February is Invasive Species Awareness Month!

This February marks the 2nd annual Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM) hosted by the State of Hawaiʻi. The Hawaiʻi State Legislature has declared invasive species to be “the single greatest threat to Hawaiʻi’s economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaiʻi’s people.” Recognizing  the need to raise awareness, HISAM has a series of presentations and volunteer opportunities throughout the month that are free and open to the public.

HISAM is an expansion on the past 5 years of hosting the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Week and is organized in coordination with the U.S. National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) and regional Pacific Invasive Species Awareness efforts.

For more information on events this month visit: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/hisam2019/2019-hisam-events/

7th Annual HISC Awards: Recognizing individuals and groups for their outstanding service to Hawaii in the fight against invasive species.

Award Categories :

• Business Leader: Recognizes an individual in the private sector or a business that has demonstrated leadership in their role of protecting Hawaii from invasive species.
• Community Hero: Recognizes a community member or community-based group that has been a shining example of dedication to prevent and/or manage invasive species.
• Greatest Hit: Recognizes an individual, organization, or agency responsible for one of the major invasive species highlights in the areas of research, prevention, control, and/or public outreach.
• Island MVPs: Four awards will be given in this category and are selected by the various Island Invasive Species Committee to recognize an individual or group that has made substantial contributions towards advancing invasive species management in Hawaii.
• Hottest Pest Report: Recognizes an individual who reported a high-profile invasive species to the 643pest invasive species reporting system.