Gabbard Takes House Floor to Recognize Invasive Species Awareness

Representative Tulsi Gabbard spoke on the House floor Wednesday in recognition of National Invasive Species Awareness.

In her speech, the Congresswoman highlighted the harmful impacts of invasive species in Hawai’i and across the country. She also encouraged lawmakers to co-sponsor and pass the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act, H.R. 3893, which she introduced last November.

The Act, endorsed by the Entomological Society of America, National Farmers Union, Hawai’i Farmers Union United, and the Weed Science Society of America, would support long-term, sustainable solutions to fight invasive species.

“In my home state of Hawaiʻi, the coffee berry borer, coconut rhinoceros beetle, macadamia nut felted coccid, and others have cost our local economy millions, and threaten our unique ecosystem, our agriculture, and waterways, as well as our food supply and public health,” Representative Gabbard said on the floor. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution to combat the more than 4,300 invasive species that are present in Hawaiʻi and across the country. That’s why I introduced the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act, which would bring local stakeholders together with researchers and other key players in order to find sustainable, cost effective, and comprehensive solutions that will better help all of us to manage and prevent the spread of these harmful pests and invasive species.”