Biosecurity, which encompasses policies and actions that minimize risk from invasive species, is critical in addressing the challenge of nuisance pests, plants and pathogens.
The state of Hawai’i adopted its first interagency biosecurity plan in 2017, presenting a comprehensive gap analysis of biosecurity policies, personnel, and infrastructure alongside a 10-year implementation plan of 147 action items to address gaps.
The Hawai’i model takes a broad view of biosecurity. In all, it examines needs in pre-border risk mitigation, border interception, and post-border detection and response to protect the state’s agriculture, environment, economy and health.
Plan development was led by the state’s Department of Agriculture and Invasive Species Council with input from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Health, University of Hawai’i, Department of Transportation, and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Critically, plan development included several workshops for industry representatives and members of the public, including farmers, nurseries, air and sea transportation companies and commodities consolidators.
The Western Governors’ Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative highlighted the work of Western Governors to confront the challenge of nuisance species, pests, and pathogens on western ecosystems. Part of the Initiative's work was to convene experts, and identify case studies, best practices, and other resources to advance that mission. Learn more on the Initiative’s Resources Page.
