University of Hawai‘i leading state efforts to combat invasive species with grant-funded projects

University of Hawai‘i researchers are currently leading 98 grant-funded projects totaling more than $33.5 million to combat invasive species.

The work targets some of the state’s most urgent challenges, including rapid ʻōhiʻa death, invasive mosquitoes that spread avian malaria, destructive food-crop pests, invasive ants and beetles, and non-native plants and animals that damage forests and watersheds, according to a news release from the University of Hawai‘i. Together, the projects aim to protect drinking water sources, food production, cultural resources and native ecosystems and species found nowhere else in the world.

The funding includes 44 federal awards totaling $21,050,427 and 54 non-federal awards totaling $12,494,933. Projects are led by researchers at UH Mānoa and UH Hilo and involve partnerships with national and state agencies.

Several large projects focus on protecting native forest birds by reducing populations of invasive mosquitoes that carry avian malaria. Others use satellite imagery and remote sensing (technology that gathers data from aircraft or space) to track forest health and detect invasive plants early, when they are easier and less expensive to control.

“These awards reflect the trust that agencies have in UH to protect Hawaiʻi’s people, environment and economy,” said UH Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton. “You can see the damage coconut rhinoceros beetles leave behind, or how native birds are being wiped out by multiple invasive threats. Our UH teams are conducting research to develop practical solutions that protect both our environment and our communities.”

Researchers are also developing new molecular diagnostic tools—lab methods that use DNA to identify species—to quickly detect fruit flies, moths and plant pathogens that threaten local farms. Additional projects support fencing and removal efforts to keep invasive animals out of sensitive ecosystems, as well as testing new pest control tools that reduce reliance on traditional insecticides.

Other active invasive species projects include:

• $5,343,414—Suppression of non-native mosquito populations in key forest bird habitats of East Maui (UH Mānoa)
• $2,562,586—Protect unique park ecosystems through exclusionary fencing (UH Mānoa)
• $2,250,000—Analysis of satellite imagery and meteorological data for forest health (UH Hilo)
• $1,393,541—Protecting endangered native birds on Kauaʻi from avian malaria (UH Mānoa)
• $1,361,016—Preventing coconut rhinoceros beetles from spreading in the Hawaiian Islands
• $789,777—Understanding how Phytophthora palmivora attacks plants to protect crops and ecosystems (UH Mānoa)
• $651,084—Using mosquito biology to suppress avian malaria and protect endangered honeycreepers on Kauaʻi (UH Mānoa)
• $600,580—Refine control and treatment methods for ecosystem-altering invasive plants at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (UH Mānoa)
• $200,000—Outreach, surveillance and treatment of little fire ant infestations (UH Mānoa)
• $34,500—Initial studies to control coffee berry borer (UH Mānoa)