Hi'iaka's Healing Herb Garden

Hawaii’s Fragile Environment Is In Continuous Danger—Unless We Act NOW

I believe that for every problem there is a solution. Take invasive species, for example. Suddenly, many people in Hawai‘i are concerned that the Superferry will help spread unwanted plant and animal pests from island to island. Suddenly, there seems to be public outcry about this serious problem. Why now?

Invasive species—plants and animals alike—have been with us in Hawai‘i for many years. Their introductions began with the first ship to dock at our islands, when such pests as mosquitoes and syphilitic sailors scurried ashore, to gain a foothold and never leave. Then, when early settlers like the missionaries arrived, they simply wanted their new island homes to look like the homes they left in places like New England. Some things survived, and some did not. Roses were introduced and remain lovely additions to Hawaiian gardens. Plumerias and gardenias were brought in. No problems there, as they have never become invasive. But with the introduction of things like grasses and many “pretty” ornamentals like Miconia and Tibouchina, things started getting out of control. Plants that are suited to this climate not only survived, they thrived, and in many cases have choked out native vegetation and destroyed entire ecosystems with their overwhelming presence.

Change is way overdue

So, why have we, the general public, waited so long to notice that there is a problem? And why are we only now proposing that something be done to deter further introductions or to curtail interisland traffic of invasives? I believe that the problem should have been addressed, and appropriate laws and restrictions should have been implemented, long before statehood happened. But no, this is the laid-back land of aloha. Maybe we don’t want to rock the boat or say anything unkind. That time is past: we must all become boat-rocking complainers today.

If we become active in demanding solutions to the people in power, perhaps we can be instrumental in implementing some change. Change is always hard to swallow, but I believe that we, as a state, need to upgrade our thinking to advance us beyond where we are today. If we come up with some creative, progressive solutions, perhaps the problems that we currently face will be fewer in the future.

Barb’s wacky ideas

Here are some wacky ideas for limiting interisland invasive species traffic.

Institute a mandatory agricultural check at the airports for interisland travelers. Oh, right… this will inconvenience tourists, upon whom we rely for so much of our gross “national” product. It’s ludicrous that there are no controls in place between islands; tourists are just as responsible for spreading invasive species as are residents.

Enforce agricultural checks for passengers arriving from the mainland and foreign ports of call. All airline passengers are required to complete an agricultural declaration, but it’s strictly on the honor system. Alan McNarie wrote in the Journal (December 29, 2007) that he declared two peaches during a flight home to Hawai‘i, but no inspection of his luggage took place. No one gets inspected. As Alan said, just try to get fruit into California and see what happens. Why must Hawai‘i be so far behind the times in this area? And I don’t want to hear any excuses like, “we don’t have enough personnel.” Laws can be changed and institutions can be enhanced and expanded. The time for foot dragging is long past.

Do not allow plants such as fountain grass, strawberry guava or autograph trees to be sold anywhere in Hawai‘i. Have you noticed the landscaping at the new Home Depot in Hilo? Autograph trees! This should definitely be illegal.

As for the Superferry, let’s come up with a creative solution. How about a portable carwash type of chamber? Each vehicle would be required to go through it before boarding the ship. During its passage through the chamber, it could be washed with jets of water, heated to about 115 degrees. Why that temperature? Coqui frogs can’t survive at temps over 113! All of the seeds and other junk that is sprayed off the vehicles would go into nets with tiny holes to prevent their escape, and then that refuse would be disposed of in proper ways that would ensure it is not propagated anywhere. Passengers should not be allowed to leave any plants, animals or food in their vehicles, but should be required to “declare” all such items for manual inspections. The fare might need to increase a bit: what a small price to pay for the ongoing protection of our fragile environment!

Sound nutty? Maybe. Maybe not. If we want to save the beauty and uniqueness of what we have left of Hawai‘i’s environment, we need to start being proactive, progressive and creative. Let go of the past and the things that have not worked previously. Let’s move forward into a future with solutions instead of excuses.

On the Web:
Hear.org (Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk)