InterimState of Hawaii
Strategic Plan for Invasive Species
Prevention, Control, Research and Public Outreach
Executive Summary
Hawaii is in the midst of a growing invasive species crisis affecting the islands’ endangered
plants and animals, overall environmental and human health, and the viability of its tourism andagriculture based economy.
Invasive pests already cost the State of Hawaii millions of dollars of crop losses, the extinctionof native species, the destruction of native forests, and the spread of disease. But many more
harmful pests threaten to invade Hawaii, causing further damages. Even one new pest - like thebrown tree snake or the red imported fire ant - could change the character of our islands.
The purpose of this strategic plan is to provide the framework for a statewide invasive species
prevention, control, research and public outreach program. Based on the lessons learned incombating invasive species in Hawaii, the budget plan has five integrated program components
with specific recommendations, time frames and measures of effectiveness.
This Strategic Plan, and budget associated with it, strives to:• Coordinate invasive species management and control programs for County, State, Federal
and private sector entities by developing a structure for cooperators to work together toshare resources and responsibilities to address specific invasive species issues;•

Increase inspection and other “prevention” capabilities to prevent high-risk invasive
species and diseases (e.g. brown tree snake, West Nile Virus, etc.) from entry into theState, or to specific islands where they are not currently found;•

Accelerate the control of priority invasive species already present in the state (e.g.
Miconia, coqui frogs, marine algae, etc.) by developing a more effective state-wide early
detection and rapid response capability with the Island Invasive Species Committee andother response and control efforts;•

Leverage increased involvement and expertise from private and academic sectors toassure that Hawaii has access to the most up-to-date, effective and efficient research andtechnology tools to combat invasive species.

•

Implement a coordinated state-wide invasive species public outreach program withshared resources and responsibilities among cooperating entities;

This Strategic Plan incorporates directives in the legislation creating the Hawaii Invasive Species
Council, goals and tasks of the HISC Working Groups, expanded objectives, timeframes andmeasures of effectiveness, and funding mechanisms to support the program.
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Current Status of Invasive Species in Hawaii
Hawaii is in the midst of a growing invasive species crisis affecting the islands’ endangered
plants and animals, overall environmental and human health, and the viability of its tourism andagriculture-based economy. Invasive pests already cost the State millions of dollars of crop
losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests and the spread of disease.
For example, Miconia calvenscens, an aggressive weedy tree from South America has alreadyestablished itself in Hawaii and threatens Hawaii’s tropical forests and the watersheds thoseforests support. It has already overrun two-thirds of Tahiti’s rain forests. Decreasing water
infiltration in just two of Hawaii’s priority watersheds could amount to additional water cost of$13 million annually.
But many more harmful pests threaten to invade Hawaii, causing further damage. Even one newpest - like the Brown Tree Snake - could change the character of our islands. The Brown Tree
Snake poses a threat to several sectors of the economy.
In addition to the potentially devastating impact it could have on native animal populations, thesnake; 1) poses a public health risk because it bites people and pets, 2) threatens poultry farms
because it feeds on chickens and eggs, and 3) presents the risk of costly power outages because it
climbs electrical power lines causing short circuits in the power supply. Together, these impacts
could add up to $123 million in annual costs to Hawaii.
The Red Imported Fire Ant is already well established in most of the southern mainland U.S. andjust recently invaded California. Fire ants could wreak havoc in Hawaii if this ant species were
to become established or related fire ant species already here continue to spread. Homeowners
can expect to fight the pest much as they now do battle with termites.
In addition, the ant poses a threat to the agriculture industry, requiring treatment, reducing yields
and damaging agricultural and electrical equipment. Costs caused by the Red Imported Fire Ant
could amount to $46 million annually.
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-transmitted disease that primarily infects and is spread by birds.
Although they do not spread the disease, mammals, including humans can become infected anddevelop symptoms ranging from a flu-like illness to devastating and potentially fatal meningitis
or encephalitis. An alarming number of infected people develop the most severe symptoms,
potentially as many as 1 in 40 cases.
In 2003, Colorado spent over $20 million on hospitalization costs for disease victims. Both the
known mosquito vectors and host bird species such as house finches and sparrows are abundant
in Hawaii. The disease is also fatal to many bird species and if introduced to Hawaii could cause
the extinction of remnant populations of endangered birds that still subsist in lowland areas.
National experts and local staff identified increased testing, mosquito population monitoring andinteragency communication as key elements in a prevention strategy. Due to its geographic
isolation, Hawaii has an opportunity to prevent West Nile disease from reaching its shores.
2Lessons Learned in Invasive Species Prevention and Control
The State of Hawaii will always be burdened with invasive species prevention and control. We
need to see that the latest technology and science is applied to assure actions are timely, effective
and efficient. Public funding from the State of Hawaii alone cannot support all the efforts
needed. It requires a concerted, cooperative effort.
An integrated action and funding plan that incorporates contributions from the County, State,Federal and private industry sources is needed to provide focus and fiscal resources for theongoing invasive species prevention and control programs.
Furthermore, authorities for preventing and controlling invasive alien pests are spread acrossnumerous State and federal agencies, making close coordination of activities among theseagencies imperative.
Investments are needed in prevention, early detection and rapid response programs. Invasive
species are controlled most efficiently and effectively, and at the lowest cost, early in theinvasive process.
Hence, money that provides effective quarantine barriers to prevent invasive species fromarriving and which provides rapid response teams to stop pests from becoming establishedshould be the highest priority of the State in addressing alien invasions at this time.
Biological control is a key component of any effective long-term control program. Biologicalcontrol uses predators and disease organisms of invasive pests from their native ranges.
Relatively small investments in outreach and education can leverage greater public
understanding and voluntary compliance. Public acceptance and understanding of the State’s
goals and programs for controlling invasive pests is necessary if those programs are to be
successful.
Hawaii has made great strides in educating its citizenry about the problems invasive pests pose.
But the issues are frequently complex and continued efforts are needed to ensure public
understanding and support over the long term.
Formal efforts to create a comprehensive invasive species program began with the CoordinatingGroup on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS), formed in 1995, consisting of senior staff in numerous
Federal, State, County, and private entities actively involved in invasive species prevention,
control, research, and public outreach programs.
Over the past eight years, CGAPS has assisted in the creation of plans and studies (e.g. State of
Hawaii Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan, Filling the Gaps in the Fight Against
Invasive Species) as well as identifying overall programmatic capacity needs.

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Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC)
The 2003 State Legislature authorized the creation of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council(HISC) and stated “the silent invasion of Hawaii by alien invasive species is the single greatest
threat to Hawaii's economy, natural environment, and the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people
and visitors.”
The HISC legislation and its ultimate implementation provide the institutional framework forleadership and coordination in acting on a statewide invasive species prevention and control
program. The HISC has active participation and support by several State cabinet level positions.
Hawaii Invasive Species Council Tasks:•

Advise the Governor and legislature on issues regarding invasive species.

•

Create and implement a plan that includes the prevention, early detection, rapid response,
control and education with respect to invasive species.

•

Review state agency mandates and commercial interests that sometimes call for the
maintenance of potentially destructive alien species as resources for sport hunting,aesthetic resources or other values.

•

Suggest appropriate legislation to improve the State's administration of invasive species
programs and policies.

•

Provide annual reports on budgetary and other related issues to the legislature twenty
days prior to each regular session.

•

Provide support and direction to HISC working groups.

Hawaii is one of the four states in the nation that has recognized the need for coordination among
all state agencies, at a cabinet level, that have responsibility to control invasive species on the
ground, as well as regulate or promote the pathways in which invasive species can gain accessinto the state.
The goal of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council is to provide leadership, direction andcoordination for invasive species prevention and control programs in Hawaii.
The creation of the HISC (whose members are the Directors of the Departments of Land andNatural Resources (DLNR,) Agriculture (DOA,) Business, Economic Development, andTourism (DBEDT,) Health (DOH,) Transportation (DOT) and University of Hawaii (UH,) andother Department Directors (Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL,) Commerce and Consumer Affairs(DCCA) and Defense (DOD)) now provide the institutional framework for leadership andcoordination for such a program.

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Under the co-leadership of DLNR Chairperson Peter Young and DOA Chairperson Sandra
Kunimoto, the HISC has expanded the participation to include other department directors, over
and above those stated in the legislation. There is a commitment from each state cabinet level
member to actively participate in the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. In addition,commitments have been received from each County Mayor, as well as federal partners, to haveactive representation and participation on the Council.
The HISC approved a working group structure that will follow through on commitments fromboth Council members as well as cooperating partners, builds upon past work done in Hawaii
and is consistent with other regional and national efforts.
HISC members assigned staff to participate in relevant working groups and involved cooperating
partners to participate in their discussions.

Hawaii Invasive Species Council Working Groups
Five Hawaii Invasive Species Council working groups were established:• Interagency Working Group (Lead HISC Member: DOT)
• Working Group on Pests Not Present in Hawaii (Lead HISC Member: DOA)
• Working Group on Established Pests (Lead HISC Member: DLNR)• Resources Working Group (Lead HISC Member: DBEDT)• Public Outreach Working Group (Lead HISC Member: DOH)
Hawaii Invasive Species Council participating agency staff cooperatively identified the goals for
the Working Groups that represent key aspects of a comprehensive program. The specific tasks
listed are derived from the enabling legislation and from suggestions by Coordinating Group on
Alien Pest Species members. These tasks have not been reviewed or prioritized by the working
groups and it is expected that the specific tasks will change over time as progress is made inachieving the stated goals.

HISC Interagency Working Group(Lead HISC Member: DOT)
(Participating HISC members: DLNR, DOA, DBEDT, DOH, DHHL, DOD, UH, DCCA,Counties)
Goals: (1) Assure coordination in invasive species management and control programs of state,Federal and private sector agencies; and (2) Determine how agencies can work together to shareresources and responsibilities best to address specific pest control problems.
HISC Interagency Working Group Tasks:•

Advise, consult, and coordinate invasive species-related efforts with and between thedepartments of agriculture, land and natural resources, health, and transportation, as well
as state, federal, international, and privately organized programs and policies.

5•

Coordinate efforts and issues with the federal Invasive Species Council and its National
Invasive Species Management Plan.

•

Coordinate with the counties in the fight against invasive species to increase resources
and funding and to address county-sponsored activities that involve invasive species.

•

Coordinate efforts with federal agencies to maximize resources and reduce or eliminate
system gaps and leaks, including deputizing the United States Department ofAgriculture’s plant protection and quarantine inspectors to enforce Hawaii’s laws.

•

Develop a web based reporting system to improve communication between agencies thatissue permits for the importation or movement of organisms and agencies responsible for
enforcement.

HISC Working Group on Pests Not Present in Hawaii - (Prevention)(Lead HISC Member: DOA)
(Participating HISC members: DLNR, DOT, DOH, UH, DCCA, DOD, Counties)
Goals: (1) Review risks of pest entry into the State and to assist in the setting of priorities toprevent entry of high-risk pests; and (2) Determine how best to prevent the entry of new pests
with shared resources and shared responsibilities of all agencies.
HISC Prevention Working Group Tasks:•

Incorporate and expand upon the state’s weed risk assessment protocol to the extent
appropriate for the council's invasive species control and eradication efforts•

Identify and record all invasive species present in the State.

•

Reprioritize inspection and quarantine services for goods imported to the State based on
new data provided by the Kahului Airport Pest Risk Assessment.

•

Identify high priority pest species for which there is a high risk of introduction to Hawaii
and develop monitoring and rapid response plans.

•Request APHIS to screen domestic traffic into Hawaii for living plant material (similarly
to the screening that takes place between Hawaii and the mainland now).

•Develop a comprehensive "approved planting list" to ensure that no invasive species arebeing planted in State projects or by any state contractors. The plants on the list should
be screened by the Weed Risk Assessment protocol.

•

Identify specific improvements to quarantine inspection of domestic cargo and passenger
arrivals at Hawaii ports.

6•Support legislation to protect against introductions of brown tree snakes and other snakes
from entering Hawaii.

•

Develop a comprehensive and timely invasive species listing process fro use by all stateagencies.

•

Review the structure of fines and penalties to ensure maximum deterrence for invasive
species-related crimes.

•

Identify species that are at high risk of being introduced to the State or being spreadwithin the State by illegal trade.

•

Coordinate and promote the State's position with respect to federal issues, including:o Quarantine preemption;o International trade agreements that ignore the problem of invasive species in
Hawaii;o First class mail inspection prohibition;o Whether quarantine of domestic pests arriving from the mainland should be
provided by the federal government;o Coordinating efforts with federal agencies to maximize resources and reduce or
eliminate system gaps and leaks, including deputizing the United States
Department of Agriculture's plant protection and quarantine inspectors to enforce
Hawaii's laws;o Promoting the amendment of federal laws as necessary, including the Lacey Act
Amendments of 1981, Title 16 United States Code sections 3371-3378; Public
Law 97-79, and laws related to inspection of domestic airline passengers,
baggage, and cargo;

HISC Working Group on Established Pests(Early Detection, Rapid Response & Control)(Lead HISC Member: DLNR)(Participating HISC members: DOA, DOT, DOH, DHHL, DOD, Counties)
Goals: (1) Review control programs and help set priorities for the control of pests alreadypresent in the state; (2) Determine how best to control established pests with shared resources
and shared responsibilities of all agencies.
HISC Response and Control Working Group Tasks:•

Work with Island Invasive Species Committees and others in the detection, response andcontrol of invasive species on each of the islands.

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•

Determine what species are invasive to trigger access provisions onto private lands.

•

Review and update DOA’s Noxious Weed List and DLNR’s injurious wildlife list.

•

Implement a decision making protocol for targeting species for eradication efforts.

•

Identify a list of invasive species for immediate control action.

•

Develop operational protocol so existing high-risk invasive species that could spreadthrough inter- and intra-state movement are closely monitored and/or eradicated.

•

Designate invasive vertebrate pests.

•

Eliminate known existing invasive plant species from public projects and contracts.

•

Review and revise regulations governing the introduction of biological control agents.

•

Develop management plans for widespread vertebrate pests.

HISC Resources Working Group(Lead HISC Member: DBEDT)(Participating HISC members: DLNR, DOA, DOT, DOH, UH, Counties)
Goals: (1) Seek public and private sector funding for invasive species management and control
programs and to assist line agencies in resources needs to support priority programs; and (2)Share knowledge and expertise to determine if all available public and private sector funding arebeing tapped to support pest control programs and to seek untapped funds and resources.
HISC Resources Working Group Tasks:•

Identify and prioritize each lead agency's organizational and resource shortfalls withrespect to invasive species.

•

Identify all county, state, federal and private funds expended for the purposes of theinvasive species problem in the State.

•

Identify all county, state, federal and private funds available to fight invasive species andadvise and assist state departments to acquire these funds.

•

Develop dedicated funding sources for invasive species prevention and control programs(e.g. Island Invasive Species Committees, biocontrol).

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HISC Working Group on Public Outreach(Lead HISC Member: DOH)
(Participating HISC members: DLNR, DOT, DOA, UH, DCCA, DHHL, Counties)
Goals: (1) Develop and implement a coordinated invasive species media plan for HISC member
agencies and others; and (2) Determine how all agencies can best support an invasive species
media plan with shared resources and responsibilities.
HISC Public Outreach Working Group Tasks:•

Identify high priority messages to focus education efforts and develop outreach plans
with the Department of Education.

•

Develop a business round table of private sector transportation entities (e.g. airlines,
shipping) to identify invasive species outreach opportunities.

•

Develop or utilize an existing website for both in reach to HISC members and partners aswell as outreach for the general public for pertinent invasive species issues.

Strategic Plan Objectives, Time Frames and Measures of EffectivenessThe purpose of this strategic plan is to implement the Administration’s program and budget
initiatives by providing the framework for a statewide invasive species prevention, response andcontrol, research and public outreach program.
An effective program is one that has sufficient programmatic capability to prevent new invasive
species from entering into the State of Hawaii, control those already here at a level that reduces
the risks and mitigates the hazards at a level acceptable to the people of Hawaii.
The strategic plan has four integrated program components as well as support for the Hawaii
Invasive Species Council with specific recommendations, time frames and measures ofeffectiveness.

Prevention
Prevention: Build up Prevention capabilities of the State of Hawaii to include; 1) increased
numbers of and training for quarantine inspectors and their assistants; 2) specialists to
identify new insects, plants, aquatic organisms, and diseases, and 3) technicians andsupervisors and needed infrastructure to lead invasive species control efforts on the
ground.
Prevention Objectives and Time frame:•

Increase inspection capability with appropriate infrastructure such as creating sanitarycorridors around ports that limit the ability of arriving invasive species to become9established (2 year).
•

Increase trained expertise (botanist, pathologist, biotechnican) to support inspection
operations (1 year).

•

Increase canine inspection teams and provide with appropriate infrastructure (1 year).

•

Reprioritize inspection and quarantine services for goods imported to the State basedon new data provided by the Kahului Airport Pest Risk Assessment (2 years).

•

Review the structure of fines and penalties to ensure maximum deterrence forinvasive species-related crimes (2 years).

•

Identify terrestrial and aquatic species that are at high risk of being introduced to theState or being spread within the State by illegal trade (1 year).

•

Identify possible vectors and pathways of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species into
and throughout Hawaii (1 year /ongoing).

•

Assess and continue existing monitoring programs and identify efforts that could
assist in more effective detection of aquatic invasive species (1 year).

•

Minimize aquatic invasive species introductions and transfers via, researchers, ballast
water, ballast sediments, hull fouling, and authorized introductions of nonnative
species (ongoing).

Prevention - Measures of Effectiveness• Number of invasive species prevented from arrival at ports of entry• Develop sanitary corridors around ports of entry• Identification of high-risk species threatening Hawaii with targeted inspections• Increased fines for intentional introduction of invasive species

Response and Control
Response and Control: Build-up Response and Control capabilities to conduct invasive
species detection and control actions on the ground by increasing support to Island
Invasive Species Committees and other cooperative efforts.
Response & Control Objectives and Time frame:•

Increase the number of crews with supervision and appropriate infrastructure for bothterrestrial and aquatic invasive species detection and control (1 year and ongoing).

10•Immediately target high priority invasive species that are candidates for eradication in
all or part of their range such as Coqui frogs on Oahu and Kauai (1-year & ongoing).

•

Develop a process to identify terrestrial and aquatic invasive species and appropriate
action strategies for immediate and/or long-term control (1 year and ongoing).

•

Eliminate existing invasive plant species from public projects and contracts (2 years).

Response & Control - Measures of Effectiveness• Number (area, #’s) of invasive species eradicated and/or controlled• Implementation of the Aquatic Invasive Species, West Nile Virus, and red-imported
fire ant plans• Maintaining a zero tolerance for Miconia on the Islands of Kauai, Oahu and Molokai

Research and Applied Technology
Research: Implement Research and Applied Technology programs for critical projects
such as biological control, more effective increased survey and detection efforts, taxonomic
services, increased knowledge base of target organisms, economic impacts of invasive
species, master geographical information system and associated database management, andimplementing new technology for improved efficiencies in invasive species prevention,
detection, response and control efforts.
Research and Applied Technology Objectives and Time frame:•

Develop new technology (chemical, mechanical, biological) for large-scale treatmentof priority invasive species (e.g. marine invasive algae) (2 years/ongoing).

•

Expand off-site exploration and screening for biocontrol agents for high-risk invasive
species (e.g. Miconia) already present in the State (2 years/ongoing).

•

Establish an integrated and accessible process for linking pest hot line reports into astatewide geographical information system accessible to field crews actively
controlling terrestrial and aquatic invasive species (2 year/ongoing).

•

Develop new tools for effective early detection and monitoring of terrestrial andaquatic invasive species populations. (2 years/ongoing)•

Provide taxonomic services for identification of terrestrial and aquatic invasive
species in a timely manner (1 year /ongoing).

•

Finalize implementation of Weed Risk Assessment protocol (screening) or othercomparable management measures (i.e. codes of conduct, pre-clearance orcompliance agreements) of intentional introduction of plants (into the State andbetween islands) with the nursery and landscape industry (1 year/ ongoing).
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•Develop protocol (screening) or other comparable management measures (i.e. codesof conduct, preclearance or compliance agreements) of intentional introduction of all
freshwater, marine or terrestrial organisms (into the State and between islands) withthe private sector (2 years/ ongoing).

•

Develop technology with shipping industry for on-board treatment of ballast waterand surface treatment to minimize hull fouling (2 years/ongoing)•

Obtain cooperation with airlines industry for more efficient screening and inspectionof baggage and cargo (2 years/ongoing).

Research and Applied Technology - Measures of Effectiveness• New technology developed for marine algae removal• Effective linkages between pest hotline and on the ground eradication of invasive
species• Increased number of biological control agents introduced• New technology developed for on-board treatment of ballast water• Cooperation with nursery and landscape industry for adoption of Weed Risk
Assessment• Dollars of private sector investment into invasive species programs

Public Outreach
Public Outreach: Develop a Public Outreach program in cooperation with the public andprivate sector for visitors and residents to increase voluntary compliance of quarantine
laws, avoid accidental introductions of invasive species, and establishing an effective pest
hotline that delivers timely information to managers on the ground.
Outreach Objectives and Time frame:•

Identify high priority messages to focus education efforts and develop outreach plans
with the Department of Education (2 years).

•Develop a business round table of private sector transportation entities (e.g. airlines,
shipping) to identify invasive species outreach opportunities (2 years).

•Develop or utilize an existing website for in-reach to HISC members and partners aswell as outreach for the general public for pertinent invasive species issues (1 year).

•Develop a Pest hotline available to the public that is integrated into a statewide
geographical information system and interagency database that is accessible to fieldcrews actively controlling terrestrial and aquatic invasive species (2 years).

12•Develop a series of invasive species Public Service Announcements in cooperation
with a variety of media outlets to encourage travelers and residents to not introduce ortransport invasive species into and between islands (1 year and ongoing).

Outreach - Measures of Effectiveness• Number of callers on pest hotline• Number of education materials produced and distributed to target audiences• Number of volunteers who assist with invasive species management stewardship• Number of hits on invasive species web page

Hawaii Invasive Species Council Support
Hawaii Invasive Species Council Support: Provide administrative support for the Hawaii
Invasive Species Council
HISC Support Objectives and Time frame:•

Advise, consult and coordinate invasive species-related efforts with and between thedepartments of agriculture, land and natural resources, health, transportation,
University of Hawaii, and other state, federal and private entities. (4 years)•

Coordinate efforts and issues with the Federal Invasive Species Council, the National
Invasive Species Management Plan, the Hawaii Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory
Council, Alien Aquatic Organism Task Force and any new proposed federal
legislation (4 years).

•

Coordinate with the Counties in the fight against invasive species to increase
resources and funding and to address county-sponsored activities that involve
invasive species (4 years).

•

Coordinate efforts with federal agencies to maximize resources and reduce or
eliminate system gaps and leaks, including deputizing the United States Departmentof Agriculture’s plant protection and quarantine inspectors to enforce Hawaii’s laws
(2 years).

•Develop a web based mapping and communication system for partnership programs
including the Invasive Species Committees that will provide information on the
distribution, on going control work, and status of key invasive species such as
Miconia, pampas grass (1 year).

•Develop a web based reporting system to improve communication between agencies
that issue permits for the importation or movement of organisms and agencies
responsible for enforcement (2 year).

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•

Identify all federal and private funds available to the State to fight invasive species
and advise and assist state departments to acquire these funds (1 year).

•

Review and update DOA’s Noxious Weed List and DLNR’s injurious wildlife list (1year).

•Develop operational protocol so existing high-risk terrestrial and aquatic invasive
species that could spread through inter- and intra-state movement are closely
monitored and/or eradicated if found in new areas (2 years).

•

Designate invasive vertebrate pests (2 years).

HISC Support - Measures of Effectiveness•
Active involvement of state agencies with the HISC•
Numbers of entities participating in HISC working groups•
Successful administration of all HISC monies•
Increased private and federal funds for invasive species programs in Hawaii.

Preliminary Hawaii Invasive Species Council
Budget Summary
The Administration’s invasive species budget calls for the expenditure of $5,000,000 in state
funds each year for four-years to provide support for both the operations of the Hawaii Invasive
Species Council (HISC) and its cooperating partners to develop, and implement a partnership ofFederal, State, County, and private entities for a comprehensive state-wide invasive species
prevention, detection and control program.
State dollars will be matched (1:1) by non-state dollars or equivalent in-kind services making thisan overall effort of $40-million.
Although this budget request is under the Department of Land and Natural Resources, it will
ultimately include and involve programs and projects through nine different departments, thefour counties and federal and private partners. The funding will not replace any of the existingstate, private, or federal funding, but will complement and expand on existing programs.
Running the comprehensive invasive species program through the HISC will not only provide
maximum leveraging of state monies from all the HISC departments, but will also help promoteincreased and targeted funding from cooperating partners.

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The overall goals of the Administration’s budget request for the Hawaii Invasive Species
Council are to:•

Coordinate invasive species management and control programs for County, State, Federal
and private sector entities by developing a structure for cooperators to work together toshare resources and responsibilities to address specific invasive species issues;•

Increase inspection and other “prevention” capabilities to prevent high-risk invasive
species and diseases (e.g. brown tree snake, West Nile Virus, etc.) from entry into theState, or to specific islands where they are not currently found;•

Accelerate the control of priority invasive species already present in the state (e.g.
Miconia, coqui frogs, marine algae, etc.) by developing a more effective state-wide early
detection and rapid response capability with the Island Invasive Species Committee andother response and control efforts;•

Leverage increased involvement and expertise from private and academic sectors toassure that Hawaii has access to the most up-to-date, effective and efficient research andtechnology tools to combat invasive species.

•

Implement a coordinated statewide invasive species public outreach program with sharedresources and responsibilities among cooperating entities;

The funding is broken into four integrated components designed to: 1) maximize involvement of
HISC members and cooperating partners; 2) leverage increased involvement from the private
sector; 3) take advantage of available technical expertise in both the public and private sector; 4)address priority invasive species problems now (e.g. Miconia, brown tree snake, coqui frogs,
West Nile Virus, etc) and 5) build up a comprehensive system of partnerships to address existingand potential invasive species in the future.
The state funding is broken into four integrated components:
1) Building up Prevention capabilities (35% of total funding) such as; 1) increased
numbers of and training for quarantine inspectors; 2) specialists to identify new insects,
plants and diseases and 3) technicians/supervisors and needed infrastructure to leadinvasive species control efforts on the ground;2) Establishing Response and Control programs (30% of total funding) to conduct
invasive species detection, response and control actions on the ground;3) Enhance Research and Applied Technology funding (30% of total funding) for criticalprojects such as biological control, more effective increased survey and detection efforts,taxonomic identification, master geographical information system and associateddatabase management as well as a matching grants program to the private and university

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sector for developing and applying technology for improved efficiencies in invasive
species prevention and control efforts; and
4) Developing a Public Outreach Program (5% of total funding) in cooperation with the
public and private sector for visitors and residents to increase voluntary compliance ofquarantine laws, avoid accidental introductions of invasive species, and establishing aneffective pest hotline that delivers timely information to managers on the ground.
This budget has been aligned with both the Hawaii Invasive Species Council Strategic Plan andthe HISC working group structures to assure not only compatibility with existing efforts but also
accountability with specific measures of effectiveness.
Lead HISC members will administer specific program components and HISC working groups
will assure funding specifications address priority statewide issues and fit into HISC members’
and cooperating partners’ operational programs.
Partnerships to address invasive species issues have been responsible for the greatest
improvements in Hawaii’s ability to respond to recognized priority pests. Island Invasive
Species Committees (ISCs) are now active on all islands, participating in early detection andrapid response programs for priority and incipient invasive species.
Many individual species plans have been developed (e.g. red imported fire ant, coqui frog, browntree snake.) Yet, to date, there has not been a unifying strategic plan that brings together all ofthese activities.

Invasive Species Prevention, Response and Control, Research and Outreach
Increasing success in invasive species projects in Hawaii has come largely from the formation ofstrong partnerships between State, County and Federal agencies and private groups. Just as
many landowners and businesses are affected by the same invasive species concerns, manyagencies are responsible for the pathways that bring potentially invasive species into Hawaii,
regulate their movement and control their spread.
Combining limited resources, authority, and expertise has led to the creation of Invasive Species
Committees that carry out on the ground actions and the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest
Species that has allowed agency staff to develop integrated policies within the state.
County, Federal and private partners have identified almost $15-milloin in invasive species
funding that will be spent in Hawaii in fiscal year 2005. This is by no means a complete list andalso includes some funding that is currently being matched by existing State funds.
One of the goals of the State's invasive species program initiative is to assure that all state dollars
are matched by non-state sources (County, Federal or private) or in-kind services. The Strategic
Plan for Invasive Species Prevention, Response & Control, Research and Outreach lays out afour-year comprehensive program that involves all of the agencies and private entities involved

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in these efforts. The estimated overall annual cost for implementing this comprehensive plan is$20 million a year.
The current initiative will provide the State's share of this broad partnership. We believe that it
will also stimulate new non-state dollars and in-kind services, as well as provide the matchingstate source to maintain existing grants. These new dollars will come in the form of new County,
Federal and private funds, as well increased community group (in-kind services) participation.
Each of the program components of the budget initiative is designed to engage and provide newopportunities for both state agencies and cooperating partners to attract and obtain new funding
sources.
The goal of listing all of the projects is to give some sense of the scope of the commitment toinvasive species issues that currently exists.
Table 1 provides an integrated HISC budget summary that shows requested FY 05 State funds,
committed non-State funds, those non-State funds that require a match and potential new nonState funds. County, Federal and private partners have identified almost $15,000,000 in invasive
species funding that will be spent in Hawaii in fiscal year 2005. With an increase in State
participation these same partners have identified over $4.5 million in additional grants andprograms that could be applied for, further improving Hawaii’s invasive species programs.
The current initiative will provide the State's share of this broad partnership. We believe that it
will also stimulate new non-state dollars and in-kind services, as well as provide the matchingstate source to maintain existing grants. These new dollars will come in the form of new County,
Federal and private funds, as well increased community group (in-kind services) participation.
Table 2 displays the requested State dollars with the non-State dollars aligned by program
component (Prevention, Response and Control, Research and Applied Technology, Public
Outreach). Table 3 shows the diversity of Federal, County and private entities that are
participating in this broad partnership. Finally, Table 4 is the specific details on proposed State,
listed in accordance with State budget categories - Personnel (A), Current Expenses (B),
Equipment (C) and Motor Vehicles (M). The out years (Fiscal Years 2006 to 2009) are
estimated totals that are subject to change as the HISC programs develop.

17

Table 1. Preliminary Integrated Preliminary Hawaii Invasive Species
Council Budget Summary
Committed NonNon-State
Potential New NonFY 05 State
State
Funding
Funds
Expenditures Requiring Match
State Funds
Prevention$2,000,000$2,777,500$0$1,475,000

Response and Control$1,373,000$8,641,500$1,289,000$1,300,000

Research and Applied
Technology$1,314,000$1,366,500$218,500$1,475,000$313,000$128,000$3,000$300,000$5,000,000$12,913,500$1,510,500$4,550,000

Public Outreach
Sub-Totals

Program total$17,913,500

18

Table 2. Preliminary Invasive Species Project Funding State Fiscal Year 2005
State Funds

Non-State Funding

Total State Funding:$5,000,000

Estimated County, Federal and Private
Funding$12,913,500

Prevention$2,000,000$2,777,500

Key Proposed Actionso Increase inspection
capabilities with appropriate
infrastructure such as
creating sanitary corridors
around ports that limit theability of arriving invasive
species to become
established (2 year).

Key Actions Supported
o Brown Tree Snakeinterdiction and rapid
response training to Hawaii
Department of Agriculture
and Department of Land andNatural Resources: U.S.
Department of the Interioro Hawaii Department ofAgriculture inspection
support for priority pest
species: U.S. Department ofAgricultureo Increase trained expertise(botanist, pathologist,
biotechnican) to support
inspection operations (1year).
o Increase canine inspection
teams and provide withappropriate infrastructure (1year).

o Database development forinteragency cooperation:
U.S. Geological Survey –Pacific Basin Information
Nodeo Airport improvements that
add cargo inspection
facilities and reduce thelikelihood that invasive
species will establish aroundairports: U.S. Department ofTransportation

19

State Funds
Response and Control

Non-State Funding$8,641,500$1,373,000

Key Proposed Actionso Increase the number ofcrews with supervision andappropriate infrastructure
for both terrestrial andaquatic invasive species
detection and control (1 year
and ongoing).

Key Actions Supported
o Invasive algae control, coral
reef protection, and aquatic
invasive species planningand coordination: National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Serviceo Immediately target highpriority invasive species thatare candidates foreradication in all or part oftheir range such as Coquifrogs on Oahu and Kauai (1year and ongoing).

o Support for invasive plant
species and disease control
that threaten forest health:
U.S. Forest Serviceo Develop a process to
identify terrestrial andaquatic invasive species andappropriate action strategies
for immediate and/or longterm control (1 year andongoing).

o Pass-through funding forcontrolling incipient andpriority invasive species:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Serviceo Development of software to
track and manage multipartner control efforts: U.S.
Geological Survey – PacificBasin Information Nodeo Invasive species control inpriority areas: National Park
Service, Maui County andCity and County of
Honolulu, and private landowners including
Kamehameha Schools

20State Funds

Non-State Funding

Research and Applied Technology$1,314,000$1,366,500

Key Proposed Actions
o Develop new technology(chemical, mechanical,
biological) for large-scale
treatment of priority
invasive species (e.g. marine
invasive algae) (2years/ongoing).
o Expand off-site explorationand screening for biocontrol
agents for high-risk invasive
species (e.g. Miconia)
already present in the State(2 years/ongoing).
o Establish an integrated andaccessible process forlinking pest hot line reports
into a statewide
geographical information
system accessible to fieldcrews actively controlling
terrestrial and aquatic
invasive species (2year/ongoing).

Key Actions Supported
o Implementation of ballast
water technology andprotocols: Coastal Zone
Management Grant, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Serviceo Aquatic invasive species
distribution, biology andcontrol methods: U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Serviceo Threats to forests and native
ecosystems by invasive
species: U.S. Geological
Survey and Institute ofPacific Islands Forestry
research staff
o Support to key research
institutions such as the
University of Hawaii and
Bishop Museum to makeinformation about
introduced and potentiallyinvasive species moreavailable to managers

o Finalize implementation of
Weed Risk Assessment
protocol (screening) ofintentional introduction ofplants (into the State andbetween islands) with thenursery and landscapeindustry (1 year/ ongoing).

21

State Funds
Public Outreach

Non-State Funding$128,000$313,000

Key Proposed Actions
o Identify high priority
messages to focus education
efforts and develop outreachplans with the Departmentof Education (2 years).
o Develop a business roundtable of private sectortransportation entities (e.g.
airlines, shipping) to
identify invasive species
outreach opportunities (2years).
o Develop or utilize an
existing website for
pertinent invasive species
issues (1 year).
o Develop a Pest hotline thatis integrated into a statewide
geographical information
system accessible to fieldcrews actively controlling
terrestrial and aquatic
invasive species (2 years).
o Develop a series of invasive
species Public Service
Announcements toencourage travelers andresidents to not introduce ortransport invasive species
into and between islands (1year and ongoing).

22

Key Actions Supported
o Support to CoordinatingGroup on Alien Pest Species
for Brown Tree Snake andother priority invasive
species outreach materials
for agencies, industry,
residents and visitors: U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service
and the Hawaii Community
Foundationo Website development andinternet based mail lists to
inform and connect allagencies and individuals
interested in invasive
species issues in Hawaii:
U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Biological
Information Node

Table 3. Invasive Species Spending in Hawaii

Prevention

Response ResearchandandControl Technology OutreachFederalCoastal Zone Management Grant
for Ballast Water$60,000

D.J. Sport Fishing Restoration(freshwater)$58,500

D.J. Sport Fishing Restoration(weed control)
Federal Aviation Administration
to Hawaii Department ofTransportation – Airports, Kahalui$10,000$1,000,000

Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative Aquatic Invasive Species Funding$250,000

Institute of Pacific Islands
Forestry staff and projects$100,000

National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation - Maui$75,000

National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation - Molokai$32,000

National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation - Hawaii Island$150,000

National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration Coral Reef for Invasives$400,000$50,000

National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration
Coral Reef for The Nature
Conservancy - Hawaii - Algae
Program$250,00023

Prevention

Response ResearchandandControl Technology OutreachFederal continued
National Park Service - Haleakala
National Park

$1,220,000

National Park Service - Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park

$2,500,000

National Park Service Kalaupapa$141,000

National Park Service - PacificIslands Emergency Pest
Management Team

$320,000

U.S. Geological Survey - PacificBiological Information Node Bishop Museum$25,000

U.S. Geological Survey - PacificBiological Information Node Florida Caribbean Science Center$25,000$10,000

U.S. Geological Survey - PacificBiological Information Node Pacific Islands Ecosystem
Research Center$20,000$75,000

U.S. Geological Survey - PacificBiological Information Node Smithsonian Institution$5,000U.S. Geological Survey - PacificBiological Information NodeHawaii Natural Heritage Program$15,000$45,000$20,000$43,000

U.S. Geological Survey - PacificBiological Information Node Operations$5,00024$75,000

Prevention

Response ResearchandandControl Technology OutreachFederal Continued
U.S. Department of Agriculture Hawaii Department of Agriculture
funding$400,000

U.S. Department of Agriculture Biocontrol support - Hawaii
Department of Agriculture
funding$122,500

U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Pest Control - Hawaii
Department of Agriculture
funding
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Inspection and
Health Service - Wildlife Services- Guam Brown Tree Snake
Program$120,000$1,000,000

U.S. Forest Service - Forest
Health programs$90,000

U.S. Forest Service - Prevention
and Suppression - Big Island$150,000

U.S. Forest Service - Prevention
and Suppression - Kauai$100,000

U.S. Forest Service - Prevention
and Suppression - Maui

$100,000

U.S. Forest Service - Prevention
and Suppression - Molokai$7,00025$3,000Prevention

Response ResearchandandControl Technology OutreachFederal continued
U.S. Forest Service - Prevention
and Suppression - Oahu

$50,000

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Miconia$100,000

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Brown Tree Snake training
support to Department of Land
and Natural Resources$25,000

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Aquatic Invasive Species - toDivision of Aquatic Resources$75,000

U.S Fish and Wildlife Service for
Bishop Museum$50,000

U.S Fish and Wildlife Service
grants$660,000

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Office of Insular Affairs
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Office of Insular Affairs to
Hawaii Department of Agriculture$50,000$200,000

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Staff$160,000

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to
Hawaii Department of Agriculture$2,500U.S. Geological Survey - PacificIsland Ecosystems ResearchCenter$1,150,000

26$380,000

Prevention

Response ResearchandandControl Technology OutreachCountyMaui Board of Water Supply$180,000

Maui County$180,000

Oahu Board of Water Supply$125,000

Private
Aerators and other volunteer Molokai
Hawaii Community Foundationfor Bishop Museum$4,000Kamehameha Schools - Big Island$400,000$50,000

Category Totals$2,777,500 $8,641,500

Total$12,913,500

27$1,366,500 $128,000

Table 4a. Preliminary project budget projections.
Prevention
4 Years
Program A: Build up Prevention capabilities of the State of Hawaii to include; 1) increased numbers of and training for quarantine inspectors and aids to assist in theinspection process; 2) specialists to identify new insects, plants, aquatic organisms, and diseases, and 3) technicians/supervisors and needed infrastructure to leadinvasive species control efforts on the ground.
FY 05 Requirements FY 06 Requirements FY 07 Requirements FY 08 Requirements
Sub-Total$5,510,000

A. Personal Services
Inspection support
Botanist
Pathologist
Biotechnician
Enforcement Trainer
Technicians
Dog Handlers

16.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
6.00
6.00

$440,000$27,500$27,500$27,500$27,500$135,000$165,000$880,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$270,000$330,000$880,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$270,000$330,000$440,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$270,000$330,000

B. Other Current Expenses$1,144,000
Increased inspection
capabilities,
laboratory support
and facilities for
additional staff$851,976

Dogs
Computers
Chemical Sprayers$9,000$100,000$45,000$208,100$65,837$18,087

C. Equipment$154,000
8.00

L. Current Lease Payments$0

M. Motor Vehicles$192,000
Vehicles

8.00$144,000$48,000

FY Total$1,999,976$1,956,100$1,765,837$1,278,087
Program total

Assume all staff to work for 6 months in first year as program is developed, half as many inspectors in last year
Technicians at $45K per year including benefits
All other staff, inspectors, dog handlers and biologists at $55K per year including benefits
Vehicles (sedans) at $24K each, 4 in year 1, 2 in year 2

28$7,000,000

Table 4b. Preliminary project budget projections.
Response and Control
4 Years
Program B: Enhance Response and Control programs to conduct invasive species detection and control actions on the ground.
FY 05 Requirements

FY 06 Requirements

FY 07 Requirements

FY 08 Requirements
Sub-Total$4,823,000

A. Personal Services
Crew Supervisors
Laborers
Accountant
Human Resources Specialists

8.00
40.00
1.00
1.00

$240,000$540,000$17,500$17,500$240,000$918,000$35,000$35,000$240,000$1,080,000$35,000$35,000$240,000$1,080,000$35,000$35,000

B. Other Current Expenses$600,000
Conduct high-priority field work,
equipment and materials to
support a large field crew

$125,149$177,833$138,333$158,685

Safety Equipment and Tools$28,000$48,000$48,000$48,000

C. Equipment$172,000

L. Current Lease Payments$0

M. Motor Vehicles$405,000
Vehicles

9.00$405,000

FY Total$1,373,149$1,453,833$1,576,333$1,596,685
Program total

Crew leaders at $2040/month = $30,000/year with 20% benefits
Laborers $1890/month = $27,000/year with 20% benefits
Accountant and HRS at $35,000/year, .50 time in 1st year
Between 5-6 staff per truck
Allowing $1000 per field staff per year in gear allowance
Other current expenses based on MISC EEWF experience for field work
Vehicles (heavy 4WD 7 trucks) at $45K each29

$6,000,000

Table 4c. Preliminary project budget projections.
Research and Applied Technology
4 Years
Program C: Enhance Research and Applied Technology funding for critical projects such as biological control, more effective increased survey and detection efforts,taxonomic identification, master geographical information system and associated database management as well as a matching grants program to the private anduniversity sector for developing and applying technology for improved efficiencies in invasive species prevention and control efforts.
FY 05 Requirements FY 06 Requirements FY 07 Requirements FY 08 Requirements
Sub-Total$210,000

A. Personal Services
Grant Coordinator
Accountant

1.00
1.00

$35,000$17,500$35,000$17,500$35,000$17,500$35,000$17,500

B. Other Current Expenses$5,765,000
Matching grant for biocontrol,
survey and detection,
taxonomic services, databasemanagement
Grants for developing andimproving invasive species
prevention and control efforts(Weed Risk Assessment,
biocontrol, ballast watercontainment, container andbaggage inspections)$748,000$765,192$852,955$1,468,853$488,125$485,625$485,625$470,625

C. Equipment$25,000
Computers

2.00$25,000

L. Current Lease Payments$0

M. Motor Vehicles$0
FY Total$1,313,625$1,303,317$1,391,080$1,991,978
Program total

Grant Coordinator for full time management and Accountant to work half time at $35K per year including benefits
Two computers, one for each staff person

30$6,000,000

Table 4d. Preliminary project budget projections.
Public Outreach
4 Years
Program D: Develop a Public Outreach program in cooperation with the public and private sector for visitors and residents to increase voluntary compliance of quarantine
laws, avoid accidental introductions of invasive species, and establishing an effective pest hotline that delivers timely information to managers on the ground.
FY 05 Requirements

FY 06 Requirements

FY 07 Requirements

FY 08 Requirements

Staff total

Sub-Total$435,000

A. Personal Services
Information Officer
Education Specialist
B. Other Current Expenses

1.00
2.00

$27,500$45,000$55,000$90,000$55,000$90,000$27,500$45,000$503,500

Increase voluntarycompliance ofquarantine laws, avoid
accidental
introductions ofinvasive species,
establish a pest hotline$179,250$141,750$121,750$60,750

C. Equipment$37,500
Computers

3.00$37,500

L. Current Lease Payments$0

M. Motor Vehicles$24,000
Vehicle1.00$24,000

FY Total$313,250$286,750$266,750$133,250
Program total

Education specialists at $45K per year including benefits, assume 6 months in year one and year four (FY08)
Information officer at $55K per year including benefits, assume 6 months in year one and year four (FY08)
Vehicle (sedan) @ $24K in year one
Three computers at $12,500 each31

$1,000,000

Table 4e. Preliminary project budget projections.
Total Hawaii Invasive Species Council Budget by Program
FY 05 Requirements
Prevention
Response and Control
Research and Applied Technology
Public Outreach
Sub-Totals by FY

FY 06 Requirements

FY 07 Requirements

FY 08 Requirements$1,999,976$1,373,149$1,313,625$313,250$1,956,100$1,453,833$1,303,317$286,750$1,765,837$1,576,333$1,391,080$266,750$1,278,087$1,596,685$1,991,978$133,250$5,000,000$5,000,000$5,000,000$5,000,000
Program total

32

Project Total$7,000,000$6,000,000$6,000,000$1,000,000$20,000,000

Table 4f. Preliminary project budget projections.
Total Hawaii Invasive Species Council Budget
FY 05 Requirements
A. Personal Services
Prevention
Prevention
Prevention
Prevention
Prevention
Prevention
Prevention
Response and Control
Response and Control
Response and Control
Response and Control
Research and Applied Technology
Research and Applied Technology
Public Outreach
Public OutreachInspection support
Botanist
Pathologist
Biotechnician
Enforcement Trainer
Technicians
Dog Handlers
Crew Supervisors
Laborers
Accountant
Human Resources Specialists
Grant Coordinator
Accountant
Information Officer
Education Specialist

FY 06 Requirements

FY 07 Requirements

FY 08 Requirements

16
1
1
1
1
6
6
8
40
1
1
1
1
1
2

$440,000$27,500$27,500$27,500$27,500$135,000$165,000$240,000$540,000$17,500$17,500$35,000$17,500$27,500$45,000$880,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$270,000$330,000$240,000$918,000$35,000$35,000$35,000$17,500$55,000$90,000$880,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$270,000$330,000$240,000$1,080,000$35,000$35,000$35,000$17,500$55,000$90,000$440,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$55,000$270,000$330,000$240,000$1,080,000$35,000$35,000$35,000$17,500$27,500$45,00087$1,790,000$3,125,500$3,287,500$2,775,000

Increased inspection capabilities,
laboratory support and facilities
for additional staff$851,976$208,100$65,837$18,087

Conduct high-priority field work,
equipment and materials to
support a large field crew

$125,149$177,833$138,333$158,685

Matching grant for biocontrol,
survey and detection, taxonomic
services, database management$748,000$765,192$852,955$1,468,853

Grants for developing andimproving invasive species
prevention and control efforts(Weed Risk Assessment,
biocontrol, ballast watercontainment, container andbaggage inspections)$488,125$485,625$485,625$470,625

B. Other Current Expenses
Prevention

Response and Control

Research and Applied Technology

Research and Applied Technology

Public Outreach
Increase voluntary compliance ofquarantine laws, avoid accidental
introductions of invasive species,
establish a pest hotline

C. Equipment
Prevention
Prevention
Prevention
Response and Control
Research and Applied Technology
Public Outreach

Dogs
Computers
Chemical Sprayers
Safety Equipment and Tools
Computers
Computers

23$179,250$141,750$121,750$60,750$2,392,500$1,778,500$1,664,500$2,177,000$48,000$48,000$48,000$244,500$48,000$48,000$48,000$144,000$405,000$24,000$48,000$573,000$48,000$0$0$5,000,000$5,000,000$5,000,000$9,000$100,000$45,000$28,000$25,000$37,500

L. Current Lease Payments
M. Motor Vehicles
Prevention
Response and Control
Public Outreach

Vehicles
Vehicles
Vehicle891

FY Total$5,000,000
Program total

33$20,000,000