Invasive species have been a problem in Hawai'i since the first Polynesians set foot on these Islands, bringing rats and pigs that centuries later continue to threaten fragile and unique ecosystems.

The onslaught of imported pests has only multiplied as subsequent arrivals introduced new plants, animals and bugs to Hawai'i — sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose.

The recent controversy over the Hawaii Superferry, the state's newest mode of interisland travel, spotlighted the invasive-species issue and exposed weaknesses in prevention and control programs that are likely to be discussed during the upcoming 24th Legislature, according to state Rep. Clifton Tsuji, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

"Hawai'i is a welcome wagon for invasive species, and we have an obligation to preserve the ecology that has evolved over the centuries," said Tsuji, D-3rd (South Hilo, Puna, Kea'au). "We have to really meet these invasive species head-on, out front, and not become reactionary."

QUIET INVASION

According to the Hawai'i Invasive Species Council, at least two serious arthropod pests have arrived every year for the past 10 years, including the little fire ant, whose sting is described as far out of proportion to its tiny size; the Erythrina gall wasp, which is destroying native wiliwili trees; and the Varroa mite, a threat to the multimillion-dollar queen bee, honey and pollinating industry.

More than 1,200 flowering plants have established wild populations, the council reports. Many, such as miconia, which smothers native forests, were introduced by plant collectors and the nursery industry and "jumped the fence" to establish self-sustaining populations.

At least 19 alien mammals, including mongoose, deer, goats and sheep run wild, damaging forests, consuming rare species and carrying diseases that affect people and domestic animals.

Add to the list scores of non-native bird, reptile, amphibian and aquatic species.

REALIZATION AND DENIAL

The effort to intercept and control alien species gained formal acknowledgement in 2003 when the Legislature created the Hawai'i Invasive Species Council. The "silent invasion" by insects, disease organisms, snakes, weeds and other pests is the single greatest threat to Hawai'i's economy, natural environment and the health and lifestyle of its people, according to the law that established the council.

It is believed that at least $153 million annually is spent statewide on the management of harmful alien species, not including the cost of lost agricultural production or loss of native species habitat. Fruit fly infestations alone are responsible for an estimated $300 million annually in lost agricultural export opportunities, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

Despite the toll, experts say many Hawai'i officials and residents have yet to fully recognize the threat.

A 2002 study by the Legislative Reference Bureau reported annual state spending of only $7 million on invasive species; it suggested a minimum of $50 million to deal with the problem.

The invasive species council estimated spending by county, state and federal agencies had increased to at least $40.8 million in 2006, an improvement but still well below recommended spending.

"People are just unaware; they're in denial. Until you get involved and get bit by them, you don't get it," said Marja Brazier, who grows tropical flowers and foliage on 9.5 acres in Hawaiian Paradise Park in Puna.

'DEVIOUS LITTLE DEVILS'

Brazier made the first report in Hawai'i of little fire ants, which she calls "devious little devils." The slow-moving ant measures one-sixteenth of an inch long and can swarm small animals such as baby birds and pets.

Brazier said she was trimming palms on her property in 1999 when she experienced sudden stinging pains on her back. "It felt like someone had set fire to me," she said. "They don't just bite you, they keep biting. It takes awhile before the pain goes away."

Ant stings blinded her cat, and Brazier was forced to abandon a 1.5-acre parcel with the worst infestation.

Except for a small infestation in Kilauea, Kaua'i, little fire ants so far have been limited to East Hawai'i. But Department of Agriculture entomologist Patrick Conant said he expects the stinging insects will find their way to West Hawai'i in landscaping material, possibly creating a "worst-case scenario" if they invade Kona coffee fields.

"It's bad news," Conant said. "If you just gently bump a tree, they'll come raining down on you."

On Maui, Bob Flint has spent nearly 10 years battling noisy coqui frogs that spread from a neighboring plant nursery to his home in Maliko Gulch. The coqui frog, another unwanted stowaway that entered the state via plant shipments to the Big Island, eats bugs that feed native species and have a two-tone call registering in the range of 90 to 100 decibels — about as loud as a lawn mower or car horn.

"They make an incredible noise all night long. It drives you nuts," said Flint, whose wife has taken to wearing ear plugs to bed.

Both Brazier and Flint have been working closely with invasive species experts, who are reporting some success in controlling the coqui frog, miconia and other pests.

There is consensus that better staffing and facilities are urgently needed to manage the pathways through which pests are introduced and spread throughout Hawai'i.

Much of the focus has been on intercepting alien species from foreign and Mainland shipments, but Teya Penniman of the Maui Invasive Species Committee said it's also important to examine cargo and vehicle movement within the state.

"The Superferry did focus the spotlight on the fact that a lot of things are being shipped without adequate inspection simply because there have not been the resources for doing that," said Penniman, who testified during a court hearing on the potential spread of pests via the new ferry service.

FEW BIOSECURITY SITES

Mindy Wilkinson, invasive species coordinator for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, said that although an inspection facility is being built at Kahului Airport, many other seaports and airports in the state don't have biosecurity facilities where incoming cargo can be inspected and pests contained.

"The Superferry really pointed out the need for transportation planning to include space for invasive species programs, such as car washes and inspection and quarantine facilities that can go a long way toward mitigation," she said.

The state is in negotiations to secure sites for joint federal-state inspection facilities at Honolulu International Airport, according to Domingo Cravalho, inspection and compliance section chief for the state Agriculture Department.

He expects a funding package for the project to be considered during the upcoming legislative session.

Although 30 agricultural inspector positions were added in 2006, Domingo said there are still fewer than 100 inspectors statewide. By comparison, the U.S. Department of Agriculture employs 450 inspectors in Hawai'i.

To help fund expansion of invasive species programs, Tsuji said he may introduce a measure to broaden a law passed last year that established a service fee of $1 per 20-foot sea container to go toward inspections and prevention.

Approximately 500,000 such containers enter the state annually by sea, and Tsuji said he would like to impose the fee on noncontainerized cargo and air shipments as well.

Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.