Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Month encourages community participation through learning and engagement
Kia‘i Moku
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Imagine standing on a deck of a voyaging canoe -- at night, in the clouds. It's your kuleana (responsibility) to keep the canoe on the correct heading. You can't see the stars but other clues in the environment help--you maintain the canoe's orientation into the swell, or perhaps the wind is a compass for you know. Your ability and experience observing your surroundings helps you find your place in it. Even without the stars to navigate by, you find your way
The practice of kilo (observation) is integral to life in Hawaii, as much today as it was for the first islanders. By observing changes and relationships in the world around them, people knew how to get where they wanted to go, when to plant, when to fish, and when something was out of balance, or too much had been taken. This knowledge was shared with others and passed down for generations.
Hawaii has changed dramatically since the first navigators set foot on the islands, even more so over the last 200 years. Today, more than half the plants are introduced and some have proven invasive. Non-native plants and animals have transformed much of the landscape. It's with that in mind that the programs throughout the state come together for Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM). It's a chance to share knowledge and observe what's happening in the islands and to help protect Hawaii.
Collaboration almost always yields greater results. The practice of kilo is never limited to a single profession and sharing this knowledge supports everyone. Navigators, farmers, and fishermen all engage in the practice of kilo, and detecting invasive species requires widespread practice of awareness.
During May, HISAM features a wide range of opportunities to become engaged in protecting Hawaii from invasive species. From learning basics such as determining what is and isn't invasive or diving deep into a topic with subject matter experts, you can learn in a virtual presentation, in person, or opt to get your hands dirty in the field.
Tune into a live webinar or check out the follow-up recordings on topics such as apps citizen scientists can use (like eBird, iNaturalist, and 643PEST), or gain an overview of all the different ants that have made it to Hawaii. Webinars also cover how dogs are helping detect invasive species, current research on the coconut rhinoceros beetle, and updates on the 2024 legislative.
In-person events are happening statewide. Volunteer to remove invasive species or talk story and learn from others in your community by attending live event. Find a full list of events and profiles of those in your community protecting Hawaii at dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/hisam2024/
Whatever you do this month, consider turning your attention outwards to observe the world around you. In the ocean, at the beach, on a hike, or out in the garden, a practice of kilo will help in navigating the way forward.
* Lissa Strohecker is the public relations and education specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a biological sciences degree from Montana State University. Kia'i Moku, "Guarding the Island," is prepared by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that can threaten the island's environment, economy, and quality of life.