Akaka Proposes Bill to Combat Invasive Species

Official photograph

Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka is proposing federal legislation that would increase the nation’s — and Hawaii’s — defenses against invasive species that threaten ecosystems and cause millions of dollars in damage to the agricultural industry.

“Invasive species could permanently devastate Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem, and in the process, destroy our state’s economy and character,” Akaka said at a field hearing in Honolulu Thursday, where Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state officials briefed the senator on the poor state of Hawaii’s border inspection measures.

Hawaii is believed to be particularly vulnerable to damage from non-native species.

George Phocas, in charge of law enforcement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Hawaii, testified that out of the 400 species that are listed as threatened or endangered under federal law, at least 374 are found in Hawaii, and that invasive species are a main culprit.

Akaka’s bill would beef up agricultural inspections conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Loading