Risk assessment for Hawaii

Researchers have completed a risk assessment study that screens plants to determine the risk of a species becoming invasive if it is introduced to Hawaii. According to this article from the from the Star Bulletin, there is talk of implementing a policy that requires evaluation of any species not on a pre-approved "white" list before it can be imported into the state. Some in the nursery/landscape industry are concerned that the policy would be too strict, and would prefer to work with the state to come up with voluntary guidelines. But Hawaii has already been subjected to such devastation from intentionally introduced plants and animals, it is likely that officials will lean towards legislation that makes regulation mandatory. You can read more about the risk assessment procedure, developed by scientists at the University of Hawaii, by clicking here.