The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) has launched a new biosecurity website to improve coordination and documentation of efforts against invasive species across the state. The site is designed to enhance transparency among agencies, including the state departments of Land and Natural Resources, Health, Transportation, county governments, the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, and community organizations.
Following Acts 231 and 236 from the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions, DAB was appointed as the lead agency for coordinating biosecurity activities. Act 236 also required DAB to develop a pest dashboard by December 1, 2025. The dashboard is now available at https://biosecurity.hawaii.gov/.
“This invasive species dashboard not only provides important information to the public on invasive species programs but also helps to increase communication and coordination between government agencies and other organizations that have the mutual goal of protecting Hawai‘i’s agriculture and environment,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
The dashboard will be updated with more data from partner agencies as it becomes available. It currently offers information on coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), coqui frog, little fire ants (LFA), and avian influenza. Additional pests will be included in future updates.
Current data on CRB includes maps showing treated areas on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island, details about tree treatments by ZIP code, as well as numbers for trees treated by DAB or other agencies during 2024 and 2025. For LFA surveillance on O‘ahu, survey results include sample counts—both positive overall totals—and breakdowns by ZIP code along with location types surveyed.
Data regarding coqui frogs covers response numbers by DAB on O‘ahu, captures sorted by ZIP code, and amounts of citric acid used per area. Information related to avian influenza includes testing statistics organized by county along with results indicating negative or non-negative findings.
Residents can report invasive species through a statewide toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378) or online via 643pest.org.
