DLNR puts on Invasive Species Awareness Month webinars, activities

May is Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month. The campaign, in its eighth year, raises awareness of the serious threats invasive species pose to all aspects of life in Hawaiʻi and celebrates the work of those who help protect the islands.

The campaign is coordinated by the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council, an interagency partnership co-chaired by the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture. This year’s theme, “What’s at Risk — from Mauka to Makai,” highlights the wide range of native resources at risk, from upland forests to coastal reefs.

The month-long observance includes free webinars, volunteer events, and awards to honor those making a difference — including several opportunities focused on Maui.

Webinar topics range from habitat restoration for critically endangered birds, coqui frog control efforts on Maui to community engagement in invasive species management.

“Invasive species threaten everything we hold dear — from our wai to our ʻāina,” said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang. “Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month reminds us that stewardship is everyone’s kuleana, mauka to makai.”

Maui events and webinars

Maui residents can participate in several events this month:

• Maui Community Coqui Control — Ask Us Anything on May 20, 3 to 3:45 p.m. Featuring Terry Tolman, Haʻikū Community Coqui Control leader, and Rebecca Creighton, coqui field coordinator, Maui Invasive Species Committee. Residents can ask questions about coqui frog control efforts and learn how neighborhoods are working together. Register here.
• Menehune Mayhem: Kids Surfing Competition on May 17, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hoʻokipa Beach. Learn how invasive species impact our reefs, play invasive species Jenga, and make a magnet with MISC during this keiki surf event. Event website
• FHNP Palikū Service Trip from May 24 to 27, join the Friends of Haleakalā to gather native plant seeds and remove invasive species in the Palikū Cabin area. This multi-day trip involves strenuous hiking but offers a rare chance to experience the heart of Haleakalā while giving back to this special place. More info
• Ag Fest & 4-H Livestock Fair on May 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., War Memorial Complex Visitors can stop by the MISC booth to see invasive species specimens, make a magnet and view real specimens. Event website

A Maui Nui MVP award will be announced later this month, recognizing an individual or organization for contributions to invasive species prevention and control in Maui County.

Local impacts

Invasive species continue to threaten Maui’s environment and economy, from coqui frogs spreading in Haʻikū to the risk of wildfires fueled by non-native grasses. Earlier this year, a fire burned 600 acres of subalpine forest at Haleakalā Ranch’s Puʻu Pahu Reserve, affecting decades of restoration work.

A webinar on May 23 will feature Jordan Jokiel, vice president of stewardship and forestry at Haleakalā Ranch, discussing how the wildfire has shaped the ranch’s land management strategies.

A full list of Invasive Species Awareness Month events and webinars is available at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/hisam2025/.

Residents can report invasive species sightings at 643pest.org or by calling 643-PEST.