Alien Pest Invasion: The Story Native Wildlife Damage Native Plant and Watershed Damage Agricultural Damage Potential Impact Silent Invasion Home

"Each time we lose another native Hawaiian plant, bird, insect or forest, we lose a living part of our ancient culture. Stopping alien pests is about choosing our future and saving our past." -Nainoa Thompson, Master Navigator

snakes invading Hawai`i The silent invasion of Hawai`i by insects, disease organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests is the single greatest threat to Hawai`i's economy, natural environment, and the health and lifestyle of Hawai`i's people. Pests already cause millions of dollars in crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, and the spread of disease. But many more harmful pests now threaten to invade Hawai`i and wreak further damage.

Stopping the influx of new pests and containing their spread is essential to the well-being of Hawai`i's future.

 

Unwanted alien pests are entering Hawai`i at an alarming rate, about 2 million times more rapid than the natural rate - despite the efforts of more than 20 state, federal, and private agencies.

Hawai`i's unique evolutionary natural history, and its modern role as the commercial hub of the Pacific make these islands particularly vulnerable to destruction by alien pests. Gaps in the current pest prevention systems and a lack of public awareness add further to this serious problem.

 
The Federal Office of Technology Assessment has declared the alien pest problem in Hawai`i to be the worst in the nation.

Committed political leadership and widespread public support can preserve Hawai`i's environment, lifestyle, and economy.

The present problem is severe. The future could be even more dire. Slow, incremental action will not be sufficient. Dramatic improvements must be made now.