Posted March 7, 2017
Volunteers learning about Juncus effusus.
Last week, Kauai began celebrating the 5th annual Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week with events across the island. This Friday, March 10th, Kauai will be well represented at the HISAW Proclamation and Awards Ceremony on Oahu with 3 rewards going to Kauai residents (check out who they are below).
The celebration kicked-off last Saturday on Kauai with a beach clean-up at Kahili Beach Preserve hosted by Hawaiian Islands Land Trust and a workshop hosted by Kauai Nursery and Landscaping, Inc. The workshop was a success with participants engaging in conversations about various invasive species issues across the island from Albizia, to Rose-ringed Parakeets, to Wedelia and False Kava. KISC presented various tools and resources available throughout Hawaii that help gardeners make pono landscaping decisions.
KISC’s Bill Lucey clearing Mangrove at Malama Huleia
Tuesday, 14 volunteers cleared mangrove from Niumalu with Malama Huleia. Thursday, KISC and volunteers helped Kokee Resource Conservation Program(KRCP) remove the incipient Common rush (Juncus effusus) from Pihea Trail. Juncus effusus is only known to be on the Pihea Trail on Kauai. KISC partnered with DOFAW and KRCP to begin an effort to control Juncus effusus in 2015.
This Friday, 3 outstanding Kauai residents will be recognized at the State Capital for their outstanding service to Kauai in the fight against invasive species. KISC would like to personally congratulate everyone on Kauai for your hard work and support in helping protect Kauai from invasive pests. A huge shout-out and Mahalo to Kauai’s very own Kawika Winter of National Tropical Botanical Gardens, the 2017 Kauai County MVP; Serina Marchi of Seascapes Nursery, the 2017 Hawaii Business Leader; and Shawn Baliaris, the 2017 Hottest Pest Report! It takes a community to preserve and conserve Kauai. KISC would not be successful without your efforts
Mahalo!
KAUAI COUNTY MVP : The Hawaii Invasive Species Council and KISC recognizes Kawika Winter for his efforts to protect priority watershed areas and control the spread of invasive species on the island of Kauai.
As the Director of Limahuli Botanical Garden and Preserve, Kawika has played a crucial role in the protection and preservation over 1000 acres of priority watershed area on the north shore of Kauai. In addition, Kawika aims to create a model of a functioning, 21st-century ahupua`a. This model focuses on a mountain-to-sea resource management strategy and includes both modern and traditional techniques. By incorporating landscape scale invasive species control efforts, native plant restoration, sustainable fisheries practices, and community engagement into his management practices, Kawika has demonstrated a lasting dedication to protecting and restoring key resources on the Island of Kauai.
Serina Marchi of Seascapes Nursery
BUSINESS LEADER: The Hawaii Invasive Species Council and KISC recognizes Serina Marchi, of Seascapes Nursery for her efforts to minimize the introduction and spread of invasive species.
Serina is the Owner of Kauai Seascapes Nursery on the North Shore of Kauai. Seascapes Nursery is a family owned business operating on Kauai for over 30 years and is one of the largest nurseries on the island. Serina has shown a very strong interest in helping to minimize the spread and introduction of invasive species by supporting Kauai Invasive Species Committee’s (KISC) Pono Endorsement Program. In April 2016, Seascapes Nursery became one of the first nurseries to become endorsed. When choosing the best management practices for her business to follow, Serina has gone above and beyond the minimum requirements to become Pono Endorsed. She not only chose to immediately discontinue the sale of the Pono Endorsement Program “Black List” plants, but also the “Phase Out” list plants”. Her actions during 2016, and continued dedication to reducing the introduction and spread of invasive species will help to minimize future impacts of invasive species on Kauai.
HOTTEST PEST REPORT: The Hawaii Invasive Species Council and KISC recognizes Shawn Baliaris for his efforts relating to reporting and stopping the spread of Mongoose on Kauai.
As a proactive community member, Shawn promptly reported sighting a Mongoose on Kauai to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA). His diligent action allowed for rapid response from the appropriate agencies, and clearly highlights the usefulness of the 643-PEST reporting system, and how the community can personally take actions to protect Hawaii from invasive species.
