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The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) November 2011

The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan

Message from the Governor
Our efforts to save Hawai‘i rainforests and protect our natural resources from damaging invasive species
will soon have a new set of land stewards.
At the heart of the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation’s Statewide Noxious Invasive Pest Program is acommitment to mitigate the introduction, spread and impact of invasive species. SNIPP’s multi-faceted
approach includes prevention, early detection and rapid response, restoration, and collaboration.
Included in the control of non-native invasive plants will be their replacement with native Hawaiian
species, which often consume less water than non-indigenous species.
Hawai‘i DOT Highways Division will follow best management practices to avoid and minimize impacts towildlife within the State highway rights-of-way, especially to threatened and endangered species.
Included in these wildlife conservation practices are lessening impacts to bird and bat migratory
patterns and breeding seasons, as well as minimizing negative impacts to spawning, rearing andmigration of native aquatic fauna.
The SNIPP Strategic Plan includes protective management for thousands of acres of State highway
rights-of-way close to ecologically sensitive areas: national parks, wildlife refuges and natural area
reserves on all Islands. Implementation of HDOT’s innovative approach to practice more sustainable
methods of operation will save the State millions of dollars a year.
Protection of the biodiversity and beauty of the Hawaiian landscape begins anew. We hope this holistic
and visionary strategy by HDOT’s Highways Division inspires others to join in becoming goodenvironmental stewards. As such, leaving our Island resources healthy for future generations will be ourgreatest legacy.

___________________________________The Honorable Neil Abercrombie͒͒
Governor, State of Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) November 2011

The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreward ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 4
Hawai‘i’s Invasive Species Problem.......................................................................................................... 6
National Transportation Policy Context ................................................................................................... 8
The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan Content and Organization ............................................................... 9
PREVENTION .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 11
STRATEGIC GOAL (P): Prevent invasive species introduction, spread and establishment along Hawai‘iState roads. ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Objective P.1: Prevent intentional introduction and establishment of invasive species along State roads. . 13
Objective P.2: Minimize accidental introduction and establishment of invasive species along State
highways. Implementation Task P.2.1 Develop, update and maintain a HDOT Highways Division specificbiosecurity plan that identifies pathways of introduction and mitigation measures appropriate to theperceived level of risk.................................................................................................................................... 13
Objective P.3: Work cooperatively with the public to prevent the spread of invasive species. .................... 15
EARLY DETECTION AND RAPID RESPONSE .............................................................................................. 15
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 15
STRATEGIC GOAL (EDRR): Support and enhance the State’s capacity to identify, report and effectively
respond to newly detected or localized invasive species. ...................................................................... 17
Objective EDRR.1: Develop the capacity for high priority audiences to report incidental detections ofinvasive species along State highways. ........................................................................................................ 17
Objective EDRR.2: Implement systematic measures to detect and document invasive species. .................. 17
Objective EDRR.3: Develop the means to effectively respond to incipient invasive species identified within
DOT ROW. ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT .............................................................................................................. 19
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 19
STRATEGIC GOAL (CM): Control and manage invasive species to reduce their harmful impacts along
State highways. ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Objective CM.1: Improve HDOT Highways Division’s capacity to control and manage invasive species toprotect priority values. .................................................................................................................................. 20
Objective CM.2: Develop workforce competencies to improve control and management activities along therights-of-way. ............................................................................................................................................... 21
Objective CM.3: Develop regional partnerships for the effective control and management of priority
invasive species. ............................................................................................................................................ 21

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) April 20111

The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic PlanRESTORATION ........................................................................................................................................ 22
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 22
STRATEGIC GOAL (R): In high priority sites, restore and maintain culturally and ecologically appropriate
plant and animal communities along Hawai‘i roads. .............................................................................. 23
Objective R.1: Restore high priority/high value areas along State highways. .............................................. 23
Objective R.2: Support and develop cost-effective methods to restore highways’ rights-of-way with nativeplant species. ................................................................................................................................................ 24
Objective R.3: Support and enhance the development of an island-based native plant industry. ............... 24
Objective R.4: Develop partnerships to ensure the long-term success of restoration projects..................... 25
COMMUNITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL COLLABORATION ....................................................................... 25
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 25
Strategic Goal (OC): Maximize HDOT’s collaboration on invasive species issues with federal, state andcounty agencies, as well as private organizations and individuals, focusing on neighboring landowners.
.............................................................................................................................................................. 26
Objective OC.1: Enhance communication about invasive species issues along State highways. .................. 26
Objective OC.2: Coordinate and expand HDOT’s invasive species programs and leverage resources. ........ 27
Objective OC.3: Enhance HDOT’s invasive species outreach. ....................................................................... 27
Objective OC.4: Increase funding for invasive species work along State highways and secure dedicatedfunding.......................................................................................................................................................... 28
FUNDING AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO INVASIVE SPECIES ..................................................................... 29
KEY INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT STAKEHOLDERS ......................................................................... 30
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................... 31
APPENDIX: Letters of Support ................................................................................................................ 32

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) April 20112

The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan

Foreword
I am pleased to present the Highway Division’s Statewide Noxious and Invasive Pest Program (SNIPP)
Strategic Plan. This 10-year (2012-2022) SNIPP Strategic Plan will allow the Hawai‘i Department ofTransportation (HDOT) to meet its responsibilities as a good steward of State lands and contributetoward its primary mission to provide a safe, efficient and accessible highway system for Hawai‘i. Thereis a clear nexus between the Division’s primary mission and the goals of this plan because roads arepathways for the introduction and spread of invasive species. Implementation of the SNIPP Strategic
Plan will not be done by HDOT alone, but also in cooperation with stakeholders in the public and private
sectors. Through this plan for the continued prevention and control of invasive species, the Highways
Division will substantially build on its ongoing efforts to care for the environment of Hawai‘i.

____________________________
Glenn Okimoto
Director, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) November 20113

The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan

Executive Summary
This Strategic Plan describes Highway Division’s Statewide Noxious Invasive Pest Program (SNIPP). In July
2009, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) worked with federal, state, county and nongovernment stakeholders to formulate the program’s objectives and tasks to address the problem ofinvasive species. Implementation of the plan will provide the Department with the means to mitigate
the introduction, spread and impact of invasive species along Hawai‘i State roads.
Management of invasive species in Hawaiµi was estimated to cost over $150 million per year in 2006 andthis did not account for hundreds of millions of dollars in indirect losses, such as loss of productivity.
Invasive species mitigation is expensive but necessary because the impacts of alien invasive species are
immense, insidious and often irreversible. The transportation sector should share part of the burden ofmanaging invasive species because it is clearly implicated in the spread and establishment of invasive
species across this State. Invasive insects, plant seeds and animals can hitchhike on heavy equipment
moved from the mainland or other islands. Large construction projects and maintenance activities leavesoil exposed for extended periods of time providing the perfect habitat for quick-growing invasive plants
and invasive insects. Imported construction materials, such as topsoil, gravel and grass seeds,
sometimes contain invasive seeds or invertebrates. Invasive plants overgrow our roadside plantings,
sometimes causing significant safety issues by blocking sight distances, obstructing the road, invading
the clear zone, and impacting nearby natural or agricultural areas. Invasive species can also impact
human health and safety, tourism and ecosystems with economic and biodiversity values.
Annually, HDOT spends millions of dollars on new landscape installations. A suite of invasive species
cause roadside landscapes to deteriorate and increase maintenance costs by an estimated 5-10%.
Roadside vegetation maintenance costs an average of $4,800/acre/year and $240-$480 of these costs
are attributable to invasive species management (an estimated $2.1 to $4.2 million statewide).
Implementation of proactive measures in this strategy could reduce these costs by 60-80%. Costly ad
hoc responses to specific invasive species also incur significant costs. One example is the recent albizia
tree incident on Kaua‘i. HDOT spent $1 million per mile to remove 1,000 albizia trees; removal of one
large tree can cost as much as $10,000. At other locations statewide, along an estimated 50 miles ofroad, the albizia tree population is maturing and reaching high densities where it will pose a significant
safety risk to highway users – potentially imposing $50 million in management costs. Added to this areliability risks.
Meanwhile, one aggressive pest not yet established in Hawai‘i is the red imported fire ant, or RIFA
(Solenopsis invicta), which would cause severe economic losses to the Department and state. In Florida,
RIFA have been shown to tunnel under roads, causing their collapse. Since the late 1930s, the RIFA has
spread across a 300 million-acre swath from the southeastern U.S. to Southern California, costingbillions of dollars annually in damage. Projected monetary impacts in California alone are expected to
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4

The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan
cost as much as $9 billion over the next 10 years. If RIFA reaches Hawai‘i via accidental importation fromthe mainland (on heavy equipment for example), it will have significantly negative impacts on humanhealth, infrastructure, and the quality of life in Hawai‘i. One economic study estimates the cost to theState could reach $211 million/year. Projected expenditures over a 20-year period following
introduction total $2.5 billion.
As recipients of federal funds, HDOT is required by the Presidential Executive Order 13112 to preventand control the introduction and spread of invasive species. Also, for cost and public safety reasons, it isin HDOT’s best interest to prevent, contain or mitigate the introduction of potentially harmful species.
This plan identifies effective and meaningful responses to the problem of invasive species whileconsidering HDOT’s limited resources. The Department has identified five priority action areas forinvasive species management to help fulfill its stewardship responsibilities despite the overwhelming
number of incipient, established and potential invasive species threats, including the scale of theirinfluence, dominance, abundance, rates of spread and persistence. SNIPP’s multi-faceted approach
includes:1. Prevention. Prevent invasive species introduction, spread and establishment along State roads.
2. Early Detection and Rapid Response. Support and enhance the State’s capacity to identify, reportand effectively respond to newly detected or localized invasive species.
3. Control and Management. Control and manage invasive species to reduce their harmful impacts
along State highways.
4. Restoration. Where appropriate, restore and maintain culturally and ecologically appropriate plant
and animal communities along Hawai‘i roads.
5. Organizational Collaboration. Maximize HDOT’s collaboration on invasive species issues withfederal, state and county agencies, as well as private organizations and individuals, focusing onneighboring landowners.
Adequate funding levels in the range of $1 to $3 million are needed annually to implement this SNIPP
Strategic Plan and produce meaningful results. An additional $2 million should be invested in short-term
projects over the 10 years covered by the plan. Recently, federal funds provided in SAFETEA-LU became
available to address invasive species problems associated with maintenance and construction activities;
thus, federal aid could fund most of the work. By leveraging federal funds to the amounts needed andinvesting in invasive species management, SNIPP is likely to reduce future costly ad hoc reactionary
responses to problematic invaders. Districts would need to program for the 10-20% State matchingfunds; they already spend that amount doing regular maintenance activities. A long-term commitment
by HDOT and the implementation of SNIPP will provide benefits not only to HDOT, but to the people andenvironment of Hawai‘i, saving the State of Hawai‘i millions of dollars annually. 
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Hawai‘i’s Invasive Species Problem
The arrival of humans 1,500 years ago led to dramatic changes in the Hawaiian biota. Today, Hawai‘i ishome to more than 10,000 native plants and animals, descendants of species that arrived naturally tothe islands over 70 million years without human help by wind, water, or in the wings or stomachs ofbirds. Many of these plants and animals
are unique to Hawai‘i and are foundnowhere else on Earth (Eldredge andEvenhuis 2003). A large proportion ofplants and animal species present in
Hawai‘i are introduced species, brought tothe islands by people either intentionallyor inadvertently. The rate of humanmediated introduction and establishmentof alien species is thousands of times
faster than the natural rate of arrival of
species, especially in terrestrial
ecosystems (Eldredge and Evenhuis 2003).
Many introduced species remain in
cultivation or domestication and help
meet certain human needs and wants,
such as food, fiber, cultural or aesthetic;
but some have established wild
populations or become invasive. Invasive
species are defined according to a 1999
Executive Order 13112 as “an alien species
whose introduction does or is likely tocause economic or environmental harm or
harm to human health.”
Invasive species are the single greatest
threat to the environment, economy, andthe health and quality of life of the peopleof Hawai‘i. There are many examples,some in our homes and some in wild
In Tahiti, landslides occur in places invaded by dense stands of miconia (Miconia
calvescens) and interfere with road building. There is still time to prevent thenatural areas. For example, groundwidespread invasion of miconia on Maui, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i.
Photo: The Nature Conservancy
termites cause considerable damage tohouses and other structures in Hawai‘iand cost over $200 million per year to control. Farms, gardens and homes in Hawai‘i are impacted by
insect pests and diseases (e.g., scales, cockroaches, mites, rusts) which have mainly arrived in the last
200 years, reducing productivity and costing us time, money and chemicals to control them. In the wild,
dense stands of strawberry guava (Psidium cattelianum) and miconia trees (Miconia calvescens) shade
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The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan
out native species. Their shallow root system drastically increases water runoff and soil erosion,
completely take over native forests, shading out native plants and causing severe erosion and waterrunoff (Meyer 1996). Coqui frogs (Eleutherodactylus coqui) are disrupting the balance of vulnerable
native ecosystems by eating native insects and causing a nuisance to people in rural and urban areas
due to their loud mating calls from dusk until dawn. Properties in heavily infested areas haveexperienced a significant drop in real estate value (Kraus and Campbell 2002; Kaiser and Burnett 2006).
Introduced rodents (Rattus spp.), cats (Felis catus), and mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) have caused
population declines in native birds and have been implicated in species extinctions (Stone and Anderson
1988). Unrestricted grazing by introduced feral goats, pigs, deer, sheep and cattle alter native forest andshrub land dynamics and drive many native species toward extinction (Stone and Anderson 1988).
Mosquitoes (primarily Culex quinquefasciatus) in Hawai‘i spread diseases to humans, domestic animals
and wildlife (Van Riper III et al. 1982). The Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council’s (Hawai‘i Invasive Species
Council 2007) report to the legislature documented that federal and state agencies spent at least $40.8
million in 2006 on management of invasive species in Hawai‘i, and estimated that another $110 millionis spent on household and agricultural pest control. This does not address indirect losses, such as
productivity or export opportunity losses, which can be attributed to invasive species impacts. So, theactual cost of invasive species to Hawai‘i is higher than these estimates indicate. A 2004 Cornell
University study estimates invasive species induced damages and losses across the United States at $120
billion (Pimentel et al. 2005).
In addition to battling existing invasive species, Hawai‘i
has to be vigilant against potential invaders, such as thebrown treesnake (Boiga irregularis), the red imported
fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), and the West Nile virus. The
brown treesnake could cost the State hundreds ofmillions of dollars annually, and would likely cause many
extinctions in our vertebrate fauna (Burnett et al. 2008).
The West Nile virus (present on the mainland) is apotentially serious illness carried by mosquitoes thatthreatens human health, livestock, and the remaining
native birds in Hawai‘i (LaDeau et al. 2007). If imported
red fire ants were to establish in Hawai‘i, as they have inthe southernmost portion of the U.S., estimates show
Mosquitoes (primarily Culex quinquefasciatus) in Hawai‘i
spread diseases, such as the West Nile virus, dengue andthat their impacts would cost $211 million per year for
malaria to humans, domestic animals and endemic wildlife
Hawai‘i, but above all else their impacts to utilities,
like this ‘apapane. Photo: Jack Jeffrey
farming, tourism and human health would lead to major
lifestyles changes in Hawai‘i (Gutrich et al. 2007). These potential pest threats would make our current
invasive species problems seem relatively insignificant.
Introduced or non-native species arrive in Hawai‘i via many pathways and become “invasive” when theycause harm. Some of these introductions come to Hawai‘i as hitchhikers on commodities, such as
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The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan
nursery stock or cut flowers. Others are stowaways in packing materials and transport equipment. Oncein Hawai‘i, pest species may spread via wind or water, or by animals and people on fur, feathers,
clothing or vehicles. Transportation corridors provide opportunities for the movement of invasive
species through the landscape. Roadways serve as an avenue for movement and spread of invasiveplants and animals (Hodkinson and Thompson 1997; Sullivan et al. 2009).
Transport of invasive plant seeds by vehicles is particularly common (von der Lippe and Kowarik 2007).
An Australian study found that approximately half of tourist vehicles entering a National Park carried
weed seeds (Lonsdale 1994). Invasive plants can also be introduced to a site during roadsideconstruction either attached to equipment or through the use of imported soil, mulch, gravel and sod. In
Hawai‘i, the noxious fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) may have been introduced on O‘ahu andMaui through the hydro-seed mix sprayed along the rights-of-way (ROW) after construction activity.
Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is suspected to have arrived on Maui through imported
construction material. Invasive plants can move from site to site during roadside maintenance
operations as well. Some landscape plantings resulted in the inadvertent establishment of invasive
species. Effective management of invasive species along roadsides is a critical part of any landscapelevel effort to address invasive species.

National Transportation Policy Context
The Statewide Noxious Invasive Pest Program (SNIPP) was
initiated by Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT)
and funded via transportation legislation (August 2005),
SAFETEA-LU, Section 6006, which makes funds available
for the control of legally declared state and federal
noxious weeds and establishment of native species. Thislegislation grants funds for construction and maintenanceactivities including restoration where “environmental
degradation caused wholly or partially by a transportation
facility” has occurred. The addition of Section 329 to Title
23 U.S. Code not only provides for federal-aid eligibility forweed control by DOT, but also supports their work
concurrently with, in advance of, or following theInvasive plants and animals can beconstruction of a project funded under this title. Thistransported inadvertently on vehicles andequipment.
Photo: Christy Martin
flexibility should be of great assistance to DOT to respondto weed infestations at any time. Revegetation with native
species or non-invasive alien species is preferred to provide stormwater abatement, soil stabilization
and aesthetic enhancement.
Executive Order 13112 addresses invasive species and directs federal agencies to combat the
introduction and spread of plants and animals not native to the U.S. The U.S. Department of
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The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan
Transportation’s policy is to fully support the administration’s efforts to prevent the introduction andspread of invasive species by:a) pursuing appropriate authorities and funding for implementation;b) participating on interagency committees;c) analyzing invasive species’ effects in accordance with Section 2 of Executive Order 13112;d) increasing coordinated research;e) implementing, at DOT facilities and DOT-funded facilities, the Presidential memorandum on
beneficial landscaping;f) coordinating with international organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization,
the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Organization forStandardization on cooperative efforts;g) training agency personnel and informing the public;h) coordinating with other federal agencies and with state, local and tribal governments; and,i) encouraging innovative designs for transportation equipment and systems.

The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan Content and Organization
This 2012 Statewide Noxious Invasive Pest Program’s (SNIPP) Strategic Plan represents Hawai‘i DOT’scommitment in mitigating the introduction, spread and impact of invasive species in Hawai‘i. The
strategy seeks to identify ways in which HDOT Highways Division can make an effective, meaningful
response to the problem of invasive species. This is especially relevant considering HDOT’s limited
resources; the overwhelming number of actual and potential invasive species in Hawai‘i; invasive
species’ scale of influence, dominance, high abundance, rates of spread and persistence; and of course
the negative impacts invasive species may have on the things we value, such as quality of life,
livelihoods, safety, health and the environment. The impacts of alien invasive species are immense,
insidious and usually irreversible. Management decisions will rightfully be driven by perceived costs andbenefits.
The organization of HDOT’s SNIPP Strategic Plan is modeled after the National Invasive Species Council’s(NISC) Strategic Plan (2008) and contributes to the goals of the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council Strategic
Plan. The U.S. Department of Transportation is a member of the NISC. The content for this SNIPP
Strategic Plan was developed with input gathered at a July 2009 workshop involving approximately 35
federal, state, county, non-governmental and private stakeholders. This Strategic Plan is consistent withinvasive species management and priorities that are now widely accepted by experts nationally andinternationally (IUCN 2000; NISC 2008; SPREP 2009; Wittenberg and Cock 2001). As for any management
decisions, we acknowledge that the perceived benefit-to-cost ratio provides motivation for
management action. SNIPP’s 10-year Strategic Plan establishes five major “Strategic Goals” that focus
HDOT’s efforts in invasive species work relative to the following areas:
1. Prevention (P);2. Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR);
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The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan
3. Control and Management (CM);4. Restoration (R); and,5. Community and Organizational Collaboration (OC).

The above areas of work are associated with specific goals that are discussed in order of priority. For
each of these, we provide an introductory rationale for their relative importance within the broader
Strategic Plan.

The hierarchy of goals, objectives, tasks, performance measures and suggested funding.

Each Strategic Goal is associated with long-term “Objectives” and shorter-term “Implementation Tasks,”“Performance Measures” and “Suggested Funding.” Goals are broad guide posts for managing invasive
species. Objectives outline general areas of work that contribute to achieving each goal over the
medium to long term. Implementation Tasks are specific actions that help to achieve each objective. The
Performance Measures are concrete deliverables that demonstrate progress toward accomplishment ofspecific Implementation Tasks, Objectives and Strategic Goals. Accomplishment of the Implementation
Tasks outlined here will be dependent upon agency budgets, institutional will and, in some cases, legal
or regulatory changes. For each “Performance Measure” there may be a “Suggested Funding” amountthat describes estimated funding requirements, either as a one-time cost or an annual amount if
indicated (e.g., $20,000 p.a.). If activities are to be conducted by HDOT staff or the SNIPP project, this isindicated under “Suggested Funding” too.
HDOT Highway Division’s SNIPP Strategic Plan helps the Division to map out the road ahead, for invasive
species management on the land under its care. The general approach is similar for any successful
invasive species program, and this SNIPP Strategic Plan documents and recommends theimplementation of a context-sensitive rationale applicable to Hawai‘i State highways. HDOT Highways
Division is not acting alone; various stakeholders at the national and the state level are implementing
innovative programs to address invasive species and these stakeholders share the broad goals outlined
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) April 201110

The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Planin this Strategic Plan. By implementing this Strategic Plan, HDOT’s Highways Division is embracing its role
as a responsible steward of the land it manages and contributing meaningfully to a statewide
collaboration to protect Hawai‘i from the adverse impacts of invasive species.

The strategic approaches to invasive species management in relation to the phases of invasion: Before and during theestablishment phase management efforts should focus on the species wherever it occurs. At this time prevention anderadication (or containment) costs are relatively low and future impacts can be avoided. As invasive species spread, aspecies-based approach becomes too costly and managers must shift their focus toward mitigating unwanted impacts
to priority values/sites and carry out restoration. All efforts must be underpinned by community outreach andorganizational collaboration.

PREVENTION
Introduction
Prevention is the first line of defense in the effort to protect Hawai‘i from invasive species impacts.
Preventing the introduction of alien invasive species is the preferred option as the least expensive andmost effective solution. Thus, prevention warrants the highest priority because impacts and associatedmanagement costs can be completely avoided if an invasive species is not allowed to establish or spreadin areas currently free of the species.
HDOT is a steward of more than 2,500 miles of paved highways, freeways and roads which cross ourisland landscape. Once invasive species reach the shores of the Hawaiian Islands, roads provide themajor avenue for movement of many invasive species. Road construction activities provide a pathway
for the introduction of invasive species. Weed propagules, and even insects, can hitchhike on trucks andequipment; hydro-mulch can have weed seeds in it. Poor landscaping choices may introduce invasiveplants to an area.
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The most important action HDOT can take to protect Hawai‘i is to institutionalize management practices
that ensure HDOT activities do not introduce new species of invasive organisms to Hawai‘i. Choosing
non-invasive plants for landscaping, ensuring hydro-seed is weed free, and cleaning construction andmaintenance equipment will close the pathways that have introduced invasive species to Hawai‘i in thepast. Institutionalizing these actions are key to preventing new invasive species introductions in Hawai‘ibecause no other State agency has the power to close these pathways.
A successful prevention strategy requires HDOT to adopt
measures that recognize or detect invasive species,
allowing for effective intervention prior to theirestablishment in areas that are free of the invasives. The
aim is to reduce the spread of invasive species throughcommon pathways.
Invasive species prevention is unlikely to ever be 100%
effective. Our best prevention efforts should achieve a
reduction in the frequency of invasive species
introduction and establishment. The goal is to ensure our
prevention efforts will be most effective against the mostserious invaders. Success can be claimed when a specificprevention protocol is well adopted, or“institutionalized.” Adopting a culture of continuous
improvement requires documentation of instances andmechanisms of invasive species introductions to newsites to learn from our “failures” and prevent future
problems of a similar nature. HDOT will support andcompliment the ongoing, quarantine, monitoring andsurveillance strategies adopted by other agencies andgroups to prevent the spread of invasive species (e.g.,
Department of Agriculture, Invasive Species Committees,
Department of Land and Natural Resources).

The aggressive red imported fire (Solenopsis invicta)
damages electrical equipment, has a powerful bite
which can cause death in allergic people, and impacts
biodiversity. Its arrival and establishment in Hawai‘i
could cost more than $200 million annually. Other
species of fire ant are restricted to the Big Island, withsmall populations on Maui and Kaua‘i, and should not
be spread between islands on equipment.
Photo: Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture

Approximately 90% of the most troublesome invasive plants were intentionally brought to Hawai‘i tomeet our needs for food, fodder, fiber, fuel, medicine, timber or aesthetics. Similarly, many of ourinvasive animals were brought to Hawai‘i intentionally. However, some of the worst species, such as
brown treesnake, red imported fire ant and fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis), probably will be
accidental introductions. With this current understanding of invasive species, HDOT has a responsibility
to avoid planting or introducing potentially invasive species and do its best to avoid accidental
introductions.

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STRATEGIC GOAL (P): Prevent invasive species introduction, spread andestablishment along Hawai‘i State roads.
Objective P.1: Prevent intentional introduction and establishment of invasive
species along State roads.
Implementation Task P.1.1: Develop and update a list of acceptable and unacceptablespecies for planting along roadsides.
Performance Measure P.1.1.1: Adopt existing Hawai‘i Landscape Industry Council (LICH) invasive
species list.
Suggested funding: $30,000 p.a. contributes funds to Hawai‘i Landscape Industry Council (LICH) for
benefit-cost assessment of potentially invasive plants.
Performance Measure P.1.1.2: Screen plants typically used in roadside planting programs and not on
LICH’s invasive species list using the Hawaii Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA).
Suggested funding: see P.1.1.1
Performance Measure P.1.1.3: Adopt and maintain a list of species that contains both acceptable andunacceptable plants for planting along roadsides and post online.
Suggested funding: see P.1.1.1
Performance Measure P.1.1.4: Ensure that all appropriate HDOT staff and contractors know about
and use the approved list of plants for planting.
Suggested funding: see P.1.1.1
Performance Measure P.1.1.5: Write and publish specifications for construction and maintenance thatcodify the mechanisms to prevent the use of potentially invasive species by DOT staff and contractors.
Performance Measure P.1.1.6: Work with other agencies and industry to adopt consistent standards
for selecting plants for planting in Hawai‘i.
Suggested funding: Activities to be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.

Objective P.2: Minimize accidental introduction and establishment of invasive
species along State highways.
Implementation Task P.2.1 Develop, update and maintain a HDOT Highways Division
specific biosecurity1 plan that identifies pathways of introduction and mitigation measuresappropriate to the perceived level of risk.
Performance Measure P.2.1.1: Conduct research to describe the principal road pathways and likely
prevalence of accidental movement of invasive species from construction activities and recommend
preventative measures.

1 “Biosecurity” means protection from the risks posed by organisms to the economy, environment and people’s health, through exclusion, eradication and control.

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Suggested funding: $100,000 — conduct research on the movement of invasive species along State
roads and via construction activities.
Performance Measure P.2.1.2: Create specifications and training materials for construction
contractors; prevent invasive species from spreading to new sites through maintenance orconstruction vehicles by washing vehicles and equipment prior to moving them to new sites; and by
instigating pre- and post-construction inspections.
Suggested funding: Should be covered by SNIPP budget.
Performance Measure P.2.1.3: Write a biosecurity plan and keep it updated with the best available
information.
Suggested funding: This component would best be done in conjunction with P.2.1.1; updates could bedone every five years — $18,000.
Implementation Task P.2.2: Ensure that seeds for revegetation of rights-of-way are free of
unwanted invasive species.
Performance Measure P.2.2.1: Work with Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture to improve testing andseed sources to ensure that seeds for hydro-seeding are free of invasive species (ongoing).
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.
Performance Measure P.2.2.2: Establish or adopt protocols to ensure that hydro-seed sources are freeof invasive species.
Suggested funding: $10,000 p.a. to support protocols.
Performance Measure P.2.2.3: Establish or maintain a list of approved certified seed suppliers that can
provide seed free of invasive species.
Suggested funding: Activities should be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.
Performance Measure P.2.2.4: Develop and implement methods for hydro-seeding with native plants
and seed bank development .
Suggested funding: $300,000 to support further research.
Implementation Task P.2.3: Improve staff and contractor adoption of measures that mitigate
accidental movement of invasive species via the most important pathways.
Performance Measure P.2.3.1: Develop training materials that describe prevention measures forcontractors, maintenance staff and inspectors.
Suggested funding: Development of training materials should be covered by the SNIPP project.
Performance Measure P.2.3.2: Train contractors, maintenance staff and inspectors about specification
requirement.
Suggested funding: $50,000 p.a. — two training courses per year per county.
Performance Measure P.2.3.3: Audit, review, and make improvements to ensure the measures adopted
in the specifications are effective.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.

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Objective P.3: Work cooperatively with the
public to prevent the spread of invasive
species.
Implementation Task P.3.1: Work with landowners
that share concerns about invasive species toimprove prevention efforts.
Performance Measure P.3.1.1: Identify and cooperatively
work with major landowners and agencies concerned
about invasive species prevention on State highways toaddress priority threats (ongoing).
Suggested funding: see OC.1.2.3

Coqui frogs are regularly moved in nursery plants andvehicles from the Big Island. Known populations on theother islands are under containment or successfully
eradicated to date.
Photo: Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture

Implementation Task P.3.2: Identify major
landowners and road users that contribute toinvasive species spread and involve them in prevention efforts.

Performance Measure P.3.2.1: Identify and work with adjacent landowners and road users that may
exacerbate invasive species problems (ongoing).
Suggested funding: see OC.1.2.3
Performance Measure P.3.2.2: Implement outreach to educate and obtain the help of landowners androad users to prevent the spread of invasive species (ongoing).
Suggested funding: see OC.1.2.3

EARLY DETECTION AND RAPID RESPONSE
Introduction
When a potential or actual invasive species has been detected (i.e., when prevention has not beensuccessful), steps to mitigate adverse impacts include eradication, containment and control. We
purposely distinguish Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) efforts from prevention and control.
EDRR involves detecting an invasive species early, before it becomes widespread on the island. Rapid
response involves either eradication which is the removal of all individuals of a species from an island, or
containment which is limiting the species within a certain area on an island. Eradication aims tocompletely remove an invasive species from an area where reinvasion is unlikely or infrequent. Wheneradication is not possible containment is a method of control, still relatively early in the invasion
process, aimed at limiting the spread of an invasive species beyond defined geographical boundaries.
Meanwhile, Control and Management (see next section) is focused on mitigating invasive species
impacts to the environment or human health and welfare.
Early detection of newly introduced actual or potential invasive species, together with the capacity totake rapid action, is key to successful and cost-effective eradication or containment. The decisionHawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) April 201115

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making process will be driven by the perceived risk or impact potential of the species, as well as thefeasibility of eradication. If eradication is feasible and successful, most of the impacts of the invasive
species are avoided, and the costs are finite, being limited to those associated with the eradication
effort which ends once eradication is achieved.
Containment is the next best option after eradication. The range of the species is actively restrictedwithin known limits, or “core” areas, and only outlier populations are subject to control efforts.
Containment is designed to prevent spread and avoid impacts in the rest of the invasive species’
potential range; however, costs are ongoing as the core of the containment area is not subject tocontrol. This approach is adopted when a species is considered too costly to eradicate or control, except
on the fringes of its current range but only when its impacts are considered severe enough to warrant
the effort. Containment is a high priority on State roads with adjacent pristine native habitats.
Because it is humanly impossible to prevent all plant and animal introductions, prevention efforts asdetailed in a previous section sometimes fail. Following such failures, eradication, containment orcontrol is required. Otherwise, management options may quickly become difficult, expensive or
impossible with normally available resources. Therefore, early detection of incipient (i.e., recently
introduced) populations with a limited distribution should be attempted, and eradication carried out if
feasible. The implementation of an appropriately rapid management response is the next available bestplan of action (e.g., local or island-wide eradication). The interval between a species’ introduction, its
detection, and the implementation of management actions will determine the outcome and feasibilityof eradication. An appropriately “rapid response” depends on
the species’ rate of spread, which is determined by the biologyof the species and the characteristics of the receiving
environment.
Both passive and active detection programs are useful. State
roads traverse much of the landscape, and thousands of road
users can keep an eye out for unusual plants and animals that
may be invasive. Maintenance crews and construction
contractors are particularly familiar with roadside flora andfauna and, therefore, are in a prime position to detect new
species or changes in the distribution of known invasive pests. In
addition, systematic roadside surveys can document the
distribution of invasive plants or other species both in the ROW
and in adjacent neighboring properties.

Miconia calvescens is a serious invader successfully
contained on Maui, and is set for eradication onO‘ahu and Kaua‘i.
Photo: MISC

Early Detection and Rapid Response efforts already have been
initiated for plants along roads in every county by the Invasive
Species Committees’ early detection crews. Hawai‘i Departmentof Agriculture offices and Invasive Species Committees in eachcounty focus on Early Detection and Rapid Response, and have

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criteria and information about the species for which eradication and containment are feasible options.
In addition to general surveys of transportation corridors, these agencies also survey areas around newlandscaping efforts, nurseries, ports, airports, dumps and quarries which are likely hotspots for the
introduction of a variety of invasive species (e.g., red imported fire ants, coqui frogs, fireweed or new
invasive plants). Except in rare circumstances, HDOT’s Early Detection and Rapid Response efforts would
ideally implement EDRR efforts in transportation corridors via cooperative efforts with other agencies.

STRATEGIC GOAL (EDRR): Support and enhance the State’s capacity toidentify, report and effectively respond to newly detected or localized
invasive species.
Objective EDRR.1: Develop the capacity for high priority audiences to reportincidental detections of invasive species along State highways.
Implementation Task EDRR.1.1 Develop educational materials and train key target
audiences, contractors, road users and staff who may report invasive species along State
highways.
Performance Measure EDRR.1.1.1: In cooperation with the Invasive Species Committees, CGAPS andHDOA, develop educational materials and train relevant target audiences (and trainers) to facilitate
the identification of invasive species along State roads.
Suggested funding: see OC.1.2.3 and P.2.3.2
Performance Measure EDRR.1.1.1: Distribute materials to target audiences each year and document
the number of people reached with the training program for each key audience.
Suggested funding: see OC.1.2.3 and P.2.3.2
Implementation Task EDRR.1.2: Support and encourage the use of the existing State pest
hotline system 643-PEST.
Performance Measure EDRR.1.2.1: Measure the level of staff or contractor awareness about the tollfree statewide pest hotline (annual report from surveys conducted before and after training).
Suggested funding: see OC.1.2.3 and P.2.3.2
Performance Measure EDRR.1.2.2: Monitor the number of reports of species along State roads made to
the hotline (annual report from HDOA).
Suggested funding: see OC.1.2.3 and P.2.3.2

Objective EDRR.2: Implement systematic measures to detect and document
invasive species.
Implementation Task EDRR.2.1: Develop context-sensitive methods to detect invasive
species.
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Performance Measure EDRR.2.1.1: Ensure construction and maintenance specifications or other policy
documents that facilitate early detection and rapid response measures for invasive species.
Suggested funding: Should be part of SNIPP project.
Implementation Task EDRR.2.2 Document current status of invasive species along State
roads, focusing on newly established populations of invasive species.
Performance Measure EDRR.2.2.1: Conduct or support surveys of invasive plants along State roads onO‘ahu.
Suggested funding: Should be covered by the SNIPP project.
Performance Measure EDRR.2.2.2: Conduct or support surveys of invasive plants along State roads ineach county.
Suggested funding: $100,000 per county, one county per year for invasive plant and animal species
surveys along State highways.
Performance Measure EDRR.2.2.3: Implement surveys by trained professionals for the early detectionof invasive plant and animal species at all high risk sites associated with road construction andmaintenance.
Suggested funding: $20,000 per county; one county per year for invasive species surveys at all highrisk sites.
Implementation Task EDRR.2.3 Develop a database/information system to share
information about invasive species detected along State roads with other agencies and the
public.
Performance Measure EDRR.2.3.1: Develop a geo-referenced database for documenting the
distribution of invasive plants.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of the SNIPP project.
Performance Measure EDRR.2.3.2: Develop a GIS database (or data sharing agreement with anotheragency) for documenting the distribution of other invasive species (i.e., non-plant pests).
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of the SNIPP project.

Objective EDRR.3: Develop the means to effectively respond to incipient
invasive species identified within DOT ROW.
Implementation Task EDRR.3.1 Develop and support plans for (timely and effective)
interagency responses to incipient invasive species that may occur on lands under DOT
stewardship.
Performance Measure EDRR.3.1.1: Develop and participate in rapid response plans (e.g., HDOA’s Red
Imported Fire Ant Response Plan); identify responsible staff and possible funding mechanisms.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.
Performance Measure EDRR.3.1.2: Develop agreements with other agencies so they can work on lands
under HDOT care to respond to invasive species issues.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.
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Performance Measure EDRR.3.1.3: Implement or fund timely and effective eradication or control
responses to priority incipient invasive species that are in, or spreading from, ROWs.
Suggested funding: $975,000 p.a. statewide — divided between counties according to need.

CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT
Introduction
When prevention, eradication or containment has failed, weare left with the most commonly employed yet least desirable
option of controlling, managing or mitigating invasive species
impacts. Effectively, we are forced to find a way to “live with”
the invasive species, but resort to taking measures to mitigate
their least acceptable impacts. In the case of control andmanagement, we are likely dealing with a perpetual effort
because reinvasion from unmanaged areas is continuous.
Control and management actions are driven by the importancewe give to mitigating impacts rather than the simple fact that a
species is considered to be invasive. Control is, therefore,
limited to those areas or situations where the values we wantto protect are threatened. This is context sensitive, usually on a
Albizia trees have a tendency to drop large site-by-site basis. For example, a species may be ignored wherebranches. Their establishment along roadsides
needs to be controlled, as removal of large trees can it is ubiquitous and surrounded by low-value non-native scrub,
be expensive. Location: Maui.
but becomes a priority in an area bordering a National Park.
Photo: Forest and Kim StarrThis value-based
management isalready in use; albizia (Falcataria moluccana) is a known
invasive species in native forests but it also has a tendency
to drop branches on the road. Control is sensibly limited toareas where it threatens our safe use of the road, rather
than controlling the species wherever it occurs just because
it is invasive. One exception to the value-based priority
setting might be where compliance with legal mandates
requires control actions on specific species. This includes
Felling albizia trees along less than two miles of road on
Kaua’i cost nearly $1 million in 2009. Photo: Star Bulletin
state and federal noxious weeds included in the USDA
Federal Noxious Weed List and those listed in the Hawai‘i
Department of Agriculture’s Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR) 68, “Noxious Weed Rules.” Additional
animals and pests are considered invasive by the Hawai‘i Departments of Land and Natural Resourcesand Agriculture as described in HAR.

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For HDOT’s roadside maintenance projects, invasive species management will be considered part of
HDOT’s Highway Manual for Sustainable Landscape Maintenance. A variety of methods may be used tocontrol invasive species in any given location, such as physical or mechanical means, herbicides, andcultural methods like grazing and biocontrol. Biocontrol is a special case for control; naturally occurringco-evolved predators from an invasive species’ native range can provide specific control for the target
pest or weed (usually a plant, insect or other invertebrate pest). These natural enemies may reduce thegrowth rate or reproductive capacity of the target species, kill a proportion of the population, orotherwise reduce its competitive ability. Ultimately, biocontrol agents can reduce both the harmful
effects and management costs of invasive species. The process to find natural enemies that are specificto the target and can be released without unintended impacts to non-target organisms has improved toan extent where non-target impacts are very rare; but this process can be very lengthy (up to 10 years ormore) and costly. If successful, biocontrol agents operate continuously with little need for additional
labor or other inputs and, therefore, are considered relatively sustainable. HDOT’s role in biocontrol
efforts is to support research for invasive pests known to occur in rights-of-way and which cause safetyconcerns and/or deterioration of the roadside landscape, or were introduced by HDOT activities.

STRATEGIC GOAL (CM): Control and manage invasive species to reduce
their harmful impacts along State highways.
Objective CM.1: Improve HDOT Highways Division’s capacity to control andmanage invasive species to protect priority values.
Implementation Task CM.1.1: Mitigate most important (least acceptable) invasive species
impacts along State highways’ rights-of-way.
Performance measure CM.1.1.1: Map the distribution of high priority areas and ecologicalcommunities and document invasive species threats that should be the focus of control efforts.
Suggested funding: $300,000 — map, survey and rank sites and invasive species threats statewide tosupport the implementation of control measures to protect biodiversity values.
Performance measure CM.1.1.2: Within five highest value areas identified in each county in CM.1.1.1,
develop a list of priority invasive species for control and management, and determine desired
management outcomes and effective control measures.
Performance measure CM.1.1.3: Using sound science and creative solutions develop efficient,innovative and integrated control methods for invasive species that are difficult or expensive tocontrol.
Suggested funding: $200,000 p.a. — to implement control measures and trials and protect
biodiversity values at five priority sites in each county.
Implementation Task 1.2: Support efforts by other organizations and agencies to control
invasive species on lands managed by HDOT.

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Performance measure 1.2.1: Allow access to external stakeholders for the control and management ofinvasive species on HDOT lands.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.
Performance measure 1.2.2: Support the research, development and implementation of invasive
species control using natural enemies (biocontrol) for three priority targets.
Suggested funding: $150,000 p.a. — to support research and development on three priority targets
for biocontrol over the 10-year period of the Strategic Plan.

Objective CM.2: Develop workforce competencies to improve control andmanagement activities along the rights-of-way.
Implementation Task 2.1: Train highways maintenance staff and contractors about invasive
species control in highways’ rights-of-way.
Performance measure 2.1.: Train HDOT staff and contractors via at least two workshops per year
about invasive species control in highways’ rights-of-way starting within three years. (annually after
three years).
Suggested funding: see P.2.3.2

Objective CM.3: Develop regional partnerships for the effective control andmanagement of priority invasive species.
Implementation task CM.3.1: Identify legal, political and organizational obstacles andconstraints inhibiting collaboration with external stakeholders to invasive species control
and management.
Performance measure CM.3.1.1: Identify and mitigate obstacles to effective invasive species control
and management efforts with at least three major landowners.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.
Performance measure CM.3.1.2: Identify and mitigate three major obstacles to effective invasive
species control and management efforts as they apply to state and federal agencies.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.
Implementation task CM.3.2: Establish working relationship with external stakeholders
particularly the neighboring landowners.
Performance measure CM.3.2.1: Develop at least three regional level collaborative control andmanagement programs involving private, county, and/or federal neighboring landowners.
Suggested funding: $350,000 p.a. — fund effective partnerships or HDOT-managed cooperative
invasive species control initiatives.

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The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic PlanRESTORATION
Introduction
Restoration is the process of restoring degraded or damaged ecological systems. State roads currently
serve as vectors for the spread of weedy plants. In a major paradigm shift, we envision State roads beinga place for native plants to grow and flourish. Restoration may also involve planting alien non-invasiveplants, if they are the best-suited for a certain area and there are no appropriate native species. Apartfrom the inherent ecological value of establishing native and non-invasive species, restoring roadsidevegetation with native plant species also has economic, safety and aesthetic advantages. The
establishment of native plant communities is the best long-term defense against the introduction,
establishment and spread of invasive species. Using native species for restoration reduces themaintenance costs associated with the control of problematic invasive species in the rights-of-way. In
the absence of restoration, invasive species control can be ineffective because the control activities
often cause disturbances that facilitate further invasive species establishment. Restoration of roadsides
with native species can enhance roadside safety goals. For instance, hydro-seeding with fast-growing
introduced grasses has been the general practice in Hawai‘i; however, introduced grasses can haveshallow roots and be invasive themselves. In contrast, restoring the roadsides with better adapted
native grasses, herbs and shrub species with different root depths could increase slope stability andprevent slumps and debris from flowing onto the roads. Finally, restoration can be visually more
appealing and provide a true Hawaiian sense of place that is culturally and ecologically appropriate forour roadsides and sensitive to the local climatic and biological context (e.g., water use may be less innative species).

Once established, strawberry guava quickly invades and eventually dominates native Hawaiian
forests. Shown here, is an aerial view of a sea of invasive strawberry guava (dark green)surrounding isolated and dying ‘ōhi‘a on the Island of Hawai‘i at Wao Kele o Puna.
Photo: Carnegie Airborne Observatory

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Restoration should be viewed as an integral part of invasive species management. Section 2(a) (2) of EO
13112 charges federal agencies to “provide for restoration of native species and habitat conditions inecosystems that have been invaded.” Importantly, the recent legislation SAFETEA-LU makes the existing
national highway system/surface transportation program funds available for the control of invasive
species along the roadsides and for the propagation and establishment of native plant species along therights-of-way. Hawai‘i’s SNIPP recognizes the importance of restoring with native plants for long-term
ecosystem resiliency. For shorter term rehabilitation and site stabilization, both native and site
appropriate non-invasive alien species can be used. Evaluation of available techniques and developing
new techniques that can successfully suppress invasive species should continue. Documenting a visionof the desired future plant community along the roadside and potential for restoration on a spatial scale
will allow the HDOT maintenance staff to strategically control and remove invasive species and restore
ROW with appropriate native species.

STRATEGIC GOAL (R): In high priority sites, restore and maintainculturally and ecologically appropriate plant and animal communities
along Hawai‘i roads.
Objective R.1: Restore high priority/high value areas along State highways.
Implementation Task R.1.1: Identify high value areas along State highway rights-of-way for
restoration.
Performance Measure R.1.1.1: With participation from external stakeholders, develop criteria toprioritize restoration efforts and rank the areas along the rights-of-way based on these criteria within
three years.
Suggested funding: $20,000 for report and workshop.
Performance Measure R.1.1.2: Develop a list of five high priority areas for restoration along the
highways’ rights-of-way on each island within three years.
Suggested funding: see R.1.1.1
Performance Measure R.1.1.3: Write and implement restoration plans for priority sites; involve
reliable external stakeholders; and document pre-existing conditions, restoration goals, successmetrics and monitoring plans. Emphasis will be on low labor, highly efficient native hydro-seeding
restoration with aggressive weed control protocols. Total area restored in each county to be greaterthan five acres.
Suggested funding: $425,000 p.a. to write and implement restoration plans for five sites in eachcounty.
Performance Measure R.1.1.4: Document successful restoration projects in each county involving
recovery from invasive species impacts in the highways’ rights-of-way.
Suggested funding: Incorporate into funding and restoration plans as for R.1.1.3.

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Objective R.2: Support and develop cost-effective methods to restore
highways’ rights-of-way with native plant species.
Implementation Task R.2.1: Develop and implement methods for seeding highways’ rightsof-way with native species.
Performance Measure R.2.1.1: Identify or establish seed sources for at least three low-growing nativeplant species suitable for large-scale reseeding efforts in highways’ rights-of-way.
Suggested funding: $100,000 p.a. — plant large populations of three species along State roads;
species should be suited to each county; the plantings can be used as a seed source by native plant
nurseries for construction projects.
Performance Measure R.2.1.2: Support the development of cost effectively hydro-seeding techniques
using native plant seed mix.
Suggested funding: $200,000 to develop cost-effective hydro-seeding using native species.
Performance Measure R.2.1.3: Using the previously developed cost-effective hydro-seeding techniques(R 2.1.2), restore at least 10 acres of the clear zones in the rights-of-way with native plants. Monitor
and evaluate its success over time as described in R.1.1.3.
Suggested funding: $100,000 to annually hydro-seed over 10 acres using native species.
Implementation Task R.2.2: Develop and implement cost-effective methods for planting
shrubs and trees in the highways’ rights-of-way with native species.
Performance Measure R.2.2.1: Identify appropriate native plant species that are suitable for largescale restoration efforts in the highways’ rights-of-way.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of a 2009 HDOT contract for services to develop a
Sustainable Landscape Master Plan.
Performance Measure R.2.2.2: Conduct experimental restoration effort in at least three different
habitat types (e.g., coastal, lowland, dry, mesic and wet areas) on each island.
Suggested funding: see R.2.2.3
Performance Measure R.2.2.3: Restore at least 50 acres within the rights-of-way statewide using
native plant species.
Suggested funding: $1,000,000 — statewide to support prioritized restoration projects.

Objective R.3: Support and enhance the development of an island-based nativeplant industry.
Implementation Task R.3.1: Support local businesses that propagate native plant species.
Performance Measure R.3.1.1: Communicate the revegetation requirements of HDOT’s Highways
Division to local native plant growers.
Performance Measure R.3.1.2: Design and plan for the use of 50% native plants on all construction
projects implemented along State rights-of-way.
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Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.
Performance Measure R.3.1.3: Include the requirement to use native plant species in the HDOT
specifications for construction and maintenance projects within three years.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.
Performance Measure R.3.1.4: Ensure that selection criteria for native plant contracts give weight toplants grown on island, rather than imported from other islands as this will decrease the likelihoodthat pests will be moved interisland.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of HDOT staff responsibilities.
Performance Measure R.3.1.5: Include appropriate native plant use and selection processes in theLandscape Master Plan within two years.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of HDOT contract for services to develop a Sustainable
Landscape Master Plan.

Objective R.4: Develop partnerships to ensure the long-term success ofrestoration projects.
Implementation Task R.4.1 Identify and engage relevant external stakeholders in
restoration projects in the highways’ rights-of-way.
Performance measure R.4.1.1: Develop at least one restoration project of more than an acre on eachisland that demonstrates successful partnership with reliable government or non-governmental
external stakeholder.
Suggested funding: see R.2.2.3

COMMUNITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL COLLABORATION
Introduction
Invasive species problems are often exacerbated by people; but with recognition of the problem, people
will become part of the solution. Understanding and awareness, based on information and knowledge,
are essential for establishing invasive species as a priority issue which can and must be addressed.
Better information and education, and improved public awareness of invasive species issues by all
sectors of society, are fundamental to preventing or reducing the risk of unintentional or unauthorized
introductions and to establishing evaluation and authorization procedures for proposed intentional
introductions. Control and eradication of invasive species is more likely to be successful if supported byinformed and cooperating local communities, government agencies, appropriate sectors and groups.
Sharing of information and research findings is vital to education, understanding and awareness.
HDOT Highways Division is a member of a wider community that can benefit from efforts to protect
Hawai‘i from the impact of invasive species. Only through a collaborative approach will the problem be
effectively addressed. Outreach, training and community and organizational collaboration are required
to achieve each of the goals of this strategy. HDOT is not primarily a conservation agency and its
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dedicated efforts to invasive species management are second to its primary mission to provide safe,
accessible, and efficient transportation for Hawai‘i. As such, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation seeks
to collaborate with government and non-governmental conservation organizations for expert input andsupport to be successful in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species along Hawai‘iroads.
Effective management of invasive species in theserights-of-way requires HDOT to work withneighboring landowners, accommodating their
management objectives and target species forcontrol as well. Developing partnerships andoutreach on various invasive species issues are
critical to effective invasive species management.
HDOT can leverage limited resources to bring about
effective and meaningful invasive species
management and avoid duplication of effort.

New pests, potential and known pests should be reported to
the report-a-pest hotline.

Strategic Goal (OC): Maximize HDOT’s collaboration on invasive species
issues with federal, state and county agencies, as well as privateorganizations and individuals, focusing on neighboring landowners.
Objective OC.1: Enhance communication
about invasive species issues along State
highways.
Implementation Task OC.1.1: Increase
communication within HDOT on invasive
species issues.
Performance Measure OC.1.1.1: Implement at least
three projects within the next five years that involve
coordination within various HDOT internal divisionsof planning, design, construction, and operations andmaintenance.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of
HDOT staff responsibilities.

The brown treesnake has caused species extinctions in Guamand continues to disrupt the island’s electricity supply
system. Hawai‘i’s trade connection with Guam could
inadvertently lead to its introduction. Photo: USGS/BRD

Performance Measure OC.1.1.2: Conduct one island-wide internal workshop/meeting or produce
educational materials within HDOT among the various divisions to share information on ongoing andupcoming policies and practices on invasive species issues every two years.
Suggested funding: Should be covered as part of SNIPP project and/or HDOT staff responsibilities.

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Implementation Task OC.1.2: Increase communication with external stakeholders oninvasive species issues.
Performance Measure OC.1.2.1: Share with external stakeholders for review and comment changes to
HDOT protocols and procedures on invasive species issues.
Suggested funding: Part of existing functions.
Performance Measure OC.1.2.2: Attend the Hawai‘i Conservation Conference annually to network withpotential and existing partners.
Suggested funding: Part of existing functions.
Performance Measure OC.1.2.3: Coordinate invasive species projects, outreach and SNIPP program
through a partnership with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit at the University of Hawai‘i co-housedwith HDOT staff.
Suggested funding: $100,000 p.a. for coordination.
Performance Measure OC.1.2.4: Play an active role as a member of the Hawai‘i Invasive Species
Council and implement its (2008) strategy (as required by HRS 194).
Suggested funding: Part of existing functions.

Objective OC.2: Coordinate and expand HDOT’s invasive species programs andleverage resources.
Implementation Task OC.2.1: Partner with relevant government or non-governmental
agencies on efforts for prevention, early detection and rapid response, and control andmanagement of invasive species.
Performance Measure OC.2.1.1: Demonstrate sharing of resources through partnerships with one
governmental and non-governmental agency in each of the invasive species management areas ofprevention, early detection and rapid response, and control and management within the next five
years.
Suggested funding: Part of existing functions.
Performance Measure OC.2.1.2: Share information and databases about invasive species withgovernmental and non-governmental agencies within the next two years.
Suggested funding: Part of existing functions.

Objective OC.3: Enhance HDOT’s invasive species outreach.
Implementation Task OC.3.1: Promote and build support for HDOT’s efforts in invasive
species management.
Performance Measure OC.3.1.1: Promote HDOT’s efforts on invasive species management through themedia and through site signage.
Suggested funding: Part of existing functions.

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The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan
Implementation Task OC.3.2: Develop invasive species outreach targeting strategic usergroups and businesses.
Performance Measure OC.3.2.1: Work with the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council’s Public OutreachWorking Group to develop public service announcements to raise awareness among motorists about
the spread of invasive species via key pathways (within three years).
Suggested funding: $75,000 annually.
Performance Measure OC.3.2.2: Develop and distribute outreach materials on HDOT’s top 10 priority
invasive species in the highways’ rights-of-way for each county (within five years).
Suggested funding: see OC.1.2.3
Performance measure OC.3.2.3: Communicate key information and research findings that support
effective management of invasive species, internally and externally.
Suggested funding: see OC.1.2.3
Implementation Task OC.3.3: Involve community groups in the planning, planting andmaintenance of landscape projects.
Performance measure OC.3.3.1: Expand the Adopt-a-Highway program to include native plantings.
Suggested funding: $100,000 p.a. — grants for community groups statewide.

Objective OC.4: Increase funding for invasive species work along State
highways and secure dedicated funding.
Implementation Task OC.4.1: Identify sources of funding for invasive species work in the
highways’ rights-of-way.
Performance measure OC.4.1.1: Based on this Strategic Plan, identify projects that would address thegoals and submit at least one proposal per year for funding.
Suggested funding: See funding levels suggested in this Strategic Plan.
Performance measure OC.4.1.2: Secure at least $3 million in dedicated annual funding within five
years for invasive species programs and/or positions that contribute to the achievement of objectivesof this SNIPP Strategic Plan.
Suggested funding: See funding levels suggested in rest of Strategic Plan to be implemented by HDOT
staff and collaborators.
Performance measure OC.4.1.3: In cooperation with an external stakeholder, complete at least one
invasive species related project in the next five years that is funded partially or completely fromexternal sources.
Suggested funding: See funding levels suggested in rest of Strategic Plan.

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The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan

FUNDING AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO INVASIVE SPECIESThe goals and objectives in this report are listed in order of priority in terms of their perceived
effectiveness in addressing the invasive species threat. Ideal funding levels to fully implement thisStrategic Plan are given in the table below. An estimated $2.8 million in dedicated annual funding would
allow implementation of high priority ongoing tasks (see table below). An additional $2 million over the
10-year life of the SNIPP Strategic Plan would allow implementation of other high priority one-time
projects. It is important to note that the HDOT staff is already implementing some of the tasks detailed
in this Strategic Plan and has modified current practices. Funding will be in various relevant HDOT
projects and programs and a portion will be in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program(STIP) as SNIPP. In addition, some costs described in this plan could be included as part of construction
projects (e.g., some restoration efforts could be included in construction projects rather than a separate
restoration project). SAFETEA-LU federal funds at 80:20 match are available for the annual SNIPP
budget. Finally, all funding suggestions in this Strategic Plan may be subject to change in the future.
Suggested funding levels should accommodate possible changes.

Estimated funding levels required to perform the implementation tasks in this 10-year SNIPP
Strategic Plan 2012-2022.

SNIPP Program Component

AnnualOn-going projects
Estimated $/year

Other projects
one-time cost





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



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TOTAL$1,930,000$2,808,000

Federal Match 80%$1,544,000$2,246,400

State Funds 20%$386,000$561,600

Prevention
Early Detection and Rapid
Response
Control and Management
Restoration
CommunityandOrganizational Collaboration

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The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic PlanKEY INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT STAKEHOLDERS
Internal and external stakeholders who may be involved in implementation of this SNIPP Strategic Plan
include:x HDOT Highways Divisionx Contractors to HDOT for construction and maintenance activitiesx The publicx The Coordinating Group on Alien Species—http://www.hawaiiinvasivespecies.org/cgaps/x The Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council—http://www.hawaiiinvasivespecies.org/hisc/x Invasive Species Committees—http://www.hawaiiinvasivespecies.org/iscs/x Hawai‘i Ecosystems at Risk—http://www.hear.org
x Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources—http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/
x Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture—http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/x University of Hawai‘i—http://www.hawaii.edu
x CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service—http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/site/extprograms.aspxx USDA—http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/hi.shtml
x U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—http://www.fws.gov/pacificislands/invasives.html
x The Nature Conservancy—http://www.nature.org/x The Sierra Club—http://www.sierraclub.org/x The Outdoor Circle—http://www.outdoorcircle.org/protecting_hawaii

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REFERENCES
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67:66-74.
Eldredge, L., and N. Evenhuis. 2003. Hawaii’s Biodiversity: A Detailed Assessment of the Numbers of Species
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Gutrich, J. J., E. VanGelder, and L. Loope. 2007. Potential economic impact of introduction and spread of the
red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, in Hawaii. Environmental Science and Policy 10:685-696.
Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council. 2007. Budgetary and Other Issues Regarding Invasive Species in response to§194-2, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes and Section 28 of Act 213, Session Laws of Hawai‘i, 2007, p. 80.
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Kaiser, B., and K. Burnett. 2006. Economic Impacts of E. Coqui frogs in Hawaii. Interdisciplinary Environmental
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Kraus, F., and E. Campbell. 2002. Human-mediated escalation of a formerly eradicable problem: the invasionof Caribbean frogs in the Hawaiian Islands. Biological Invasions 4:327-332.
LaDeau, S. L., A. M. Kilpatrick, and P. P. Marra. 2007. West Nile virus emergence and large-scale declines ofNorth American bird populations. Nature 447:710-713.
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Meyer, J. 1996. Status of Miconia calvescens (Melastomataceae), a dominant invasive tree in the Society
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Invasive Species Council, Washington, D.C. www.invasivespecies.gov. Accessed September 17, 2009.
Pimentel, D., R. Zuniga, and D. Morrison. 2005. Update on the environmental and economic costs associatedwith alien-invasive species in the United States. Ecological Economics 52:273-288.
SPREP. 2009. Guidelines for Invasive Species Management in the Pacific – A Pacific strategy for managing
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Sullivan, J. J., P. A. Williams, S. M. Timmins, and M. C. Smale. 2009. Distribution and spread of environmental
weeds along New Zealand roadsides. New Zealand Journal of Botany 33.
Van Riper III, C., S. G. Van Riper, M. L. Goff, and M. Laird. 1982. The impact of malaria on birds in Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park.
von der Lippe, M., and I. Kowarik. 2007. Long-Distance Dispersal of Plants by Vehicles as a Driver of Plant
Invasions. Conservation Biology 21:986.
Wittenberg, R., and M. J. W. Cock. 2001. Invasive alien species: a toolkit of best prevention and management
practices. CABI.

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The 2012-2022 SNIPP Strategic Plan

APPENDIX: Letters of Support

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