#Mike Opgenorth

Since becoming director in 2015, Opgenorth and his team have built a new visitor and education center that welcomes over 7,000 guests, education groups, and volunteers each year. He’s expanded efforts to restore the coastal hala forest and protect it from invasive species.

Gov. Josh Green and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council honored community members and organizations on Wednesday as part of Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM), recognizing efforts across the state to combat the growing threat of invasive species.