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Welcome to the latest edition of the HISC newsletter. This quarter has been marked by significant developments and changes within our council and support staff.

We have made strides with the new interagency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for rapid pest response, and are moving forward with the HISC administrative rulemaking process to enhance our collective invasive species control efforts. These advancements underscore the importance of collaboration in managing invasive species in Hawaiʻi, as coordinated efforts are essential to success.
HISC Support Team-
Chelsea Arnott (Invasive Species Coordinator), Jack Reef (HISC Planner), Elizabeth Speith (643pest.org), Chuck Chimera (HPWRA), and Ellison Montgomery (KUPU)
May Council Meeting Recap
New MOU for Rapid Pest Response & Initiation of Rulemaking
The Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) held its quarterly meeting on May 29, 2024, at the DLNR Kalanimōkū office board room, Zoom, and streamed on YouTube. 

The council discussed the new interagency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which enhances cooperation among the Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the University of Hawaiʻi. This MOU focuses on rapid response and control of high-priority pests such as the coqui frog, little fire ant, and coconut rhinoceros beetle. For more details on this MOU and to see the implementation timeline, visit the MOU webpage.

Additionally, the council approved initiating rulemaking proceedings to develop a list of invasive species that could be controlled or eradicated on both private and public properties. The meeting concluded with public testimonies and recommendations for future HISC meeting topics, including updates on Little Fire Ant control efforts and Axis Deer management. Full meeting minutes and more details at the HISC Meetings page.
Meet the new council member: Dr. Parwinder Grewal, Dean of CTAHR 

We are pleased to welcome  a new council member, Dr. Parwinder Grewal. Dr. Grewal is the Dean of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) and Director of Research and Cooperative Extension at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Dr. Grewal brings a wealth of experience from his background in nematology and agricultural biotechnology. Growing up on a family farm in India, he earned his B.S. in Agriculture and M.S. in Plant Pathology from Punjab Agricultural University and later completed his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of London.

Dr. Grewal’s vision for CTAHR includes expanding research, education, and extension services related to invasive species, and building collaborations with state agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations. As a HISC board member, he aims to leverage his scientific expertise and CTAHR’s resources to develop effective statewide strategies and policies for invasive species management. “I am fully aware of the environmental devastation and economic losses invasive species can inflict on agricultural, urban, and natural ecosystems,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to addressing these challenges in Hawai‘i.
HISAM 2024 Wrap-up

In May, HISC hosted its annual Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM). This year's theme, "Who Protects Hawaiʻi? You do. Invasive Species are everyone's kuleana," emphasized the collective responsibility in safeguarding Hawaiʻi's unique ecosystems. In addition to inspiring community awards and live events across the state, HISAM 2024 featured a series of 12 webinars covering diverse topics, from innovative tools in pest management to community-led initiatives and the role of working dogs in conservation.

Recordings of all 12 HISAM webinars are now available on the HISAM24 YouTube playlist. The most viewed webinars include "All the Ants of Hawaiʻi," "Youth in Conservation Talk Story Session," and "Navigating Rat Lungworm Disease." These videos provide valuable insights and practical knowledge for anyone interested in learning more about invasive species and their impact on Hawaii's environment.

Visit the HISAM 2024 page to catch up on all of the presentations and events. Learn from our HISAM 2024 Wrap Up Infographics about attendance and insights. 
44% of HISAM participants were in Conservation and Natural Resources, 14% were concerned community members, and 5% were in agriculture. O’ahu had the highest attendance, followed by Hawai’i Island, Kaua’i, and Maui. The HISAM Hui will be striving to increase reach with our agricultural partners and improve neighbor island attendance in 2025.
A Hui Ho to Dr. Leyla Kaufman

We bid a fond aloha to Dr. Leyla Kaufman, who has transitioned to a new role as the Biosecurity Coordinator with the USFWS Pacific Island Fish and Wildlife Office. Dr. Kaufman served as HISC's Research and Projects Coordinator for over 7 years, playing a key role in supporting HISC initiatives, particularly the HISC/CGAPS Prevention and EDRR committee.

During her time at HISC, Dr. Kaufman was instrumental in establishing the Port of Entry/Exit Pest Monitoring Program, formerly known as Mamalu Poepoe. This program is a crucial layer of protection at key entry and exit points across the state, including the main airports in each county, with plans to expand into harbors under her guidance.

While we will miss Dr. Kaufman's expertise and dedication, we are excited for her to share her skills with the larger Pacific community in her new position. HISC is actively recruiting a new Research & Projects Coordinator to continue and build upon her important work. More information about the role can be found here, and details about the Port of Entry program she spearheaded are available here.

We wish Dr. Kaufman the best in her new endeavors and look forward to her continued contributions to biosecurity in the Pacific region.
Dates to Remember and Job Opportunities
Events & Meetings Job Opportunities

The Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) is a State interdepartmental collaboration of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (HISC co-chair), Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HISC co-chair), Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, and the University of Hawaiʻi.
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Copyright © 2024 Hawaii Invasive Species Council, All rights reserved.


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