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Hawaii’s unique ecosystems are under siege from some of the most destructive invasive species in its history.

Among the most concerning are the coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, and coqui frog. These invaders are not just a threat to the natural environment; they also endanger Hawaii’s economy, agriculture, and way of life.

As a legislator, I have been warned time and again that just one slip in our defenses can lead to catastrophe in our islands. We’ve tried our best and still haven’t been successful in combating these pests who seem to be outsmarting us.

For example, the current efficacy of Hawaii’s biosecurity is like a prison guard watching over an inmate with a cap gun, and they know it. Just ask any coqui frog how they took over the Big Island, and how the coconut rhinoceros beetle and little fire ant are about to make a jail break all over Oahu.

The coconut rhinoceros beetle has become a more recent alarming threat. Native to Southeast Asia and first detected in Hawaii in 2013, this destructive pest targets palm trees, boring into their crowns and feeding on sap, which ultimately weakens and can kill the trees.

The loss of coconut palms would be devastating to Hawaii, as these trees are iconic to the islands and play a vital role in our local economy and culture. Beyond their economic value, the destruction of palm trees disrupts habitats for native species, destabilizing the delicate ecosystems that have evolved over millions of years.


Another invasive threat that has wreaked havoc across the islands is the little fire ant. First detected in Hawaii as far back as 1999, these ants are considered among the world’s most invasive species. Known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior, little fire ants form super colonies that spread rapidly, overwhelming native ant species and posing a significant threat to biodiversity.

Little fire ant infestations can make outdoor spaces unbearable for both people and animals, transforming gardens, parks, and even agricultural lands into no-go zones. Their presence in homes and farms also has severe consequences for Hawaii’s agriculture and tourism industries. The risk they pose to pets, which can be blinded by the ants’ stings, further underscores their danger.

Outsized Impact

The coqui frog, although small, has had an outsized impact on Hawaii’s environment and residents for decades. Accidentally introduced to the islands in the late 1980s, the coqui’s loud, piercing calls disrupt the peaceful nights Hawaii is known for.

More concerning is the frog’s rapid reproduction rate and lack of natural predators. This has led to explosive population growth, which threatens native species by competing for food and habitat.

The unchecked spread of the coqui frog has made it a significant concern for both environmentalists and residents. Its ability to alter ecosystems and diminish the quality of life for residents makes it one of the most problematic invasive species in Hawaii.

Each of these invasive species, having come to our islands like a Trojan horse, has shown us we are not immune to a breach in our defenses.

This year, the Legislature passed , which would have authorized the Department of Agriculture to declare a biosecurity emergency if an outbreak or spread of a pest has the potential to cause significant economic or environmental loss. This bill would have afforded great powers to the governor to requisition or take control of any goods, real property, or even commandeer Matson ships for the purposes of handling this biosecurity emergency.

With this provision, SB 572 was subsequently vetoed by Gov. Josh Green due to possible impacts on harbor operations and the economy of Hawaii so dependent upon the shipping industry. For this reason I voted no on the bill, but remain disappointed that we as a state continue to drag our feet on taking decisive action, knowing how quickly we may lose control if we do not respond quickly to an incoming threat.

We have no choice but to do a better job protecting our environment from invasive creatures that have so far proven they are smarter than us. Our isolated geographic location and rich history of ecological stewardship provide us with upper hands in this fight, but ultimately, government inaction and inadequate funding and manpower will, and have already shown us, that even mere beetles, ants, and frogs can prove to be formidable enemies to our fragile ecosystem.

Who knows what little creatures will attack us next, but we must be prepared to outsmart them before their ground game and tree game overwhelms us like they have in the past.