Biosecurity plan formed to protect Hawaii from invasive species | KHON2

Tackling invasive species takes a lot of time, energy, and funding.

Source: Biosecurity plan formed to protect Hawaii from invasive species | KHON2 (http://www.khon2.com/2016/10/02/biosecurity-plan-formed-to-protect-hawaii-from-invasive-species/).

Accessed on 03 October 2016, 04:05 hrs, UTC.

Reporter:  Sara Mattison.

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Comment:

Because of the estimated $140 million damage caused to Hawaii’s crops by invasive species such as the little fire ant, Department of Agriculture officials want to implement what is called the “Hawaii Interagency Biosecurity Plan” as soon as possible.

There is a growing fear that invasive pests, such as the coqui frog, which already are out of control on Hawaii Island and East Maui, could find new homes on Oahu.

State agricultural officials are conducting briefings throughout Hawaii to bring the public up to speed on what is being done to fight invasive species.

There will be two public meetings on Hawaii Island in October.  The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, 12 October 2016, 6 p.m., at the Hilo High School Cafeteria.  The second meeting will be held on Thursday, 13 October 2016, 6 p.m., at the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria.

The cost of implementing the plan could be as high as $50 million.

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Russ Roberts

Hawaii News Digest