They introduced many more non-native species, including cattle, goats, European boars, and mosquitoes. They felled much of the forests for agriculture, grazing, and fuel for sugar mills. Just as European and Asian diseases decimated the native Hawaiian people, so did increased forest clearing and introduced pest species continue to take a heavy toll on native Hawaiian plants and wildlife. Today, land conversion to agriculture, ranching, and residential uses has permanently displaced native vegetation on over half of the Hawaiian landscape. Coastal and lowland areas have been particularly affected.
Wildfires often destroy rare dry land native plants.
Flammable non-native weeds take over these burned areas, creating a vicious cycle of destruction. Modern fishing techniques threaten marine and seabird life. Increased development, tourism, and a growing population continue to impact Hawaii's natural resource base. While Hawaii's early inhabitants relied heavily on Hawaii's natural resources for their survival, our survival today depends on saving what it left of our native ecosystems. We need to strike the proper balance between the needs of an island economy and growing population, and the preservation of Hawaii's limited natural resources.