Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit

08/06/2026

ʻĀkohekohe (ah ko-heh ko-heh) are big time nectar lovers, often found feeding on native forest flowers — especially ʻōhiʻa lehua. Their unusual fancy crest collects and distributes pollen as the birds move from flower to flower in the forest, helping native plants and trees to regenerate.

ʻĀkohekohe are strong fliers and will “altitudinally migrate” up and down the slope of Haleakalā in search of blooming plants and trees.

These critically endangered forest birds now only survive at elevations between 6,000 - 7,000 feet. Avian malaria from introduced mosquitoes threatens the survival of ʻākohekohe and Hawaiʻi’s other native honeycreepers.

📸Nate Watkins/MFBRP

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

07/29/2026

07/28/2026

The Kauai Invasive Species Committee (KISC) says it has received seven reports of suspected coqui frog sightings this month.

07/21/2026

Hawaiian honeycreepers need your help!

We are seeking dedicated crew members to join our research team on the front lines of mosquito control and endangered species protection.

You can directly contribute to preventing extinctions and caring for Hawaiian ecosystems.

👉🏽 Apply at https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/
Technician position: # 226449
Associate position: # 226445

👉🏽Temporary communal housing is available

🤙🏽 Come work with us!

07/20/2026

07/20/2026

Monofilament netting has been shown to entangle and exclude Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles (CRB) and can be a great tool to implement for palm protection or breeding site management. While it is a great tool, it can still allow some beetles through, so be sure to also implement other strategies for the best coverage. Netting works best in multiple layers and not stretched too tightly.

Get free netting through our community resource program! Visit our website crbhawaii.org/community to sign up!

07/06/2026

When people hear "biocontrol," they often think of the mongoose in Hawaii or cane toads in Australia. But those introductions are not examples of modern classical biocontrol.

Classical biocontrol uses carefully tested, highly host-specific natural enemies to reduce invasive w**ds and pests. These agents may feed on a w**d's flowers, seeds, roots, leaves, or stems, helping native plants and ecosystems recover. Before any biocontrol agent is approved for release, it undergoes years of research and rigorous testing to ensure it targets only the intended w**d.

Biocontrol isn't releasing random species and hoping for the best. It's a science-based, regulated approach to managing invasive species.