EDITORIAL
Battle to keep out pests involves us all

As one of the most isolated places on the planet, the Hawaiian Islands have more than their share of biological distinctions.

We have species found nowhere else in the world. The evolutionary history of the Islands is one that Darwin would have given his eye teeth to study.

But we also have distinctions of a less positive nature. More than a third of all the birds and plants on the U.S. endangered or threatened species list are found in Hawai'i. Since human habitation began, scientists say, at least 1,000 creatures have vanished.

Part of this might be explained by the natural march of time or shortsightedness and greed.

But part of the loss of our natural biodiversity is explained by competition by aliens — plants as well as animals. The delicate natural ecosystem that develops in isolation is particularly vulnerable to aggressive outsiders.

In his article Sunday, staff writer Jan TenBruggencate outlined some of the latest threats to the Island environment and the struggle to beat those threats back.

Authorities are particularly concerned today about the possibility that the venomous red imported fire ant might become established here.

The ant, originally from South America, is already well established in several states on the Mainland, including in Southern California. The ant, which attacks in packs, is a danger both to animals and humans.

With its benign climate and lack of natural predators, Hawai'i would be a perfect home for the creature.

Our best line of defense against the fire ant, as with other unwanted species, is prevention. Agricultural restrictions that may seem to be little more than a petty annoyance are in truth our only real hope. Once a species becomes established here, it is almost impossible to irradicate it.

As with most such problems, the long-term answer begins with money. Mike Buck, head of the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, said the effort to keep out and control alien species is woefully underfunded.

Buck makes the point — and it is one we wholeheartedly support — that what dollars are available should go first to prevention. It is far easier and cheaper to keep a species out than to fight it once it becomes established.

Prevention includes close monitoring of what comes into the Islands and constant education so the public understands the gravity of the threat to our environment.

When you travel or ship goods into the state, follow the rules. Leave alien species behind, make sure that what you bring in is not contaminated with unwanted guests and report plants or animals that do not belong to the state.

The place to call is the Department of Agriculture pest hotline at 586-7378. This is a battle we all have a part in.