HONOLULU – May is Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM). The campaign, now in its eighth year, raises awareness of the serious threats invasive species pose to all aspects of life in Hawaii and celebrates the work of those who help protect our islands.
HISAM is hosted by the interagency Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC), co-chaired by the DLNR and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA). The May 2025 campaign includes volunteer opportunities and a series of free educational webinars by local invasive species experts. Webinar topics will include the creation of new habitats for critically endangered bird species, controlling coqui frogs on Maui, and community engagement within invasive species management. Awards will also be given to community members for their efforts to address what the Hawaii State Legislature has described as the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s economy, natural environment, people, and visitors.
“Every person has a role in Hawaii’s biosecurity network. This month highlights the actions — large and small — that protect our islands from invasive pests,” said HDOA Chair Sharon Hurd.
This year’s theme, “What’s at Risk — from Mauka to Makai,” reflects the breadth of Hawaii’s resources and landscapes, from native forests to nearshore reefs. Local community events across the state invite people to connect with nature and take action to help control invasives. Participants can survey for invasive plants on Oahu’s North Shore, remove weeds from remote forests on Maui, restore critical bird habitat on Hawaii Island, and more.
“Invasive species threaten everything we hold dear — from our wai to our aina,” said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang. “Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Month reminds us that stewardship is everyone’s kuleana, mauka to makai.”
Visit the HISC website for a full schedule of events with links to webinars at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/hisam2025/.
Source: The Garden Island