Hawaii’s unique ecosystems are under siege from some of the most destructive invasive species in its history.

Those of most concern include the coconut rhinoceros beetle, the little fire ant, and the coqui frog. These invaders are not only a threat to the natural environment; they also endanger Hawaii’s economy, agriculture, and way of life.

As a legislator, I have been warned many times that a single mistake in our defense could lead to disaster on our islands. We have tried our best and still have not been successful in combating these pests that seem to be overwhelming us.

For example, the current effectiveness of Hawaii’s biosecurity is like a prison guard spying on an inmate with a capstan gun, and they know it. Ask any coqui frog how they took over the Big Island and how the coconut rhinoceros beetle and the little fire ant are about to break out of prison all over Oahu.

The coconut rhinoceros beetle has only recently become an alarming threat. This destructive pest, native to Southeast Asia and first detected in Hawaii in 2013, targets palm trees, boring into their crowns and feeding on their sap, which can ultimately weaken and kill trees.

The loss of coconut trees would be devastating for Hawaii because these trees are iconic to the islands and play a vital role in our local economy and culture. Beyond their economic value, the destruction of palm trees is also disrupting the habitats of native species and destabilizing fragile ecosystems that have evolved over millions of years.

Another invasive threat damaging the islands is the little fire ant. These ants, first detected in Hawaii in 1999, are considered among the most invasive species in the world. Known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior, tiny fire ants form rapidly spreading supercolonies, overwhelming native ant species and posing a significant threat to biodiversity.

Small fire ant infestations can make outdoor spaces unbearable for humans and animals alike; It can turn gardens, parks and even agricultural areas into no-go zones. Their presence in homes and farms also has serious consequences for Hawaii’s agricultural and tourism industries. Their danger is further highlighted by the risk ants pose to pets, which can become blind from their stings.

Big Impact

Although small, the coqui frog has had a huge impact on Hawaii’s environment and residents for decades. Coqui’s loud, piercing calls, accidentally introduced to the islands in the late 1980s, disrupt the peaceful nights Hawaii is known for.

Even more worrying is the frog’s rapid reproductive rate and lack of natural predators. This has led to explosive population growth that threatens native species by competing for food and habitat.

The uncontrolled spread of the coqui frog has made it a major concern for environmentalists and residents alike. Its ability to alter ecosystems and reduce residents’ quality of life makes it one of the most problematic invasive species in Hawaii.

Each of these invasive species arriving on our islands like a Trojan horse has shown us that we are not immune to breaches of our defenses.

This year the Parliament passed Senate Bill 572This would give the Department of Agriculture the authority to declare a biosecurity emergency if an outbreak or spread of a pest has the potential to cause significant economic or environmental loss. This bill would give the governor major powers to seize or take control of any property, real estate, and even seize Matson ships for the purpose of addressing this biosecurity emergency.

With this provision, SB 572 was later vetoed by Governor Josh Green due to potential impacts on port operations and Hawaii’s economy, which is so dependent on the maritime industry. That’s why I voted no on the bill, but I’m disappointed that we continue to take decisive action as a state, knowing how quickly we can lose control if we don’t quickly respond to an incoming threat.

We have no choice but to do a better job of protecting our environment from invasive creatures that have proven so far to be smarter than us. Our isolated geographical location and rich history of ecological management give us the upper hand in this struggle, but ultimately government inaction and insufficient funding and manpower will prove to us, and have already shown, that even mere insects, ants, and frogs can be dangerous. formidable enemies of our fragile ecosystem.

Who knows what little critters will attack us next, but we must be prepared to take them down before their ground games and tree games overwhelm us like they have in the past.