmission pathways, prevention strategies, and current public health recommendations for Hawaiʻi communities
Register for the webinar HERE
Responding to the Queensland Longhorn Beetle Invasion in Hawaiʻi
Thurs. May 28 at 12PM
Dr. Matt Siderhurst and Dr. Roxana Myers of the USDA-ARS Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center (PBARC) plus Emma Stierhoff of the University of Hawai’i at Hilo will share on what we’ve learned about the biology and behavior of the QLB in Hawai’i, and on an innovative program using locally found parasitic nematodes to combat the pest in affected trees like ‘ulu and kukui
Register for the webinar HERE
