Copy
View this email in your browser
Aloha <<First Name>> <<Last Name>>

During this busy legislative session, we want to keep you informed about the crucial work happening across our islands to address invasive species challenges. These efforts are vital to protecting Hawaiʻi's food security, agricultural sustainability, native ecosystems, cultural practices, economic resilience, and way of life.

Every aspect of our community is touched by the impacts of invasive species and the work we do to manage them. Your engagement and support in these efforts make a significant difference in our success.
Mahalo from the HISC Support Team-
Chelsea Arnott (Invasive Species Coordinator), Jack Reef (HISC Planner), Mason Russo (Research and Projects Coordinator), Elizabeth Speith (643pest.org), and Chuck Chimera (HPWRA)
2025 Legislative Updates: Tracking Invasive Species Bills

Our 2025 Legislative Tracking Page is now live.

The tracking tool monitors all bills and resolutions in the 2025 legislative session that involve invasive species. There are real-time updates on bill status and summaries, scheduled committee hearing dates and testimony deadlines, as well as direct links to related documents and resources. Our team maintains regular updates throughout the legislative session to ensure you have the most current information available.

Here are a few of the bills that we are tracking. 

HB 299 / SB 548 – HISC Appropriation
Appropriates funds to support the operations of the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC), including interagency coordination, research, and management efforts.

HB 427 – House Biosecurity Bill
Proposes renaming the Department and Board of Agriculture to include "Biosecurity," establishes a Deputy Director of Biosecurity, and outlines conditions for declaring a biosecurity emergency. It also broadens the scope of the Biosecurity Program and appropriates funding for key positions.

SB 1100 – Senate Biosecurity Bill
Renames the Department of Agriculture as the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, establishes a Deputy Chairperson for Biosecurity, and authorizes the department to strengthen pest management and interagency response efforts. It also transfers the administration of the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council from DLNR to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Visit our 2025 Legislative Tracking Page to follow and read more details about the progress of invasive species legislation: 2025 Legislative Tracking Page 
Hawaiʻi Interagency Biosecurity Plan 2024 Progress Report


The Hawaiʻi Interagency Biosecurity Plan (HIBP) continues to move forward in 2025, with 27% of planned actions complete and 44% in progress. While challenges remain in addressing invasive species issues, public awareness initiatives show particular success with 57% of these actions now complete.

A major victory came through Act 231, the “Biosecurity Bill,” which secured a $10 million increase to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture’s budget for invasive species prevention and response. This funding arrives as we tackle challenges from the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and Little Fire Ants.

Read the Full January 2024 Progress Report

Plan Background:

The HIBP emerged from an unprecedented collaboration of stakeholders in 2017, bringing together state, federal, and county agencies, along with industry representatives from agriculture, tourism, and transportation sectors. The Plan was formally endorsed through Resolution 17-1 by the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council, comprised of the chairs of six state agencies with overlapping jurisdiction in invasive species management. Review the full Hawaiʻi Interagency Biosecurity Plan. 
HISC Administrative Rules Update: A Framework for Action

The HISC administrative rules under Title 13 has been updated, implementing two new chapters: Chapter 13-325 "General Provisions" and Chapter 13-326 "Control and Eradication of Invasive Species." These rules strengthen our ability to address high-impact invasive species, such as the coconut rhinoceros beetle—which expanded beyond Oʻahu to Kauaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island in 2023—and little fire ant, which now has over 30 active sites on Oʻahu's windward side.

The rules establish clear procedures for invasive species control on both public and private property, while supporting crucial work like the Island Invasive Species Committees' efforts to protect our forested watersheds from invasives like Miconia.

Learn More: Review the complete rules summary to understand how these changes enhance Hawaiʻi's biosecurity framework.
Spotlight: ROD Detected on Maui | Ramie Moth Expands on Oʻahu

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Rapid Response Initiated on Maui
In late January 2025, the less-virulent strain of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), known as huli ʻōhiʻa, was detected in several ʻōhiʻa trees at a Maui elementary school. The detection prompted a swift and coordinated interagency response, guided by the 2020 ROD Rapid Response Plan. The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), worked closely to assess the situation and implement containment measures.

Maui has benefited from the lessons learned on other islands and a multi-agency group already working together to be ready to implement the ROD Rapid Response Plan, allowing for a well-informed and efficient response. As of early February, four out of the initial sampled trees have tested positive. Read the DLNR Press Release for more details.

Ramie Moth Detection and Spread on Oʻahu
The invasive Ramie moth (Arcte coerula), first detected in Hawaiʻi at Olowalu, Maui, has now spread to Oʻahu, where it was first confirmed in October 2024. Since then, reports have been confirmed across multiple areas of Oʻahu, particularly on the windward side, including Koʻolaupoko and Koʻolauloa districts. Reports have come from locations such as Nuʻuanu Pali, Waiheʻe Valley, Heʻeia, Haʻikū, and Kaʻaʻawa, as well as sites further inland, including military installations and conservation areas.

The Ramie moth’s larvae pose a threat to native māmaki (Pipturus albidus) and ʻakōlea (Boehmeria grandis), key host plants for the endemic Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea). As the spread continues, monitoring efforts are critical. If you see Ramie moth caterpillars or signs of infestation, please report sightings to 643pest.org to assist with tracking and management efforts. For more information about Ramie Moth visit the HISC Ramie Moth page. 
643pest.org 2024 Year in Review:
What We Learned from Your Reports

643pest.org, Hawaiʻi's online pest reporting hotline, processed over 1,500 reports across the islands in 2024.

  • 30% were species requiring immediate response which were forwarded to partners for action.
  • Invertebrates—primarily insects—made up 57% of all reports.
  • O'ahu led reporting with 1,008 cases, followed by Maui, Hawaiʻi, and Kauaʻi.

2024 top reported species were:

  1. Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
  2. Coqui Frog
  3. Oriental Flower Beetle
  4. Rose-Ringed Parakeet
  5. Mongoose

Learn More: Visit our 2024 643pest.org Year in Review blog post and view the full infographic highlighting these reports, or explore our 643pest.org Live Data Dashboard to see what is being reported near you.
Dates to Remember and Job Opportunities

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.
HISC FB
HISC web
HISC YouTube
Copyright © 2025 Hawaii Invasive Species Council, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp