Despite daunting challenges, a spokesman for The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii says he’s optimistic about efforts to deal with invasive species in Hawaii.
"We’re in trouble if we don’t figure out how to start getting ahead of this curve," Nature Conservancy official Mark Fox told state legislators at an informational meeting Tuesday at the state Capitol.
Speaking to the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment and the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, Fox was among several state officials and conservation groups providing updates on efforts to protect Hawaii’s environment.
In the past few months, two new invasive species have turned up in Hawaii: the painted stink bug and the coconut crab.
The painted stink bug, found in October in a garden on Maui, could have devastating effects on leafy vegetables. And the coconut crab, found on Salt Lake Boulevard on Oahu in December, could have a huge impact on the environment if it establishes itself in Hawaii, according to scientists.
Hawaii Invasive Species Council coordinator Josh Atwood said the council is seeking an allocation of about $6 million from the state Legislature for fiscal 2016 and 2017. It received $5.75 million for fiscal 2015.
The council, which helps coordinate environmental activity in six state departments, is also asking for a larger allocation of conveyance tax revenues, which would help fund the fight against invasive species.
State agriculture inspection chief Amy Takahashi said due to a limited number of inspectors, there are no night inspections at points of entry in Honolulu and Maui. Takahashi said only 73 out of 93 inspector positions are filled.
She said the department has been considering requiring shippers and consignees to sign agreements that their cargo does not contain certain invasive species such as little fire ants.
"This is to make sure agricultural commodities between states are free of pests," Takahashi said.
State Plant Industry Deputy Administrator Rob Curtiss said the Agriculture Department needs a rapid response team and a revolving fund to fight invasive species.
Curtiss said when department staff members respond to invasive species emergencies, they are pulled away from their regular assignments.
He said a better alternative is to have the ability to hire staff rapidly on an emergency basis, similar to the hiring of workers by the federal government in an emergency.
Atwood said pilot projects are being considered to assist in early detection, including dogs to sniff for little fire ants and unmanned aerials that would help in finding invasive species.
