HISC & CGAPS
2025 Joint
Strategy

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In Support of the
Hawai‘i Interagency
Biosecurity Plan

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Kamehameha Butterfly on ‘ōhi‘a lehua.
Photo credit: Nate Yuen.

Contents
Executive Summary

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Acronyms

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HISC & CGAPS Joint 2025 Strategies

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A. Overview

8Strategy 1: Prevention & Early Detection/Rapid
Response for New Terrestrial Invasions

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Strategy 2: Inter/Intra-Island Movementof Terrestrial Invasive Species
Strategy 3: Aquatic Biosecurity
Strategy 4: Large-Scale Control of High-Impact
Invasive Species
Strategy 5: Pacific Regional Biocontrol Center

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Strategy 6: Increased & Diversified Funding forInvasive Species Priorities
Strategy 7: Engaged & Supportive Community
Strategy 8: HISC Engagement Across Sectors
Strategy 9: Strong CGAPS Network

Strategy 10: Stable CGAPS Funding & Staffing

Project Background

A. Invasive Species in Hawai‘i

B. Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan
C. HISC Role & Accomplishments

D. CGAPS Role & Accomplishments

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Taking Action & Measuring Success38

Acknowledgements

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Key Terms

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A. HIBP Abbreviations

References

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Appendices - Available on request

A. Partners Participating in HISC/CGAPS 2025 Planning Process
B. 2025 Joint Strategies for HISC & CGAPS
C. HISC/CGAPS Planning Process
1. HISC/CGAPS Planning Process & Timeline 2019-2020
2. Summary of Partner Input to HISC/CGAPS Planning Process
D. CGAPS & HISC Progress Reports (2015 – 2019)
1. CGAPS Progress & Lessons – August 2019
2. HISC & HIBP Accomplishments – August 2019
E. Climate SMART Principles for Invasive Species
F. HIBP Linkages to HISC/CGAPS 2025 Strategies
G. HISC/CGAPS 2025 Working Action Plan

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Photo Credits (Left to Right):
Priscilla Billig
Candle Sense
Merrie MonarchNate Yuen
J Atwood
DLNR DAR
Keola Magazine
DLNR DARHISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity PlanExecutive Summary
Invasive species are the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s economy, natural environment, and thehealth and lifestyle of Hawaii’s people and visitors (LRB 2015). This 2025 Joint Strategy for the Hawai‘i
Invasive Species Council (HISC) and the Coordinating Group for Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) reflects thehighly productive collaboration of these two statewide networks to achieve our shared vision:

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Hawaii’s natural environment, agriculture, economy,
and the health, lifestyle, and culture of its people
are protected from the impacts of invasive species.
The HISC and CGAPS networks have complementary
missions, tools and approaches. CGAPS is a voluntary
partnership of state, federal, county, non-profit andprivate sector experts and managers, who coordinate andcatalyze action on statewide invasive species priorities
and communicate key issues to the public.

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HISC is a formal state council established by statute tocoordinate the state’s position across agencies on invasive
species policy, funding, and projects. HISC’s members
are cabinet-level decisionmakers representing six state
departments. Together, HISC and CGAPS engage andmobilize all the critical partners to address Hawaii’s
invasive species challenges.
This HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy (HISC/CGAPS
2025) builds on more than 25 years of effective action,
successful network-building, gap analyses and lessons
learned – starting with the creation of CGAPS in 1995
and the establishment of HISC by state statute in 2003.
In the last five years, major collaborative invasive species
achievements include:
•

•

•

•

•

Importantly, the HIBP provides an in-depth, ten-year
analysis of invasive species capacity and policy needs.
Progress on all 147 HIBP actions is reported semi-annually.
Gaps in action or progress on HIBP actions guided thepriorities in this five-year plan (Figure 1).
HISC/CGAPS 2025 was developed using a broad
participatory process with input from more than 100
partners across both networks (Appendix A). Together,
they agreed on ten statewide strategies to address criticalinvasive species threats, pathways and opportunities
requiring broad collaboration (Appendix B & Section 5).
These include three essential organizational development
priorities for HISC (Strategy 8) and CGAPS (Strategies
9 & 10) to strengthen their networks’ ability to achieve
tangible results.

Successful emergency response and statewide
planning to understand, address, and reduce thespread of Rapid ‘Ohi’a Death (ROD).

New multi-agency collaboration working on marine
biosecurity threats, especially ballast water andvessel biofouling.

Ongoing early detection and rapid response to limit
the spread of priority pests, including little fire ant(LFA), coqui frog, coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB)
and ROD.

Stronger quarantine and inspection tools
developed, including the landmark Myrtle restriction
package for federal protection and the reestablishment and expansion of the detector dog
program.
First Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan (HIBP)
launched in 2017 with strong support from theGovernor and all HISC agencies.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity PlanHISC Mission

Provide strategic policy and fiscal direction,
coordination, and planning among state
departments and other stakeholders toaddress invasive species issues in a sciencebased, culturally and socially conscious way.
CGAPS Mission

To coordinate and catalyze action among

government and non-government partners
to prevent and manage invasive species in
Hawai‘i, as well as communicate key issues
to the public.

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Acronyms
AcronymDefinition

AcronymDefinition

AHB

Africanized honeybees

HRS

Hawai‘i Revised Statutes

ANS

Aquatic Non-native Species

HTA

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority

APHIS

USDA-Animal & Plant HealthInspection Service

IPPC

International Plant Protection Convention

ARS PBARC

USDA-Agricultural Research Service
Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center

ISC

BIISC

Big Island Invasive Species Committee

KMWP

BMP

Best Management Practices

LFA

CBP

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

LRB

CGAPS

Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species

MISC

CIP

Capital Improvement Project

MP

CRB

Coconut rhinoceros beetle

NAVFAC

CTAHR

UH - College of Tropical Agriculture andHuman Resources

NGO

DAR

DLNR - Division of Aquatic Resources

NKO

DBEDT

Hawai‘i Department of Business,
Economic Development & Tourism

NOAA

DHS

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

OISC

DLNR

Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural
Resources

OTA

DOFAW

DLNR - Division of Forestry and Wildlife

PPC

ED/RR

Early Detection & Rapid Response

PPQ

USDA APHIS - Plant Protection andQuarantine

FY

Fiscal YearPQ

HDOA-Plant Quarantine HDOA Branch

HAL

Hawai‘i Ant Lab

RIFA

Red imported fire ant

HCA/HCAF

Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance & HCA
Foundataion

ROD

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death

HDOA

Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture

SMART

Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Relevant, Timebound

HDOH

Hawai‘i Department of HealthTNC

The Nature Conservancy

HDOT

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation

UH

University of Hawai‘i

HIBP

Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

USCG

U.S. Coast Guard

HISC

Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council

USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture

HISC/CGAPS 2025

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy

USFS

U.S. Forest Service

HMLF

Hau‘oli Mau Loa Foundation

WGA

Western Governors’ Association

HPWRA

Hawai’i Pacific Weed Risk Assessment

WP

Watershed Partnerships

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Invasive Species CommitteeKo‘olau Mountain Watershed Partnership
Little fire ant

Legislative Reference Bureau

Maui Invasive Species Committee
Māmalu Poepoe

Naval Facilities Engineering Command
Nongovernmental Organization
Not known to occur

National Oceanic and Atmospheric
AdministrationO‘ahu Invasive Species Committee
Office of Technology Assessment

HDOA-Plant Pest Control HDOA Branch

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Overview:
Together, the HISC and CGAPS networks implement ten priority strategies
1.

Prevention & Early Detection/Rapid Response for
New Terrestrial Invasions – to keep top terrestrial
invasive threats from arriving and establishing in thestate.

6.

Increased & Diversified Funding for Invasive
Species Priorities – to secure at least $100M
annually by 2025 from federal, state, county andprivate sources.

2.

Inter/Intra-Island Movement of Terrestrial Invasive
Species – to reduce the spread of invasive species
between and across islands.

7.

Engaged & Supportive Community – to maintainstrong community support (70%+ in polls) andmobilize action on these 2025 Joint Strategies.

3.

Aquatic Biosecurity – to prevent the introduction
and spread of aquatic invasive species.

8.

HISC Engagement Across Sectors – to improveengagement and support of all key agencies.

4.

Large-Scale Control of High-Impact Invasive
Species – to expand management of widespread,high-impact species (e.g. mosquitoes, rats, marine
algae).

9.

Strong CGAPS Network - to engage all partners
needed to implement these 2025 Joint Strategies.

5.

Pacific Regional Biocontrol Center – to increase
biocontrol work and critical infrastructure in Hawai‘i.

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10. Stable CGAPS Funding & Staffing - to provide core
support for CGAPS operations.

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growing Hawaii’s invasive species networks to engage new partners critical to success. The HISC/CGAPS 2025
Strategy is already being implemented by many committed partners with a track record for leading effective invasive
species initiatives across the archipelago. This is a “living plan”, and it will be adapted over time based on results, lessons
learned, innovations and new partners.

HIBP implementation
complete

HISC & CGAPS 2025
implementation complete

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Strategies
approved & implementation underway

Implementation continues,__% complete

2017
HIBP planning
process begins

2016

2019

2018

2022

2020

2027

2025
Halfway through the
HIBP and HISC & CGAPS
2025 implementation
timelines

55% actions initiated, __%complete. Planning for HISC &CGAPS 2025 Strategies initiated

HIBP launched in January.
Implementation begins

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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HISC & CGAPS
Joint 2025 Strategies
These ten joint strategies reflect broad agreement by the HISC and CGAPS Planning Teams and thoughtful input
across this diverse partnership. They also build on 25 years of effective action, collaboration and lessons learned. Eachjoint strategy will guide leadership and action by both networks over the next five years, including growing Hawaii’s
invasive species networks to engage new partners critical to success. Importantly, this is a “living plan”, and thestrategies will be adapted over time based on results, lessons learned, innovations and new partners. Each strategy ispresented in five parts:

1.

2.

2025 Objective - SMART (Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Relevant, Timebound) objectives
describe the outcome we aim to achieve by 2025or “what success will look like” for this key invasive
species strategy.

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3.

Background briefly describes the rationale andassumptions for each strategy.

4.

Key Actions are considered essential for
success. Together they are sufficient to achieve
the 2025 Objective, assuming all key actions
are successfully implemented. Some actions areimportant to achieving more than one objective.
These synergies are noted, but the Key Action is
not repeated in the other strategy sections.

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Strategy Team & Lead Partners – Every strategy
requires collaboration by many partners; none ofthis work can be accomplished by a single agency
or organization. Committed leadership is the key tosuccessful collaborations. For each strategy, one
or more partner organizations volunteered to lead
implementation and others agreed to collaborate
on key actions. The founding members of thesepartner-led Strategy Teams are listed for eachstrategy below. Additional groups are welcome
to join these teams, and their composition willundoubtedly change over time.

5.

HIBP Linkages – Each strategy addresses
numerous HIBP tasks, often across multiple HIBP
categories. These HIBP linkages are summarized
here with a detailed list for each strategy inAppendix F.

In addition, reviewers identified many useful Tasks to guide partners implementing each Key Action. These arelisted in the Working Action Plan for HISC/CGAPS 2025 in Appendix G. This workplan will change over time aseach Strategy Team practices adaptive management to reach their objective.

1.

Prevention & Early Detection/Rapid Response for New Terrestrial Invasions – to keep top terrestrial
invasive threats from arriving and establishing in the state.

2. Inter/Intra-Island Movement of Terrestrial Invasive Species – to reduce the spread of invasive species
between and across islands.
3. Aquatic Biosecurity – to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasives.
4. Large-Scale Control of High-Impact Invasive Species – to expand management of widespread, highimpact species (e.g. mosquitoes, rats, marine algae).
5. Pacific Regional Biocontrol Center – to increase biocontrol work and critical infrastructure in Hawai‘i.
6. Increased & Diversified Funding for Invasive Species Priorities – to secure at least $100M annually by2025 from federal, state, county and private sources.
7.

Engaged & Supportive Community – to maintain strong community support (70%+ in polls) and mobilize
action on these 2025 Joint Strategies.

8. HISC Engagement Across Sectors – to improve engagement and support of all key agencies.
9. Strong CGAPS Network – to engage all partners needed to implement these 2025 Joint Strategies.
10. Stable CGAPS Funding & Staffing – to provide core support for CGAPS operations.

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HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity PlanTF

Wai‘anae Valley, O‘ahu(PC: Nate Yuen)AR
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CLIMATE-SMART DESIGN

Three climate-smart design questions were applied to each strategy to increase resilience:1.

How will climate change affect threats being managed?

2. How can management actions be adapted to remain effective given those changes?

3. What other strategies or management actions may be needed to address vulnerability gaps?
Climate change is projected to directly impact both Hawaii’s natural resources and invasive species challenges.
Controlling invasive species (and other major threats) is one of the most practical ways to increase resilience
to climate change. Three climate-smart design questions were adapted and applied to each of the ten joint
strategies during the development of this plan (Courtney 2018). Adjustments were made to each strategy toincrease climate resilience. Current principles for climate-smart planning are outlined in Appendix E. We willcontinue to use these questions and principles to adapt our invasive species management actions to the changing
climate over time to ensure that we:•••Manage for change, not just for persistence
Reconsider goals, not just strategies

Integrate adaptation into existing work.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Networkpriorities insupport of thebiosecurity plan

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Strategy 1
PREVENTION & EARLY DETECTION/RAPIDRESPONSE FOR NEW TERRESTRIAL INVASIONS

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HDOA and HISC staff check for Africanized Honey Bees in monitoring traps around ports of entry (PC: HISC).

STRATEGY TEAM & LEAD PARTNERS*: HDOA*, USDA*, CBP*, OISC/ISCs, MP, UH

Objective: Keep Hawaii’s top invasive species threats from arriving and establishing in thestate, by identifying and addressing high-risk pathways and major modes of introduction, andby improving early detection/rapid response.

Background

Preventing the arrival and establishment of invasive
species is much more cost-effective than the costs ofcontrolling an established invasive species or bearing
the cost and impacts of these species in perpetuity.
Prevention is a joint federal/state responsibility
and requires close collaboration between federal
and state agencies wherever possible. High-risk
pathways include passengers, luggage, ships,
packages, e-commerce, etc. To better communicate
and measure progress toward the goal of improving
invasive species prevention programs, we will use
a non-regulatory Hawai‘i Prevention Priority List ofdifferent types of potential invaders which could arrive
from a variety of source regions, and by different
pathways. By focusing on the prevention of these8“sentinel” species and pathways, countless otherpotentially harmful species may also be prevented.
Note that this is not a comprehensive list of all speciesof concern, nor is it intended to be a regulatory list—it
is solely for planning, communication, and assessment
purposes.
Preventing the arrival and establishment of marine
invasive species is equally important. However, mostmarine invasive species arrive by different pathways,
and the ability of science to forecast the risk of aquatic
species is much less advanced. Hence, the prevention
list largely includes those marine species likely to arrive
via purposeful importation, and those that have provento be harmful in similar environments. Aquatic invasive
species are further addressed in Strategy 3.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Key Actions
1.

HDOA, HISC, and other partners collaborate on generating a non-regulatory
Hawai‘i Prevention Priority List to guide prevention and rapid response.

2.

Assess capacity to detect, mitigate and/or treat each species on the
Hawai‘i Prevention Priority List, including procedures, training, andtechnology.

3.

Conduct risk analyses and risk assessments along known and high potential
pathways for invasive species introductions.

4.

Address regulatory gaps for terrestrial invasive species in Hawai‘i to address
high-risk pathways and other modes of introduction.

5.

Continue to support adoption and implementation of Myrtaceae import
restriction (domestic and foreign) and apply this approach for the protectionof additional key native and economically important plant species.

6.

Fund and fill key positions in HIBP to enforce existing and new Administrative
Rules and Hawai‘i Revised Statutes. [link to Obj 6]

7.

Support HDOT to make the Māmalu Poepoe airports pilot projectpermanent to enhance monitoring and detection of the Federal Aviation
Administration approved list of invasive species (disease spreading mosquitos,
fire ants, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and Africanized bees). [link to Obj 2]

8.

Identify and provide Best Management Practices (BMPs) for reducing
pest risk at critical control points in systems, such as airports, harbors, andprocurement contracts.

9.

Strengthen early detection and rapid response (ED/RR) capacity on eachisland for regulatory agencies and partnership projects, including mobilizing
species-specific teams for high-risk terrestrial incursions.

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10. Support HDOA in implementing transitional inspection facilities andopportunities to inspect other high-risk commodities.
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Support HDOA to promote and achieve clean nursery operations (e.g.,treatment requirements, incentives). [link to Obj 2 & 7]

12. Maintain and strengthen the Pest Risk Committee and other mechanisms
for federal and state agencies to share data, effective practices, lessons
learned and informal observations.
13. Track and report annually on status of Hawai‘i Priority Prevention List
species (e.g. not established, prevented at source; detected & intercepted,
established). [link to Obj 2]

HIBP Linkages: This Strategy addresses over 30 HIBP tasks for Pre-border Policy(PrePol), Process (PrePro), and Technology, Infrastructure, and Funding (PreTifs).
Highlights include addressing high-risk packaging material, expanding inspections
to include non-ag commodities, developing pre-screening requirements forhorticultural and agricultural products, conducting risk analysis, enhancing early
detection with working groups, action plans, and utilizing detector dogs and othertechnologies. See detailed list of all linkages in Appendix F.

‘Ōhi‘a seedlings infected with myrtle rust.
Passing a restriction on the importation of
Myrtaceae family plants will help preventthe arrival of additional strains of the rust,and other pests and diseases that harmor kill Hawai‘i’s native and non-native
myrtle species (PC: Maui Forest Bird
Recovery Project)
HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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INTER/INTRA-ISLAND MOVEMENTOF TERRESTRIAL INVASIVE SPECIES

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HDOA inspector on Hawai‘i Island examines produce for little fire ant and other tiny hitchhikers to ensure plants are pest-free before
being shipped out (PC: MISC)STRATEGY TEAM & LEAD PARTNERS*: HDOA*, OISC/ISCS, MP

Objective: Keep Hawaii’s top invasive species threats from spreading within Hawaii (interand intra-island), by identifying and addressing high-risk sources, pathways and major
modes of introduction and spread, and by improving early detection/rapid response for new
populations.

Background

Once species have arrived in Hawai‘i, a key componentof minimizing their impact is to prevent movement
across and between islands. Within islands, species
may spread by their own means or they may betransported intentionally or accidentally by humans.
Spread of an invasive species across different types ofland ownership, or into areas that are geographicallychallenging for workers to access, can make control
efforts logistically challenging.
Despite being separated by miles of open ocean,
Hawaii‘s islands do share pests with one another. Whilesome species may spread interisland via wind, wings,
or waves, many invasive species can move between

10islands as a result of human travel and interisland cargo
shipments. Focusing on the pathways through which
species spread across and between islands, and thecommodities with which they tend to be associated,
is an important part of the HIBP. HDOA is compilinga non-regulatory Hawai‘i Limited Distribution List of
high-impact incipient or localized invasive species
in coordination with other agencies to guide actions
preventing inter-island and intra-island spread.
Because aquatic invasive species tend to move throughdifferent pathways, the actions in this section focus
on minimizing the movement of terrestrial species.
Aquatic invasive species are further addressed in
Strategy 3.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Key Actions
1.

HDOA, HISC and other partners collaborate on generating a Hawai‘i
Limited Distribution Priority List of high-impact localized invasive species
to address inter-island and intra-island movement.

2.

Include an assessment of the Hawai‘i Limited Distribution Priority List to
support HDOA in developing and executing a clean nursery program that
reduces inter/intra-island movement of invasive species. [link to Obj 1]

3.

Conduct risk analyses and assessments to identify and prioritize pest
pathways and high-risk gaps for movement of terrestrial invasive species
within Hawai‘i.

4.

Identify and implement cost-effective tools, technologies, and methods
that improve management of priority pathways by state agencies and privatecompanies.

5.

Clarify HDOA authority and determine capacity needed to assess andinspect high-risk non-agricultural commodities and cargo and develop
voluntary initiatives to mitigate risk.

6.

Work with ISCs to increase County support for prevention and rapid
response of invasive species not known to occur on their island(s). [link to
Objective 6]7.

Support HDOT implementation and 2022 update of the Statewide Noxious
and Invasive Pest Program Strategic Plan in cooperation with public andprivate stakeholders.

8.

Create standardized contract language for BMPs to minimize the spreadof invasive species and incorporate into contracts by state agencies andother partners.

9.

Promote the use of the State Pest Reporting System. [link to Objective 7]

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10. Track and report annually on status of species on the Hawai‘i Limited
Distribution Priority List (e.g. prevented at source, detected & removed,
established, other).

HIBP Linkages: This Strategy addresses over 10 HIBP tasks for Border & PostBorder Policy (Pol), Process (Pro), and Technology, Infrastructure, and Funding(Tifs). Highlights include increasing HDOA staff at PPC, implementing an electronic
manifesting system for interisland transport of commodities, minimizing the
movement of pest and pest-pathogens interisland with rule changes, utilizing
detector dogs to intercept high-risk species, expanding interisland inspections toinclude non-ag commodities, and promoting the statewide pest hotline. See detailed
list of all linkages in Appendix F.

‘Ōhi‘a logs with Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Deathintercepted by HDOA. A State
Quarantine prevents shipment of‘Ōhi‘a plants, logs, and soil from
ROD-infected areas unless permit andinspection requirements can be met(PC: UH-CTAHR).
HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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Strategy 3
AQUATIC BIOSECURITY

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Honolulu Harbor is the primary point of entry into the state for maritime vessels (PC: DLNR).

STRATEGY TEAM & LEAD PARTNERS*: DAR*, NOAA, HDOT, HDOH

Objective: Prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic non-native species (ANS) into,

between, and around the Hawaiian Islands, by reducing species movement through ballast
water, biofouling, intentional import and release, and unintentional modes of introduction.

Background

More than 417 non-native species and species of
unknown origins have become established in Hawaii’s
marine and estuarine environments, and at least 84
fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates havebecome established in freshwater habitats. While
not all of these aquatic non-native species (ANS)
are currently considered invasive, some of them
are causing measurable harm to native species,
ecosystems, and economic values. Unlike invasive
species in terrestrial environments, ANS are often
difficult to detect until they are well established,assessing “harm” is more difficult, and there are very
few available options for controlling or eradicating an
ANS. Therefore, this Strategy focuses on the largest
gaps, opportunities, and needs over the next five years
for prevention, ED/RR, movement between islands,
and spread within individual islands.
Through multiple studies, ballast water and biofouling(the growth of species on the hulls and niche areas of
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vessels) have been identified as the top two vectors ofmarine ANS introductions, with biofouling responsible
for up to 78% of non-native marine invertebrates
and algal species arrivals. While technologies, rules,
and regulations continue to improve and reduce therisk posed by species in ballast water, the use oftechnologies and regulations to manage biofoulinglag far behind. This Strategy recognizes and aims to
improve the state’s ability to manage these top two
vectors in commercial and private vessels.
Another pathway is the legal and illegal importation ofmarine and freshwater species, followed by accidental
or purposeful release of ANS into Hawaii’s nearshore
or inland waters. This Strategy aims to identify criticalcontrol points where additional prevention actions
or risk mitigations may be applied. This Strategy
also recognizes the existing framework and staff ofagencies and NGOs already responding to ANS issues
and aims to support these while raising capacity toaddress remaining gaps in biosecurity.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Key Actions
1.

Conduct risk assessments to identify and prioritize aquatic pest pathways
and risks into and within Hawai‘i.

2.

Develop aquatic rapid response plans to address high-risk vessels.

3.

Establish a vessel inspection program in Hawai‘i harbors with the maritime
industry and government partners, including a framework to co-regulatecommercial vessels related to ANS as incidental discharges regulated
under VIDA.

4.

Develop framework and associated rules to manage ANS risks from noncommercial vessels (those not exempted and not covered under VIDA).

5.

Fund and establish an aquatic biosecurity team to perform vessel ballast
water and biofouling risk assessments within Hawai‘i. [link to Obj 6]

6.

Identify and implement tools, technologies, and methods that improvedetection and/or management of priority species and pathways. [link to Obj
1 & 2]

7.

Increase awareness of key private stakeholders of their role andopportunities to help address aquatic invasive species introduction andspread. [link to Obj 7]

8.

Research and develop a list of high-risk aquatic animals and prohibit theirintroduction to Hawai‘i.

9.

Establish a baseline for aquatic biosecurity and initial measures for tracking
effectiveness at preventing introduction and spread of ANS.

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HIBP Linkages: This Strategy addresses over 20 HIBP tasks for Pre-Border, Border& Post-Border Policy (Pol), Process (Pro), and Technology, Infrastructure, andFunding (Tifs). Highlights include adding high-risk ANS to prohibited/restricted lists,
creating procedures to managed ballast water and hull fouling, standardizing stateand federal language regarding ballast water, increasing DAR’s capacity, testingand implementing new technologies for in-water cleaning for hulls of ships, andconducting risk assessments. See detailed list of all linkages in Appendix F.

Invasive seaweed smothers coral
reefs and damages reef habitats. If
prevention fails, limited tools exist forcontrolling the unwanted impactsof harmful marine and freshwater
species (PC: DLNR-DAR).
HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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Strategy 4
LARGE-SCALE CONTROLOF HIGH-IMPACT INVASIVE SPECIES

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Widespread invasive species like rats have far-reaching negative impacts including on public health,production of food crops, clean water, buildings and infrastructure, and native species. Some widespreadinvasive species, like rats, require larger, more comprehensive control efforts and public support for theneed to expand efforts (PC: Jared Clarke/BirdTheRock ).

STRATEGY TEAM & LEAD PARTNERS*: DLNR*, HDOA*, BIISC/ISCS, FWS

Objective: Implement at least one new large-scale control or eradication project for aninvasive species population with highly significant ecological, economic, and/or health impacts
in Hawai‘i, and build momentum for action on other widespread high-impact species (e.g.
mosquitoes, rats, marine algae).

Background

Hawaii‘s history of species introductions long precedes
our understanding of the impacts of invasive species
and the need for biosecurity measures. As a result,many species in Hawai‘i are widespread throughout
the state and are not well-suited to small-scale control
actions. Examples include rodents, mongoose, marine
algae, and mosquitoes. For control of such species,

14

new tools and technologies are required that can beapplied over large geographic scales. Because of thelarge number of established, non-native species in
Hawai‘i, the highest priority candidates for control are
species that have significant ecological, economic and/or health impacts and for which there are potential
tools that could result in meaningful, large-scale
control or eradication.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Key Actions
1.

Identify and prioritize at least five established invasive species (aquaticor terrestrial vertebrates, invertebrates or plants) with populations that havehighly significant ecological, economic and/or health impacts and wherelarge-scale projects could be implemented in the next 10 years (e.g. mosquitoes, rodents, marine algae).

2.

Research and identify tools, technologies, and methods that are proveneffective (or have high potential) for large-scale control or eradication of atleast three priority invasive species by 2021.

3.

Select first pilot/demonstration large-scale eradication project and identify political, regulatory, funding, social, cultural, and other barriers/opportunities to implementation with possible ways to reduce barriers and leverage
opportunities.

4.

Develop and implement a model community engagement plan (BMP) for
the first large scale control or eradication project(s) and make it available for
future large-scale projects. [link to Obj 7]

5.

Work with partners to implement at least one large-scale project andinitiate planning for at least one more.

6.

Ensure the large-scale impact is sustained, including regular monitoring
and follow-up. [link to Obj 6]

7.

Assist lead agencies to evaluate the large-scale project(s), including model
community engagement, evaluation and follow-through.

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HIBP Linkages: This Strategy addresses some critical HIBP tasks for Post-Border& Public Awareness Policy (Pol), Process (Pro), and Technology, Infrastructure, andFunding (Tifs). Highlights include funding new technologies for enhanced detection
and control of priority species and building community support for large-scale
control projects. See detailed list of all linkages in Appendix F.

Controlling certain types ofwidespread invasive species must be
done on a larger scale thanwhat is currently practiced. Working
together to plan and implement larger
control projects could help change
future outcomes for issues likemosquito-borne diseases that havedecimated Hawaii’s native forest birds
like this kiwikiu (PC: Maui Forest Bird
Recovery Project).
HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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Strategy 5
PACIFIC REGIONAL BIOCONTROL CENTER

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Under a Memorandum of Agreement, HDOA and the USDA Forest Service work together to provide
biocontrol research aimed at managing some of the harmful invasive plants and pests in Hawaii and thePacific, and USDA ARS provides some additional capacity. Even working together, these facilities lack thenecessary buildings, space, and equipment to meet the needs for addressing agricultural, ornamental, andforest pests and weeds (PC: CGAPS).

STRATEGY TEAM & LEAD PARTNERS*: HDOA*, USDA*, UH, DLNR, USGS

Objective: Increase the capacity and scope of biocontrol work in Hawai‘i by creating a
Pacific regional biocontrol center with planning for new facilities, base funding, and core
staff in place. With existing capacity, release biocontrol agents for at least three top priority
established invasive species (invertebrates, weeds, and/or pathogens) and annually assess,prioritize, and advance critical biocontrol projects.

Background

This Strategy aims to increase state capacity to reducethe impacts of certain types of widespread invasive
species through classical biocontrol methods -- findinga co-evolved natural enemy and testing to ensure it
does not impact native and economically importanttaxa. Increasing biocontrol capacity includes planning,
securing initial funds, and setting in motion theconstruction of facilities capable of housing multiple
simultaneous projects across the different taxonomic
groups. Biocontrol research and rearing for pests in
Hawai‘i and Pacific insular areas is currently conductedcollaboratively by USDA USFS and USDA ARS PBARC

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on Hawai‘i island and HDOA on O‘ahu, with some UH
research assistance. However, the USDA and HDOA
facilities are at the end of their life cycle and can only
work on a small fraction of the necessary projects
due to space and current containment capabilities.
UH and USDA ARS PBARC are similarly constrained.
Increasing biocontrol research capacity will protect
Hawai‘i, the mainland US and the Pacific region. At thesame time, our partners will continue to demonstrate
the value and effectiveness of classical biocontrol asa tool for managing widespread, established priority
invasive species.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Key Actions
1.

Build a broad coalition to support the building and long-term maintenanceof Pacific regional biocontrol facilities that can test potential classic
biocontrol organisms across different taxonomic groups.

2.

Develop a feasibility assessment for raising capacity of new Pacific regional
biocontrol facilities for Congressional delegates and agency use.

3.

Identify and secure lines of potential funding, site(s) and designs forclimate-resilient containment facilities, including options for natural
hazard mitigation . [link to Obj 6]

4.

Maintain and develop new regional and international partnerships tostrengthen regional biocontrol capacity and success of exploration missions.

5.

Secure funding and increase biocontrol staff for both state and federal
biocontrol projects. [link to Obj 6]

6.

Test at least eight biocontrol agents, and release five by 2025.

7.

Evaluate and harmonize the biocontrol regulatory process for greater
efficiency.

8.

Build and maintain public support for 21st century biocontrol practices. [linkto Obj 7]

9.

Measure effectiveness of released biocontrol agents over time (>5 years)
and track the number of biocontrol agents in pipeline and released annually.

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HIBP Linkages: This Strategy addresses some critical HIBP tasks for Post-Border
Policy (Pol), Process (Pro), and Technology, Infrastructure, and Funding (Tifs).
Highlights include securing funding for new state-of -the art biocontrol/containment
facilities, increasing the number of biocontrol scientists and support staff, andincreasing the yearly operating budget. See detailed list of all linkages in Appendix F.

In 2005, an invasive gall wasp was
found to be killing native and nonnative wili wili trees across the state.
HDOA’s exploratory entomologist
traveled to the native range of wili
wili and found a sesame-seed sized
wasp that controls the gall wasp
population. In 2008, it had passed
testing and was released, allowing thenative wiliwili to survive extinction(PC: Forest and Kim Starr)
HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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Strategy 6
INCREASED & DIVERSIFIED FUNDING FOR
INVASIVE SPECIES PRIORITIES

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Increasing funding at the county, state, federal, and private levels is critical to continuing to
implement the HIBP and stay on target for the 10 year commitment for “more biosecure Hawai‘i by 2027”(PC: Hawai‘i State Capitol).

STRATEGY TEAM & LEAD PARTNERS*: HISC*, MISC/ISC, DAR

Objective: Increase & diversify funding for invasive species priorities to secure at least $100M
annually through county, state, federal, regional, and private sources, including $90M for
operational and personnel requirements and $10M for essential facilities.

BackgroundThe core concept of the Hawai‘i Interagency
Biosecurity Plan is that investments in Hawaii‘sbiosecurity programs must be substantially increasedusing a holistic approach that strengthens the essential,
complementary programs that exist across multiple
agencies and partnerships.
In 2015 the Legislative Reference Bureau conducteda survey of invasive species programs in Hawai‘iand estimated that $57M in state, federal, county,
and private funds were being expended annually.
Approximately $40M/year in additional support
is needed to implement the Hawai‘i Interagency
Biosecurity Plan, including operating, personnel,
and infrastructure costs for most of the 147 specificactions. To meet this critical need, HISC & CGAPS will
work together to diversify the mix of state, federal,

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county and private partners supporting invasive
species programs across the state and increase total
funding to roughly $100M annually.
Managing invasive species is a highly dynamic
process. HIBP priorities form the foundation for thisprojected funding target, but funding for priority
actions in this Joint Strategy or agreed by the CGAPS
and HISC Networks can also be “counted”, even if
they are not specified in the HIBP. To ensure costeffective investments, this Strategy calls for a clear,outcome-oriented programmatic/CIP case to support
any funding request. The $100M annual target
also includes $10M in CIP funding to support initial
work on essential facilities – biocontrol, inspection,
biocontainment (following HDOA pilot program
model).

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Key Actions
1.

Work with a diverse group of advocates to increase State general funds to
DLNR, HDOA, UH, HDOH and HDOT for implementing HIBP actions (e.g.
staff, electronic databases, adopting new technologies).

2.

Secure additional HISC project funding to support specific critical new
initiatives in the HIBP and 2025 Strategy, including risk assessments.

3.

Secure a funding mechanism (public and/or private) to provide at least $1
million annually for emergency response to new terrestrial or aquatic
incursions.

4.

Increase annual support from all four counties to ensure stable andeffective Invasive Species Committees (ISCs), ROD response and otherpriority invasive projects.

5.

Double private discretionary funding to support CGAPS’ ongoing and newinvasive species initiatives. (estimated at $700K per year) [link to Obj 10]

6.

Build a relationship with visitor industry decision-makers and develop
mutually beneficial projects.

7.

Investigate existing and new lines of federal funding for invasive species
work.

8.

Identify invasive species management as a priority use for DLNR’s forest
carbon offset program and secure annual commitment in addition to annual
appropriations to HISC funds and Watershed Partnership Program Grants.

9.

Secure capital funding for essential facilities. [link to Obj 5]

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10. Repeat funding analysis conducted by LRB in 2015 to assess progress.

HIBP Linkages: This Strategy addresses some critical HIBP tasks for Border,
Post-Border & Public Awareness Policy (Pol), Process (Pro), and Technology,
Infrastructure, and Funding (Tifs). Highlights include developing an “emergency
response task force”, allocating money to an emergency response fund for new
pest incursions, and securing funding for a new biocontrol/containment facility. See
detailed list of all linkages in Appendix F.

County funding for programs like the
ISCs and HAL are essential to provide
stable, year-round funding forisland control and eradication of
incipient pests like Miconia (above)and little fire ants (PC: OISC).

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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Strategy 7
ENGAGED & SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

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Community engagement is vital to the success of these strategies. Coordinated investments in, and focus
on engaging the community in protecting Hawaii from the impacts of invasive species and perpetuatingisland resources is necessary. Ambyr Mokiao-Lee, Statewide Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death Outreach Specialist, is partof a team that engages communities in understanding and protecting ‘Ōhi‘a forests (PC: UH-CTAHR).

STRATEGY TEAM & LEAD PARTNERS*: CGAPS*, DLNR DAR, BIISC/ISCS

Objective: Raise or maintain strong awareness and support (70%+ in polls) for key invasive
species issues and expand, diversify and mobilize a network of allies to achieve 2025 Joint
Strategies.

BackgroundThe need for diverse, multi-sector community support
was the most common priority identified by partners at
the statewide planning meeting. This included support
for funding, policy, current control programs, volunteer
work, new techniques and sometimes controversial
or poorly understood approaches (e.g. herbicides,
biocontrol, feral cat management). Community is
broadly defined to include residents, landowners,
visitors, tourism sector, legislators and other elected
officials, agencies, businesses, Hawaiian community,science community, and others. The ROD outreachcampaign is an outstanding example of the importanceof effective communications to empower invasive
species management.

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Work on this strategy will support implementationof all the Joint 2025 Strategies. Teams working onterrestrial and aquatic invasives at any level (prevention,
ED/RR, large-scale control, biocontrol or funding) can
use this strategy to guide their use of communications
to effectively advance their outcomes. Strategic
communications and social marketing are special
communication tools that can motivate targetedgroups to take important actions. The capacity
to apply these new tools will be developed within
our networks over the next five years. Ideally, ourcommunications work will include opportunities towork across agencies, ecosystems and other “silos”.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Key Actions
1.

Provide quality, timely, accessible information to community, decisionmakers and allies.

2.

Develop resonant/targeted messages (related to the core values of theaudiences) and use effective methods/channels to help key audiences:ovalue Hawaii’s natural environment, agriculture, economy, and thehealth, lifestyle, and culture of its peopleounderstand the threats posed by invasive species and related
compounding issues, such as climate changeorespond to a call to action to address these threats.

3.

Increase adoption of specific biosecurity behaviors at ports of entry,
especially airports. [link to Objectives 1 & 2]

4.

Identify and engage influencers in different sectors, industries, and groups
who can champion invasive species priorities.

5.

Increase CGAPS & partner understanding and use of social science andraise capacity for the effective use of social science concepts and social
marketing for invasive species messages.

6.

Increase political will to support policy and funding needs.

7.

Coordinate statewide or regional strategies and messages across leadagencies and partners; provide communications/coordination support foragencies and partners for key issues.

8.

Evaluate effectiveness of communications periodically and use theselessons to improve future initiatives.

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HIBP Linkages: This Strategy addresses some critical HIBP tasks for Public
Awareness Policy (Pol), Process (Pro), and Technology, Infrastructure, and Funding(Tifs). Highlights include coordinating shared messaging with partners, utilizing
existing and new media outlets to disseminate information, providing regular
updates to lawmakers on successes. See detailed list of all linkages in Appendix F.

‘Ōhi‘a forests are essential forwater collection and recharging
our freshwater supplies. Sharing
important facts like this with people
is just one of the ways outreachspecialists communicate theimportance of invasive species workin Hawai‘i (PC: J. Atwood).
HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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Strategy 8
HISC ENGAGEMENT ACROSS SECTORS

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Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Month in February celebrates invasive species work across the state, including
work by volunteers and the public. HISAM awardees are recognized by the Governor, HISC Council, and theircounty’s legislators. (PC: Office of Governor Ige)

STRATEGY TEAM & LEAD PARTNERS*: HISC*, COUNCIL MEMBERS OR DESIGNEES, HISC WORKING GROUP CHAIRSObjective: Improve HISC’s engagement and support across key sectors (agriculture,conservation, economy, health, tourism, transportation, and culture/way of life) and systems(terrestrial and aquatic), as measured by engagement in HISC activities and effective use of
HISC tools (e.g., funding, policy resolutions, testimony).

Background

HISC is the official state interagency coordinating
body engaged in invasive species or biosecurity
efforts. Legislation placed HISC within DLNR “foradministrative purposes only,” without emphasis on
any of HISC’s constituent agencies or sectors. Since
HISC staff are housed by DLNR’s Division of Forestry
and Wildlife, there is a perceived (and perhaps real)
bias to focus on invasive species issues important for
terrestrial conservation. This unintentional focus may
reduce attention to invasive species issues in othersectors, including aquatics, agriculture, economy,
health, tourism, transportation, Hawaiian culture and22

way of life. While developing this strategy, many felt
this bias may occur across HISC activities and tools,
including funding allocations, policy resolutions, andtestimony on invasive species legislation.
The key actions below will improve HISC’sengagement and support across the full breadth of
sectors addressed by HISC’s constituent agencies.
As part of this strategy, HISC staff will also create a
tracking system that quantifies engagement acrosssectors for all HISC tools. We will develop a baseline of
sectoral engagement by examining efforts leading up
to the 2020-2025 Strategy and then quantify changes
during the implementation of this strategy.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Key Actions
1.

Formalize and establish liaison roles within each agency to identify
priorities that HISC can actively support (e.g., policies, resolutions, strategies,
projects, research questions, communications, joint workday opportunities).

2.

Improve engagement and interaction with HISC Council members.

3.

Submit HISC testimony on bills that are important invasive species
priorities, as requested by Council members. (Historically, HISC regularly
testified on bills within DLNR’s scope. By 2025, the staff hopes to work moreclosely with all its member agencies on legislative priorities.)

4.

Review and reconvene HISC Working Groups to reflect 2025 strategies
and address balance amongst sectors.

5.

Increase participation in Hawai‘i Invasive Species Awareness Monthacross all sectors.

6.

Develop and use a tracking system to assess balance across sectors for
HISC tools (e.g., quantifying the number of resolutions, testimonies, funded
projects relevant to each sector).

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No HIBP linkages

HISC will work with state agency
representatives to achieve better balanceacross sectors. For example, reengaging
with HDOT to manage invasive albizia
along roadways. (PC: HISC)
HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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Strategy 9
STRONG CGAPS NETWORK

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Strengthening the CGAPS network looks to engage new partners that can help move projects forward,
like working with vessel operators, UH, HDOT, USCG, DLNR DAR, NOAA, and other agencies to address
ballast water and biofouling.

STRATEGY TEAM & LEAD PARTNERS*: CGAPS*, STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Objective: Include representatives across the diverse invasive species community of practicein the CGAPS Network and actively engage all partners needed to implement this 2025 Joint
Strategy statewide.

Background

This objective is founded on the original goal of CGAPS, which is to bring together people in agencies, nongovernment organizations, and stakeholders to collaborate on and catalyze action to address invasive species
issues. This strategy aims to further expand the CGAPS network and deepen CGAPS’ recognition andreputation as a valuable source of information, respected catalyst for action on critical gaps in invasive species
management, and convener of the invasive species community of practice.

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HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Key Actions
1.

Continue to engage and support CGAPS partners by assessing andimproving current network communications, including general meetings,
list-serve, website, information sharing and other network activities.

2.

Provide and socialize a simple description of what CGAPS does and how it
relates to HISC with all CGAPS participants, especially Steering Committee
members.

3.

Challenge the CGAPS Steering Committee to actively lead, implement
and/or support elements of the 2025 Joint Strategies (Objectives and/or Key
Actions) most relevant to their positions and agencies.

4.

Identify and recruit additional public and private sector partners needed
to implement the 2025 Joint Strategies, using various meeting formats,venues and other engagement mechanisms. Potential additions identified bypartners include:
o
o
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o

5.

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HTA & visitor industry (key partners for Prevention & Movement)

Nursery, horticulture & food industries (key partners for Prevention &Movement)
NOAA & USCG (key partners for Aquatic Biosecurity)

Department of Defense (strengthen existing partnership, key for
Prevention, Movement & Aquatics)
Governor’s Cabinet (strengthen existing partnership for all Joint
Strategies)

Watershed Partnerships & private landowners (strengthen existing
partnership, especially for Movement & Large-Scale Management)

County governments (expand existing partnership; key for Movement,
Aquatics & Large-Scale Management
Micronesia & Pacific islands (key partners for Prevention)

Track member participation and periodically gather input on theirsatisfaction with the CGAPS network and opportunities for adaptive
management.

No HIBP linkages

Addressing some biosecurity issues
require national and international
partnerships, including testing
technologies that can address the riskof biofouling while protecting cleanwater and improving vessel
efficiency.
HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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Strategy 10
STABLE CGAPS FUNDING & STAFFING

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CGAPS staff have built relationships with decision makers, providing a conduit to communicate priority
issues and needs. This strategy is aimed at building support to continue these important functions. (PC: CGAPS).

STRATEGY TEAM & LEAD PARTNERS*: CGAPS*, STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Objective: Secure committed consistent annual contributions from CGAPS partners to provide
core support for two staff and core operations (est $250K per year, not including project funds).

Background

The partner and stakeholder interviews revealed that
CGAPS is highly valued for its professional services,
trusted reputation and track record for successfully
identifying and eliminating major invasive species
management “gaps” (Appendix C). Partners also
expressed concern for the long-term sustainability ofthis important network, which still depends on grantfunding for roughly 75% of its annual income. Since
the first CGAPS staff was hired in 2001, at least one
CGAPS staff has been continually funded throughgrants and other “soft” funds from a variety of state,federal, and private sources. This model of multiple
sources of funding has been successful over theyears, even when funding amounts and sources haveshifted between partner agencies. Starting in 2012,

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HMLF’s strategic ten-year partnership with CGAPS
made it possible to grow CGAPS’ capacity to launch
and maintain critical new initiatives, such as the ROD
and Legal Fellows programs. However, the HMLF
partnership is due to end or change after 2021. This
strategy recognizes the critical importance of the
CGAPS Steering Committee members providing
reliable funding from their agencies to support at least
two CGAPS staff and core operations. This level ofcore funding will probably require an increase in thenumber of contributing partners and possibly thelevel of funding. In the next five years, it is criticalto stabilize the CGAPS funding base and ensure
continuity of its key roles, while continuing to secure
grants for new and short-term initiatives.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Key Actions
1.

Review CGAPS funding needs with Steering Committee and request/
secure annual contribution commitments from all members.

2.

Work with the CGAPS Steering Committee to assess the potential corefunding mechanisms, contributors, and amounts to ensure CGAPS financial
security and continuity after 2021 (when HMLF 10-year commitment ends).

3.

Secure additional annual commitments from active CGAPS partners
outside the Steering Committee.

4.

Complete the first ten years of partnership with HMLF and agree on future
partnership priorities by 2021.

5.

Present CGAPS “value proposition” and funding needs to the Environmental
Funders Group to seek core funding and/or project support.

6.

Explore feasibility of permanent funding for one CGAPS position in apartner institution’s budget (e.g. faculty specialist at UH).

7.

Provide annual CGAPS budget and financial report to Steering
Committee, especially tracking core support from partners.

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Since the formation of CGAPS in 1997,
one of the primary goals has been to bringagencies and NGOs together to facilitatecommunication and collaborations, and to
catalyze change. Stable funding for core
staff enables the relationship building,trust, and consistency that are thecornerstones for effective partnerships(PC: KMWP).
HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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Project BackgroundInvasive species are the single greatest threat to Hawai‘i’s economy, natural environment, and thehealth and lifestyle of Hawai‘i’s people and visitors (LRB 2015).
Across the islands, invasive species have devastating
impacts on agriculture and local food self-sufficiency,
replace native ecosystems, diminish freshwater quality
and quantity, and increase disease and other humanhealth concerns. They are found on land, in streams
and throughout our coastal waters. The movementof invasive species globally continues to increase, as
commerce and transportation expand, and climatechange opens new pathways.

costly, and often irreversible, impacts of invasive
species. Because invasive species impact many
sectors, prevention and management requires strong,collaborative planning among diverse stakeholders.
This Strategy was developed through a broad,participatory process with the full CGAPS and HISC
networks, and officially approved by the leaders of
all six HISC state agencies and the CGAPS Steering
Committee. Hawaii’s collaborative invasive species
approach is often recognized as a model and leader byother jurisdictions.

This HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy calls foraccelerated action to protect Hawai‘i from the

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A. Invasive Species in Hawai‘i
The Hawaiian Archipelago is the most isolatedgroup of islands in the world, located over
3,700 kilometers (2,500 miles) from the nearest
continental landmass.

US & Global Hotspot
for Invasion & Extinction

Prior to human arrival, this extreme geographic isolation
meant that one new species arrived roughly every 35,000
years (Ziegler 2002, Loope 1998, MacDonald 1983), andeach new arrival created a marvelous array of uniquespecies known only from Hawai‘i. Many of these uniquely
Hawaiian species lost defense mechanisms no longer
required in an environment lacking any land mammals,
reptiles or amphibians to eat or trample them. As a result,
Hawai‘i is a biodiversity hotspot with an estimated 90%
endemism among native flora and fauna (Wagner et al.
2012).

Hawai‘i represents only 0.2% of the total U.S. landarea, yet our small islands are home to:

The Polynesians first settled in Hawai‘i around 1200 AD,
bringing an estimated 33 plant species and several newland mammals, including Polynesian pigs and Pacificrats (Duffy & Martin 2019, Kirch 2011). With the arrival of
Captain Cook in 1778, transportation of people and goods
to the islands increased dramatically.

Invasive species threaten almost all these at-risk
species directly or through habitat degradation.

•

10,000 endemic plants and animals•

more than 30% of all threatened or
endangered taxa in the USA•

45% of US threatened or endangered plants•

75% of all the animal and plant species
documented as extinct in the country

Today, Hawai‘i is one of the most invaded locations worldwide (Dawson et al. 2017). Hawaii’s role as a hub for travel,
commerce and military transport is a major contributor to its vulnerability to alien species incursions (Messing & Wright2006). It is estimated that one new species is established in Hawai‘i every 18 days (DLNR 2010). An assessment ofincoming air cargo at Kahului Airport intercepted a daily average of one new insect or plant disease species that was notknown to occur in Hawai‘i (HDOA 2002). These are much higher rates than other states in the USA (OTA 1993).

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HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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Figure 2. Shipping routes across the Pacific Ocean. Hawai‘i = orange triangle.
Image from marinevesseltraffic.com

Just three examples of established invasive species that cause serious economic andenvironmental damage in Hawai‘i are:»»»Formosan subterranean termite - nearly $100 million yearly in damage, prevention, repair and treatment
costs (Grace et al. 2002).
Miconia, an escaped, aggressive landscape plant - approximately $700 million yearly in damages
from impacts to water recharge and native bird habitat (Burnett et al. 2007).

Little fire ant (LFA), first detected on Hawai‘i Island in 1999 - roughly $200 million yearly in damages toagriculture, nurseries, residents and other sectors on Hawai‘i Island alone, (DLNR 2017, Motoki et al. 2013).
Only active detection and control are preventing similar infestations on the other islands.

Estimated Annual Damages/Cost($ millions of dollars)$2,000$2.14 B

$1,500$1,000$672 M

$500

$0

Brown
Tree Snake

Miconia$200 M$194 M$100 MRed Imported
Fire Ant

Little Fire Ant(HI County)

Est. Statewide
Prevention/
Control Cost

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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And there are many new invaders that could cause even more serious harm in Hawai‘i, including:»

The brown tree snake in Guam causes power outages, decimates native bird populations, and even bites
humans. Estimated economic impact in Hawai‘i is $593 million to $2.14 billion annually from lost tourism
revenue, infrastructure damage, and medical and other costs (Shwiff et al. 2010).

»

Africanized honeybees (AHB) are established on mainland USA, where they cause human deaths andextensive economic damage. AHB in Hawai‘i would directly affect the Hawai‘i beekeeping industry (over$220 million annually in honey production, queen bee production and pollination), and could seriously
affect tourism (USDA 2017).

»

The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is extremely aggressive, posing a serious threat to human health. If
established in Hawai‘i, RIFA could cause a potential $200 million annually in damages to tourism andagricultural sectors (DLNR 2017, Gutrich et al 2007).

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(From left to right) Brown treesnake, Miconia, and Africanized Honeybees.
Photo Credit: USDA, OISC, University of Alabama

The risk of invasive species introductions to Hawai‘i
via modern air and sea transportation pathways has
increased exponentially due to our dependence on
imports and tourism. Hawai‘i imports about 80%
of consumer goods (food, clothing, automobiles,
construction supplies, machinery, medical supplies,etc.), and over 98% of imported goods are transported
by maritime systems, with the remainder coming via air
cargo (Laney 2007).

In 2017 the state received more than 9.4 million
visitors (air and cruise ships), setting a new record for
visitor arrivals and visitor spending (HTA 2017). During
the same year, the state had over one million aircraft
operations, landings and take offs (HDOT 2019). Hawai‘i
Department of Transportation (HDOT) reported that596,111 containers were processed through Hawaii’s
seaports in FY2017. Each of these arrivals and shipments
provides a new opportunity for the introduction ofinvasive species.
Hawaii’s large military presence also contributes
significantly to the state’s economy. However, the highvolume of military transport is believed to be anothermajor pathway for invasive species introductions (OTA
1993).

30

Climate change will radically affect how we address
invasive species in the coming decades. Climate change
impacts include rising temperatures, changes in rainfall,rising sea levels and temperatures, increased frequencyof storms and land use changes. Range expansions
are already being observed for some of Hawaii’s mostdamaging species. For example, mosquitoes are moving
into higher elevation forests, where many of Hawaii’s
rarest native birds found refuge from the mosquitoborne avian malaria that devastated their populations atlower elevations (Liao et al. 2017).
Research has shown the effects of climate change andinvasive species are often synergistic, with devastatingconsequences. For example, climate change increases
severe weather events such as Hurricane Iselle, whichbattered the east side of Hawai‘i Island in August 2014.
Approximately 90% of the downed trees following
this storm were invasive Albizia, a fast growing, tall but
brittle tree that towers up to 200 feet above homes androadsides. During Iselle, the trees came down en masse
taking out power, isolating communities by blocking
roads, and complicating and prolonging cleanup andrelief efforts. The downed trees also greatly increased
the cost of responding to this natural disaster (USGCRP
2018).

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

B. Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan
The Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan (HIBP) is a multidisciplinary
strategy to manage all risks from invasive species, including impacts toagriculture, natural resources, human health, transportation, business,
culture, and more. The HIBP directly addresses pre-border, border andpost-border biosecurity actions, as well as relevant public engagement.
Led and approved by HDOA and endorsed by HISC and all its member agencies,
the HIBP gives special attention to addressing the loss of civil service personnel
and funding for biosecurity following the 2008 economic downturn, at the sametime that incoming cargo and passengers were dramatically increasing. Based on
extensive government and public consultation, the HIBP identifies 147 actions to betaken by state agencies and partners between 2017 and 2027. Governor David Ige
highlighted the HIBP internationally as part of his Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative at the2016 World Conservation Congress.

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In January 2017, the HIBP was launched as a 10-year multi-agency plan to work towards “a more biosecure
Hawaii” by addressing four key areas:»

Prevent transport of invasive species to Hawai‘i»

Detect and control pests and diseases at ports of entry»

Protect Hawai‘i from invasive species already in the state»

Enhance public awareness and support for Hawai‘i biosecurity

Since its release, the HIBP has been the primary guiding document for state, federal and regional actions,
including:»

New state legislation, policy and funding by both legislators and the executive branch»

Requests to federal agencies and congressional delegates on shared biosecurity policies»

Governor Ige’s Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative»

Tracking progress on implementing invasive species goals of the Aloha+ Challenge»

The Western Governors’ Association’s Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative starting in 2018 under thechairmanship of Hawai‘i Governor David Ige (WGA 2019).

HISC tracks progress on the HIBP
semi-annually based on lead agency
updates for all 147 actions. As ofJanuary 2020, more than half (57%)
of the actions were completed orunderway (Figure 4). Most of theseactions were addressed with existing
staffing and funding. Only 22 newpositions were added across multiple
agencies, far short of the 2019 targetof roughly 60 new positions.

43%

not yet started

Figure 4. HIBP Progress 2020 57% of HIBP actions
have been initiated, ongoing in perputuity orcompleted as of January 2020.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

31%

completed or
ongoing30%

or 10-yrtimeline passed

26%

in progress

31

C. HISC Role & Accomplishments
The Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council (HISC) is a state interdepartmental collaboration establishedin 2003 by Hawaii’s State Legislature.
HISC’s members are cabinet-level decisionmakers representing six state departments - Department of Land andNatural Resources (DLNR, Co-chair, administrative host), Department of Agriculture (HDOA, Co-chair), Department of
Health (DOH), Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT), Department of Transportation(HDOT), and the University of Hawai‘i (UH). HISC was created by Chapter 194, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS), toprovide policy level direction, coordination, and planning among state departments, federal agencies, and international
and local initiatives for the control and eradication of harmful invasive species infestations throughout the state and forpreventing the introduction of other invasive species that may be potentially harmful.

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In addition to interagency direction and coordination, HISC collaboratively develops an annual interagency spending
plan with funds allocated by the State Legislature to support projects that fill gaps between agency mandates orexisting agency programs, and/or advance our collective knowledge and tools through research and innovation.
These funds strategically build upon existing departmental programs to quickly and effectively address new invasive
species threats.

Most of HISC’s achievements over the past five years focused on working with partners to develop and implement the
147 action items identified in the HIBP. Highlights include:

32»

Awarded over $20.5 million in HISC funding to support projects focused on invasive species in prevention,
research, outreach, and control.

»

The State Legislature increased HISC base (recurring) budget by $1 million in 2019, bringing the annual HISC
appropriation to $5.75 million.

»

Seven HISC resolutions approved to address key issues requiring collaboration across state departments,
including support for keeping cats indoors and the use of the best available science in regulation of herbicides.

»

Hosted 7 years of Hawai‘i Invasive Species Awareness Week/Month (2013 – 2019). In 2018, the Governor
declared February as Hawai‘i Invasive Species Awareness Month.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

From left to right: Panelist, Vernon Harrington, Mark Fox, and Josh Atwood speak
about Biosecurity and Invasive Species at the WGA Workshop on Hawai‘i Island
Photo Credit: CGAPS

»

»

»

»
»

»

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Advised Governor‘s Biosecurity and Invasive
Species Initiative as Chair of the Western
Governors Association (WGA). Launchedin 2018, WGA brought regional and national
attention to Hawaii’s biosecurity plan and issues,
resulting in creation of a Western Invasive Species
Council and politicalsupport for a new PacificRegional Biocontrol Facility.

Additional achievements can be found in the2015-2019 HISC and HIBP Accomplishments Report(Appendix D).
Important lessons learned from implementing the
HIBP include:»

Institutional change is hard. For example, efforts toinstitutionalize and provide stable funding for two
key programs (the five island-based Invasive Species
Committees [ISCs] and Hawai‘i Ant Lab [HAL]) under
the University system are ongoing, but little progresshas been made to date.

»

The proposal to create a Hawai‘i Invasive Species
Authority was introduced to the Legislature for three
years but was not approved. Perceptions varied
about how the Authority would function and how it
would relate to existing agency programs. Focus has
shifted to increasing the base capacity of existing
programs at each agency.

»

Positions are much harder to secure than operational
funding. While many HIBP recommendations for
new general and CIP funds have been funded,
progress on increasing essential position counts
has been slow. Positions that have been added
include restoration of DOH Vector Control in
response to outbreaks, new specialists at HDOA
Plant Quarantine, and new extension agents at UH
CTAHR.

»

Umbrellas come in handy. The HIBP has provena very useful tool to provide larger context forindividual policy and resource requests. It also
appears, anecdotally, to enhance understanding thatfunding for invasive species programs at different
agencies are complementary.

Assisted with establishinginteragency support for
the Landscape-scale
Mosquito Working Group.
Developed and released
the Statewide Albizia
Strategic Plan with
objectives and actions
to control and mitigate
hazards from the invasive
tree.

Developed and launched 643-PEST mobile app
and 643pest.org in coordination with HDOA
Hosted the Biosecurity Forum at the beginningof the new legislative session in 2018 and 2019
to update legislators on HIBP progress and next
steps.
Launched the interagency Māmalu Poepoe
airports biosecurity program at the directionof DOT, DOH, and HDOA. Māmalu Poepoe
deployed new traps at airports for high-risk
species, including coconut rhinoceros beetle(CRB), mosquitoes, ants, and Africanizedhoneybees.

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CGAPS legal fellows work alongside state departments like HDOA to address some of the most pressing policy issues like
restricting the domestic importation of Myrtaceae species (PC: CGAPS).

D. CGAPS Role & Accomplishments

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Launched in 1995, the Coordinating Group for Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) was the first voluntarycollaboration of state, federal, county, non-government organization (NGO), and private sector experts
and managers working together to close the gaps in Hawaii’s biosecurity programs.
Together, they coordinate and catalyze action onstatewide invasive species priorities and communicate
key issues to the public. CGAPS addresses the fullrange of actions from prevention and early detection/
rapid response (ED/RR) to long-term control ofterrestrial and aquatic invasive species.
Twenty-five years old and still growing, CGAPS works
with a wide array of active partner organizations
statewide. CGAPS’ critical roles include:

34»

identify collective priorities on invasive species
challenges and critical gaps»

catalyze collaborative, effective and long-term
actions for Hawaii’s most destructive invasive
species»convene and coordinate information-sharing
across diverse partner organizations»

develop core messages to share with decisionmakers and the public»

facilitate inter-agency relationships and engage
new partners needed to advance key initiatives.

CGAPS is led by a Steering Committee of 12 partner
representatives, and all partners are encouraged toparticipate in quarterly meetings to share information,
foster collaborations, flag challenges, and coordinate
public awareness initiatives. HISC is first among
CGAPS leading partners, working together seamlessly
to mobilize and leverage government, NGO and private
sector efforts for maximum impact and sustainability.
CGAPS often provides statewide leadership andexpertise on targeted communications to ensure
strong public and political support for invasive species
actions. Since 2012, CGAPS has focused particularly
on prevention and early detection/rapid response
supported by a special ten-year partnership with theHau‘oli Mau Loa Foundation, which will be revisited in
2021.

“Gaps” constitute priority issues that no agency has authority
or resources to accomplish within its own purview. For example,
aquatic biosecurity is a critical gap that was identified in the last
five years and is being addressed through legislation, policy, newprograms and staffing.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity PlanCGAPS Coordinator and Club Sullivan received Emmy’s for the documentary film highlighting the importance of ‘ōhi‘aand impacts of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death in “Saving ‘ōhi‘a” (PC: CGAPS).

TFOver the last five years, CGAPS spearheaded significant outcomes on almost all the priorities in its 2015-2019
strategic plan. Highlights include:
»

»

»

»
»

Led statewide outreach and coordinated planning
to prevent spread of Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death (ROD);
reached approximately 750,000 people statewide
with Emmy award-winning documentary Saving‘Ōhi‘a.

»Assisted ISCs and others to limit the spread ofpriority pests, such as little fire ant (LFA), coquifrog, coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) and ROD,
including five joint annual Stop the Ant Monthstatewide campaigns.

Launched multi-agency collaboration tounderstand and address marine biosecurity
threats, including successful input to key policies(federal, state and international) on ballast water,
biofouling and in-water vessel hull cleaning.

»

Helped DLNR and USFWS launch a new statewide
Mosquito Working Group to pursue expanded
control options.

»

Spearheaded risk assessments for hundredsof species and contracted research on priority
species not known to occur (NKO) in Hawai‘i toguide prevention and ED/RR preparation.

»

Guided the CGAPS Legal Fellows program toprovide expertise to state agencies on regulations
and policies for harmful plant and animal imports,
emergency declarations, marine biosecurity andother issues.

»

Partnered with HISC and others to launch thefirst Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan at the2016 World Conservation Congress and begin
implementing and tracking progress.

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Initiated scoping for a new Pacific Regional
Biocontrol Facility with key state and federal
partners, including Hawaii’s Congressionaldelegation.

Helped HDOA reinstate and expand the detector
dog program.

Supported HDOA and APHIS initiatives tostrengthen quarantine and inspection, including
e-manifest system and landmark Myrtle restriction
package for federal protection.

More significant achievements can be found in the Progress Report on the 2015 – 2019 CGAPS Strategic Plan (Appendix D).
All of this was accomplishedby two professional staff
coordinating all CGAPS projects
and deliverables. All CGAPS
positions are fully or partiallygrant-funded each year, sobuilding a more secure financial
foundation for the Group is apriority in this plan.
Reflecting on CGAPS’ last five
years, some important lessons
emerged:1.

CGAPS’ best role is to identify criticalneeds/gaps and initiate action/scoping/
research to help partner agencies
update policy and build capacity for
ongoing action.

2.

Hawaii’s Invasive Species Committees(ISC), Watershed Partnerships (WP),
Hawai‘i Ant Lab (HAL) and otherNGOs play critical roles in this work.
Government agencies cannot do thiswork alone, nor can NGOs do this workwithout agencies.

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

3.

The 2013 Tabletop After Action Reportand informal ED/RR evaluations revealed
key gaps in authorities, policy, procedure,
emergency funding & leadership-level
decision support tools/structures to guideeffective responses to new invasions.

4.

All new initiatives and many existing
programs need significantly morecapacity and policy actions to beeffective. All must have data and risk
management-driven targets that support
a SMART long-term goal. We could also
benefit from more capacity in data andrisk manage.
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Stakeholders gather to provide input on the draft HISC & CGAPS 2025 Strategy
Photo Credit: Randy Bartlett

Taking Action & Measuring SuccessA
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This HISC/CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan reflects
the ongoing, effective collaboration of state, federal, NGO, business and community partners to achieve
the shared vision of “Hawai‘i’s natural environment, agriculture, economy, and the health, lifestyle, andculture of its people are protected from the impacts of invasive species.”
It builds on CGAPS’ 25-year track record for
effective action, successful network-building, andlessons learned and 17 years of state leadership andcoordination through the HISC.

Already, many of the joint strategies are being
implemented by committed partners across thearchipelago. Leadership for this work is strong, andten agencies and organizations stepped up to co-leadthe ten Strategy Teams. Each team will implement andadapt the workplan for their strategy (Appendix G),
including identifying and tracking practical measures
to assess their effectiveness and progress. As muchas possible, this monitoring will use data and protocols
already in place to avoid new data gathering, which canbe difficult and costly to maintain.

HISC and CGAPS will continue to meet, makedecisions and manage their operations independently,
according to their unique mandates and protocols.
Each will also focus on the different organizational
development needs and strategies identified throughthis planning process. However, HISC/CGAPS 2025
will help both networks restructure and energize theirworking groups, bringing them together and recruiting
new partners where appropriate.
Finally, HISC/CGAPS 2025 provides a clear roadmap
to guide invasive species priorities and partners
statewide. Together, our two networks will assess
progress, identify critical gaps, and adapt workplans
annually. We will also actively capture and sharelessons learned to continually improve our collective
impact.

Key Contacts
Christy Martin
CGAPS Public Info Officer
christym@rocketmail.com
www.cgaps.org

36

Josh Atwood
HISC Program Supervisor
Joshua.P.Atwood@hawaii.gov
http://hisc.hawaii.gov

Chelsea Arnott
HISC Planner
Chelsea.L.Arnott@hawaii.gov
http://hisc.hawaii.gov

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Acknowledgements
Invasive species work in Hawai‘i requires a complex but highly functional set of stakeholders andpartners working together across different organizational and geographic boundaries.
The HIBP demonstrated the importance and value ofprioritizing biosecurity needs and working together toimplement those priorities. This HISC/CGAPS 2025
strategy builds on this successful HIBP collaboration by
engaging a broad and diverse coalition of stakeholders
engaged in invasive species work across Hawai‘i, toagain prioritize our collective energy, action, and voices
to implement the highest HIBP priorities.

»

Kevin Hoffman (HDOA) & Gen Devine (DAR) for
Prevention & Early Detection/Rapid Response»

Jules Kuo (DAR) & Jon Sprague (Pūlama Lāna‘i) forInter/Intra-island Movement»

Will Weaver (KMWP) & Emma Anders (HCA) for
Landscape-scale Eradication

HISC and CGAPS wish to acknowledge the many
partners and stakeholders who helped develop
this strategy, coming together through a variety offorums (Appendix C). We are especially gratefulfor the HISC Planning Team and CGAPS Steering
Committee members for sharing their expertise during
the statewide and special planning meetings (Table1). HISC’s six Council members also provided criticalpolitical support and guidance for this collaborative
process, committing their agencies to take leadershipand action on the strategies core to their mandates.

»

Darcy Oishi (HDOA) & Rob Hauff (DOFAW) for
Biocontrol»

Mark Fox (TNC) & Brant Chillingworth (HMLF) for
Diversified Funding

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This strategic planning process was made possible
by CGAPS’ long-term partnership with the Hau‘oli
Mau Loa Foundation (HMLF). In addition to theirgenerous support, HMLF Senior Program Officer Brant
Chillingworth and Executive Director Janis Reischmannshared valuable insights and history to help strengthen
the plan and the statewide partnership.
For the priority strategies developed at the statewide
meeting, knowledgeable partners volunteered toreview early drafts and provide critical input. Our
sincere thanks to:

The Core Team for this strategic planning effort was
led by Christy Martin (CGAPS) and Josh Atwood(HISC) with outstanding staff support by Chelsea
Arnott (HISC) and Lara Reynolds (CGAPS). Audrey
Newman, Conservation & Sustainability Advisor, led
the process design, facilitation and drafting of this plan.
This strategy reflects their deep expertise, seamless
teamwork and clear commitment to collaboration.
Sheila Sarhangi from Cause Consulting was a specialCore Team member to provide early input on strategic
communications. Sincere thanks also are due to HISC
support staff - Randy Bartlett, Leyla Kaufman, andElizabeth Speith – for their facilitation and logistics
assistance at the statewide meeting.

We are deeply grateful for the outstanding, active
engagement by so many invasive species stakeholders
to develop these shared strategies for our next five
years of collaborative work. Most of all, we arethankful for the partners who are leading action onthese strategies and their commitment to implementing
the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan.

Table 1. CGAPS & HISC Planning Team Partners & Leaders
Name

AgencyRole

Adam Radford

MISC

CGAPS Steering Committee

Angela Kieran-Vast

NAVFACCGAPS Steering Committee

Audrey Newman

Strategy Advisor

Core Team

Becky Azama

HDOA

CGAPS Steering Committee

Benton Pang

USFWS

CGAPS Steering Committee

Brian J. Neilson

DLNR - DAR

CGAPS Steering Committee

Bryan HarryHCAF

CGAPS Steering Committee

Chelsea Arnott

HISC

Core Team

Christy Martin

CGAPS

Core Team

Chuck Chimera

HP-WRAHISC Planning TeamHISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

37

Table 1. CGAPS & HISC Planning Team Partners & Leaders
Name

AgencyRole

Dave Smith

DLNR - DOFAWCGAPS Steering Committee

David Rodriguez

HDOT

HI Invasive Species Council & HISC Planning Team

Dorothy S. Alontaga

USDA – APHISCGAPS Steering Committee

Nicholas Comerford

UH-CTAHR

HI Invasive Species Council

Elizabeth Speith

643-PESTHISC Planning TeamGen Devine

DLNR-DARHISC Planning Team

Grace SimmonsHDOH

HISC Planning Team

Jodi S. Chew

USDA – Forest Service

CGAPS Steering Committee

Jonathan Ho

HDOA-PQ

HISC Planning Team

Josh Fisher

USFWS

CGAPS Steering Committee

Joshua AtwoodHISC

Core Team

Jules Kuo

DLNR-DARHISC Planning Team

Keith Kawaoka

HDOH

HI Invasive Species Council

Kevin Hoffman

HDOA

HISC Planning Team & CGAPS Steering Committee

Kimberly Fuller

DLNR – DAR

CGAPS Steering Committee

Lara Reynolds

Former CGAPSCore Team

Leyla Kauffman

Māmalu Poepoe

HISC Planning TeamMark Fox

TNC – Hawai‘i Program

CGAPS Steering Committee

Mary Alice Evans

DBEDT

HI Invasive Species Council

Michael Melzer

UH – CTAHRHISC Planning Team & CGAPS Steering Committee

Nate DubeOISC

CGAPS Steering Committee

Patrick CheeDLNR-DOFAWHISC Planning Team

Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser

HDOA

HI Invasive Species Council

Rachel Neville

OISC

CGAPS Steering Committee

Randy Bartlett

HISC

HISC Planning Team & CGAPS Steering Committee

Rebecca Chong

DHS – CBPCGAPS Steering Committee

Rob Hauff

DLNR – DOFAWHISC Planning Team & CGAPS Steering Committee

Sheila Sarhangi

Cause Consulting LLC

Core Team

Suzanne CaseDLNR

HI Invasive Species Council

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HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

Keyterms
Key Term

Definition

Aquatic Non-native Species (orAquatic Invasive Species)

Sometimes called exotic, invasive, nonindigenous or non-native, these areaquatic organisms that invade ecosystems beyond their natural, historicrange. Their presence may harm native ecosystems or commercial,
agricultural, or recreational activities dependent on these ecosystems

Biocontrol

Refers to classical biocontrol or classical biological control, which is the useof natural enemies to reduce an invasive species population.

Biofouling

The accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or small animals onwetted surfaces that have a mechanical function, causing structural or otherfunctional deficiencies.

Biosecurity

The set of measures taken to manage the risk from invasive species to theeconomy, environment, and health and lifestyle of the people.

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Border“Border” is about facilities, regulations and inspection. It encompasses all
the policies, protocols, and processes put in place to detect and respond to
the arrival of an invasive species at the ports of entry (into the state) or at theregulated place of entry (into the state). The border is the area bounded either
by the inspection areas (inside the walls or inside the fence) at ports of entry
from mainland or foreign countries or by the extent of regulations governing
importation from mainland or foreign countries. It is a very confined physicalarea/area of responsibility. Anything that is not covered by import regulations
or is found outside the physical boundary of the port is “post-border.”“Border” would include facilities that are mandated (by border regulations)to deal with goods as if they are at the border, including off-site inspection
facilities, containment facilities, plant quarantine facilities.

Domestic Imports

Commodities imported into Hawai‘i from other US states.

E-manifest

Electronic manifesting system managed by HDOA to track imported
shipments of agricultural commodities.

Emergency Containment
Facility

A “backup” facility capable of housing potential biocontrol species and similar
research in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency that threatens
the originating facility.

Inter-island

Refers to the movement of goods and people between islands.

Intra-island

Refers to the movement of goods and people on a single Bisland.

Invasive species

An alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or
environmental harm or harm to human health. This is the federal definitionof invasive species from Executive Order 13112. Invasive species is anonregulatory term, and the state has several regulatory designations that are
related to but not synonymous with the term, including pest, noxious weed,
and injurious wildlife.

Pathway

How a pest gets to Hawai‘i, especially the mode of transportation.

Pest

As defined by Hawai‘i Revised Statutes Chapter 150A, “any animal, insect,disease agent or other organism in any stage of development that is
detrimental or potentially harmful to agriculture, or horticulture, or animal or
public health, or natural resources including native biota or has an adverse
effect on the environment.”

Post-border

The area that a pest is found in once it has passed the point or opportunityof border inspection, whether it was or was not detected. Post-borderencompasses all the policies, protocols, and processes put in place toeradicate or control an invasive species beyond the ports of entry andinspection process. The issue of interisland biosecurity and transport ofspecies within an island is covered under the theme of post-border security.

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HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

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Key Term

Definition

Pre-border

Encompasses all the policies, processes, and protocols put in place toprevent transportation of an invasive species to Hawai‘i (e.g. protocols forshaking Christmas trees prior to shipment to Hawai‘i, and law restricting theimport and possession of snakes).

Resilience

The ability of a system to maintain key functions and processes in the face ofstresses or pressures by resisting and then recovering or adapting to change.
It can be applied to ecological and social systems (e.g. human communities).

Risk

Discussed in this document in many contexts, including pest risk analysis;pest risk assessment; biosecurity risk; and high-risk species or pathway.
Risk is the chance of an adverse event happening and the consequences if
it happens. Risk analysis is a systematic way of gathering, evaluating, andrecording information leading to recommendations for action in response toan identified hazard. Pest risk analysis is conducted by regulatory plant healthauthorities (e.g. USDA APHIS or IPPC) as a systematic approach to decide
whether a pest should be allowed to enter a country, region, and/or state or
managed using legislation. IPPC defines pest risk analysis as “the process ofevaluating biological or other scientific and economic evidence to determine
whether a pest should be regulated and the strength of any phytosanitary
measures to be taken against it.”

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Risk assessments

Scientific studies that measure and identify risk.

Social Marketing

The use of commercial marketing principles and techniques to improve thewelfare of people and the physical, social and economic environment inwhich they live.

Transitional inspection facilities

Third-party inspection facilities built by freight forwarders or commodity
companies, in agreement with and to biosecurity standards set by HDOA. For
the relevant commodities, these facilities provide a secure location away fromthe port where HDOA inspections can occur.

HIBP Abbreviations

40

Abbreviation

Definition

BorPolBorder Policy

BorProBorder Process

BorTifs

Border Technology, Infrastructure, Funding, and Staffing

PosPolPostborder Policy

PosBorPostborder Process

PosTifs

Postborder Technology, Infrastructure, Funding, and Staffing

PrePolPreborder Policy

PreProPreborder Process

PreTifs

Preborder Technology, Infrastructure, Funding, and Staffing

PwsPolPublic Awareness and Support Policy

PwsProPublic Awareness and Support Process

PwsTifs

Public Awareness and Support Technology, Infrastructure, Funding, and Staffing

HISC & CGAPS 2025 Joint Strategy: In Support of the Hawai‘i Interagency Biosecurity Plan

References
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Courtney, C. 2018. Making Conservation Climate-Smart (ppt) & Climate-Smart Design for Conservation for Coastal
Ecosystems in South Kohala. Unpublished, 5pp, including relevant reference list.
Dawson, Wayne, et al. 2017. "Global hotspots and correlates of alien species richness across taxonomic
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Duffy, D. C., and C. Martin. 2019. Cooperative natural resource and invasive species management in Hawai'i. Island invasives: scaling up to meet the challenge 62: 497.

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DLNR. 2017. Budgetary and other issues regarding invasive species. Honolulu, Hawai‘i. https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/
wp-content/uploads/2017/10/FW18-Invasive-Species-Report-Chapter-194-Act-213-SLH08-FY17.pdf

Grace, J.K., R.J. Woodrow, and J.R. Yates. 2002. Distribution and management of termites in Hawai‘i. Sociobiology
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