History and Mission
 

Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) protects Maui Nui from damaging invasive species that threaten native ecosystems, agriculture, and our way of life. Invasive species are the greatest threat to the native Hawaiian biota that evolved in isolation for millions of years. Before human contact, a new species would colonize the islands about once every 70,000 years. Today, a new species arrives in Hawai‘i once every 18 days. Maui Invasive Species Committee emerged as a response to this critical issue. 

 

MISC evolved from the Melastome Action Committee, formed in 1991 to address miconia in the East Maui rainforest. Committee members recognized that significant resources were needed to combat miconia and that miconia was not the sole invasive threat. In 1999, the Melastome Action Committee became the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC), the first invasive species committee in Hawaii and the ISC model has since spread statewide. Today, MISC employs roughly 30 staff and provides support for the Molokai/Maui Invasive Species Committee (MoMISC). We target invasive species including little fire ants, coqui frogs, and miconia, with goals ranging from containment and mitigation to complete eradication. 

Core Program and Services
 

Our work— from field operations to community engagement—relies on science-based strategies and strong partnerships rooted in the cultural values of lōkahi (collaboration) and a shared commitment to mālama ʻāina (care for the land). We target invasive species including little fire ants, coqui frogs, and miconia, with goals ranging from containment and mitigation to complete eradication. 

 

MISC works the “front line” of invasive species incursions, in people’s backyards, on ranch lands, and in forests heavily impacted by non-native species. Treating Maui as an island-wide “weed management area,” we focus on the species we think are winnable. As MISC battles the scourge of invasives, other programs and agencies prevent pest arrivals, protect watershed health, rescue species from extinction and reclaim damaged landscapes. 

 

Community involvement drives MISC's mission. Field crews collaborate with residents to manage and eliminate invasive species, providing no-cost treatment and support for coqui frogs, little fire ants, and priority plant infestations. MISC relies on public reports to detect new introductions and respond quickly to emerging threats.

Impact and Results
 

MISC has prevented the island-wide establishment of miconia, coqui, little fire ants, and other species. We've eradicated fountain grass, Barbados gooseberry, osage orange, and veiled chameleons. In doing so, we've safeguarded Maui Nui's environment, agriculture, and economy, contributing to a more secure and resilient future for our islands.

 

MISC is a work in progress. We continue to experiment and explore new ways of combating invasive threats. As new species are reported, we adapt new strategies for monitoring and control. With your help, we will continue to defend Maui County's outstanding natural environment, economy, and quality of life.

Mahalo to Our Supporters
 

Maui Invasive Species Committee is a project of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) within the University of Hawai‘i. The Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (RCUH) provides administrative services. MISC administrative staff works closely with both RCUH and PCSU in the day-to-day management of our program.

 

MISC’s partners bring a wealth of resources to our efforts. Without their support, we would be unable to continue our operations. We’re grateful to partner with county, state, and federal agencies, as well as fellow PCSU/RCUH projects.