Hawaii is not only paradise for people seeking adventure, relaxation, big waves and fun, it is also a haven for invasive species. State legislature in Hawaii has proclaimed the invasives problem “…the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s economy, natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii’s people.” Among the offenders are little fire ants,…
Ever since 1999 when fire ants (Solenopsis spp.) were first identified on the big island of Hawaii, the battle to protect farm and natural lands from them has been raging. This invasive pest, native to South America, has since been found on Oahu and Kauai. In certain areas officials had the infestation under control…or so they thought. Following…
Coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB) are native to the Asian tropics and were accidentally introduced to western and central Pacific islands, and now to Hawaii. They are known to be a major pest on palm trees in India, the Philippines, Guam, the Samoas and elsewhere. First detected on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) military facility near…
