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Aloha e <<First Name>> <<Last Name>>,

2022 has been a busy year for HISC. We welcomed a new Invasive Species Coordinator and bid a hui ho to the Governor Ige Administration and our Council Chairs. Mamalu poepoe expanded to the ports of entry/exit pest monitoring program adding another layer of surveillance to airports and harbors. 65% of the actions in the 2027 Hawai'i Interagency Biosecurity Plan have initiated. We are looking forward to making 2023 even more productive. 
Hau'oli Makahiki Hou,
HISC Support Team- Chelsea Arnott (Invasive Species Coordinator), Leyla Kaufman (Research and Projects Coordinator), Elizabeth Speith (643pest.org), and Chuck Chimera (HPWRA)
2023 Legislative Session & New Administration
The 2023 Legislative Session officially begins on January 18th. There are some new representatives and senators coming in this session as well as our new Governor and Administration.
That includes new appointed Chairs for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Dawn Chang, and Department of Agriculture, Sharon Hurd. Both Chairs will co-chair the Hawaii Invasive Species Council once confirmed. Bill Introduction is ongoing, but we will be tracking invasive species bills online.

CGAPS made a great guide on the basics in participating in Hawaii's Legislature and a video on "3 ways to participate in Hawaii's law making process". Follow the 2023 HISC invasive species bill tracking web page to stay on top of important invasive species legislation to follow this year. We will be updating as new bills are introduced.
A Hui Ho Chair Case and Chair Shimabukuro-Geiser
As a new Administration begins, we would like to take a moment to thank our past HISC Chairs, DLNR’s Suzanne Case, and HDOA’s Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser. Chair Case’s leadership since 2015 supported the adoption of 8 Council Resolutions including the endorsement of the 2017-2027 Hawaii Interagency Biosecurity. Chair Shimabukuro-Geiser was appointed Chair in 2019 and has since helped to communicate on the need for new Pacific Regional Biocontrol Facilities and enhanced pest monitoring for our ports of entry/exit.
Both Chairs have supported interagency projects and programs that are critical to preventing and managing invasive species through the annual distribution of HISC funding. The HISC Support Staff and our invasive species community are appreciative of all the work they’ve dedicated to invasive species during their time as HISC chairs and wish them both a fond farewell.
Invasive Species Advisory Board Appointments
We are excited to announce the appointments of two of our own to the Invasive Species Advisory Board (ISAC), Christy Martin from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) and Laura Brewington from Arizona State University. Both come with over a decade of experience working in the realms of invasive species and climate change in Hawaii and the Pacific. As ISAC appointees, Christy and Laura will provide advice to the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) on national invasive species issues.
2022 Pest Hotline in review- 643pest.org


It's been a busy year at 643pest.org, with 851 reports submitted, a substantial increase from 642 reports in 2021 and 551 reports in 2020. Mahalo to everyone that took the time to report the plants, animals, insects, and other pests they noticed- especially if they took a good picture or video to help us identify the organism!

46% of those 2022 reports were for organisms that were identified and found to be considered widespread and/or are not controlled by any invasive species management groups. 35% of pests reported in 2022 were forwarded to partner agencies for further actions. This includes 182 reports for coconut rhinoceros beetle on O'ahu, which made CRB the most reported species of the year. 

You can see what species are being reported real-time at the 643pest.org Pest Hotline Dashboard. Use the customize feature to search by date range, year, or quarter. 
Be on the Lookout for this Banyan tree pest on neighbor islands
HDOA was notified of a heavily infested Chinese banyan tree (Ficus microcarpa) in the Māpunapuna industrial area of Oʻahu in November 2022. They found the tree heavily infested with a psyllid insect, Macrohomotoma gladiata, that is new to Hawai'i. Further surveys found this Chinese banyan pest from Salt Lake to Ala Moana and along Waikīkī. Heavy infestations cause stunted growing tips on the trees and the honeydew excretions of the colonies can lead to excessive sooty mold. See the HDOA New pest Advisory for more details about how to identify this psyllid insect. 

Macrohomotoma gladiata is native to Asia, but has been spreading in Europe and was found in nurseries in Orange County, California in 2015. Ficus microcarpa, one of this jumping plant lice's main host plants, is a very popular landscaping plant in these regions, as it is in Hawai'i.

This new pest was found near Honolulu harbor on Oʻahu, so we are asking everyone to keep a look out in the rest of the state. If you think you may have found this pest outside of Oʻahu, take pictures and report to 643pest.org. 
Macrohomotoma gladiata infestation may look like the banyan is covered in a snow-like or bird excrement like substance. Infestations may be hard to detect in tall trees.
Upcoming Events and Job Opportunities
Events
  • Hawai'i Invasive Species Awareness Month- February 2023
    • Have a topic you would like to see discussed? An event that should be included? Contact Elizabeth.
  • 2023 Hawai'i Legislative Session
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 © 2023 Hawaii Invasive Species Council, All rights reserved.


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