Report Title:

Invasive macroalgae

WHEREAS, invasive non-native plant and animal species pose significant environmental, economic and health threats to Hawaii's native ecosystems, watersheds, agriculture, tourism, and the general quality of life of the people of the state of Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, the waters of Hawaii contain various species of endemic corals, corals found nowhere else on earth; and

WHEREAS, a number of these endemic corals, especially those found in Kaneohe Bay on Oahu, are being eliminated by introduced alien invasive species of macroalgae or seaweed; and

WHEREAS, these rapidly growing seaweeds cover the endemic corals, block sunlight from them, resulting in death of the coral; and

WHEREAS, nineteen species of macroalgae (seaweed) have been introduced to the island of Oahu since 1950, with at least four of these species being highly successful in propagating in Hawaiian waters; and

WHEREAS, the lessons learned from a demonstration project to eliminate macroalgae would be invaluable; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2001, that the department of land and natural resources is requested to study and plan for:

(1) A demonstration project in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, to determine the best methods to control or eliminate invasive species of macroalgae that threaten endemic corals;

(2) A workshop of experts to develop the best methods to control or eliminate invasive species of macroalgae that threaten endemic corals; and

(3) A community outreach and education program to inform the public of the threat posed to native corals by invasive species and how they can help prevent the spread of alien macroalgae; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Land and Natural Resources.