#MISC

The County of Maui Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Maui Invasive Species Committee, is urging residents, agricultural producers, landscapers and green waste haulers to survey their properties and remain vigilant following the detection of two significant Little Fire Ant infestations in Haʻikū and Kapalua.

Field crew members discovered the Ha‘ikū infestation on May 8, 2026, following a community report of stinging ants. MISC estimates the infestation covers roughly 20 acres, spanning multiple private properties in the Uaoa area. On June 25, 2026, MISC received a report of stinging ants in the Kapalua area. The confirmed infested area currently spans nearly 40 acres, though survey projections estimate the total footprint could ultimately reach up to 125 acres.

Following two recent detections in Central Maui, the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) is urging the community to remain alert for invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB).Following two recent detections in Central Maui, the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) is urging the community to remain alert for invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB).

Tonight’s meeting (July 29) remains a Mayor’s Candidate Forum, and community advocate Gregg Blue will provide a brief update on recent developments on speed tables.

A single dead adult coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) was collected by the Maui Invasive Species Committee from a detection trap at Kahului Airport on the afternoon of April 1, 2026. No other CRB were detected in the other traps checked. Personnel from MISC and DAB are conducting surveys and deploying additional detection traps. Residents, businesses and landowner within a two-mile radius from Kahului Airport are asked to check coconut palms and other large palms for possible signs of CRB feeding damage.

Mālama Hāmākua Maui announced the launch of its 2026 Coqui Control Workday Series in partnership with the Maui Invasive Species Committee, beginning Tuesday, March, 31.

The Maui Invasive Species Committee is launching a Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle music video contest open to Maui students grade three and up; submissions due April 17, 2026.  The goal of the contest is build awareness critical to protecting Maui, where CRB has not yet established.

While coconut palms top the list of CRB’s preferred foods, endangered loulu is also on the menu. Loulu’s small crowns are easier for beetles to penetrate than those of coconut palms, which results in a higher risk of lethal damage or secondary fungal infection. Extinction is a worry.

On Maui, 75% of LFA detections come from community reports, proving that the watchfulness of residents is paying off. As LFA populations continue to grow across the state, the attentiveness of residents remains a critical component in preventing the establishment of little fire ants on Maui.

Friends of Twin Falls is inviting Hawaiʻi residents to a special Kamaʻāina Exclusive event on Saturday, July 5, at Wailele Farms—commonly known as Twin Falls.

Nā Koa Manu Conservation announced a new strategic partnership with the Maui Invasive Species Committee, a respected leader in the protection of native Hawaiian ecosystems from the devastating impacts of invasive species.

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.

A field crew with the Maui Invasive Species Committee detected a small population of little fire ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) along Hāna Highway near the entrance of the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park on Aug. 26, 2024. This finding follows the late May detection of little fire ants or LFA at a county storage area on Waikaloa Road in Hāna. Officials say the ants likely spread via contaminated road fill to Kīpahulu within the last year. The infestation appears to be confined to approximately two-thirds of an acre, less than half a soccer field. 

The Maui Invasive Species Committee hosts a teacher development workshop for K-12 teachers and environmental educators on Oct. 12 and 13 featuring the place-based Hōʻike o Haleakalā curriculum.

Maui Invasive Species Committee and Pukalani Superette partnered in a unique community outreach event in honor of Earth Day. Students in grade K-8 at the Montessori School of Maui were presented with the challenge of customizing paper grocery bags with messages expressing their appreciation and concern for Maui’s environment.

Two people who have successfully helped the Maui Invasive Species Committee since its inception are Teya Penniman, acting manager, and Christy Martin, who started with MISC in 2000, but now helps with statewide issues including policy and funding. Maui Now’s Gary Kubota interviewed Martin and Penniman as part of this People of Maui series.

“The location of this LFA population is concerning because of its proximity to the Wailua River. LFA can “raft” along waterways allowing them to spread far greater distances,” said Curt Cottrell, Administrator of the DLNR Division of State Parks.

October is “Stop the Ant Month” in Hawaiʻi, and residents are encouraged to collect and submit ants to help detect and control the spread of invasive ants.

The Maui Invasive Species Committee is holding a teacher development workshop for K-12 teachers and environmental educators on Oct. 6 and 7, featuring the place-based Hōʻike o Haleakalā curriculum.

Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award recipients are recognized for meaningful efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species, including incorporating codes of conduct in business practices, educating the public and clients about invasive species, and encouraging the use of native species in landscape design.