The O‘ahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) works to prevent new invasive species infestations and to eradicate incipient, high-threat species before they become widespread. OISC is a voluntary partnership of private, governmental and non-profit organizations, and individuals.
The OISC field crew taking down a mature miconia tree in Makiki. Smaller trees can usually be killed and hung upside down in surrounding vegetation to die, but larger trees need to be cut down. OISC bags any fruits and flowers for later incineration to minimize seed dispersal.
OISC November 2015 Report
Control operations for devil weed (Chromolaena odorata) in 'Aiea continue
Crew treated plants growing next to the ʿAiea Loop Trail and conducted additional delimiting surveys in the ʿAiea/Camp Smith area. The previous treated sites remain clear but more plants were found during the delimitation surveys. Thanks to the Division of State Parks and Marine Corps Base Hawai'i for their cooperation!
Cape ivy (Delairea odorata) eradication from Pālehua still on track
Crew found only one runner during monitoring for Cape ivy in Pālehua.
Two mature and 15 immature miconia (Miconia calvescens) trees removed this month
The crew removed one mature miconia from Nuʿuanu, one mature and three immature miconia from Makiki and three immature from Mānoa. During HBT (herbicide ballistic technology) operations with Dr. James Leary, crew treated 9 immature plants in Kaʿalaea. The crew surveyed a total of 583 ground acres and 483 aerial acres in November.
Three coqui frogs removed from Waimānalo
Pest Response Specialist conducted night surveys and removed 3 frogs from Waimānalo. Habitat modification (cutting down alien vegetation) and treatment in cooperation with property owner and Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) are scheduled for December.
Early detection for priority invertebrates continues
Pest Response Specialist surveyed for little fire ant in 8 watersheds, all were negative except for one previously treated location. HDOA will quarantine and treat.
Regular trap checking for coconut rhinoceros beetle found none. Go to http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/info/coconut-rhinoceros-beetle-response-updates/ for island-wide updates.
No Myoporum thrips found during regular checks of naio around the island.
Outreach & Education program reached 241 people in November
Presented at the charter School for Examining Essential Questons of Sustainability and talked with individual students that were doing projects on invasive species.
Presented at Tantalus Community Association and Mānoa Neighborhood Board.
Presented Hoʿike curriculum (centered around little fire ants) to Highlands Middle School.
Staffed booth at Lyon Arboretum plant sale.
Reached 4,922 people through OISC's website and social media.
Devil weed (Chromolaena odorata) is something of a shapeshifter. Sometimes it's a shrub, sometimes it's a vine.
Mature miconia in Nu'uanu. Even though miconia is quite striking, larger trees can be difficult to see from the ground.
