Invasive Species Surge May Increase Land Management Costs for Hawaii Businesses

A substantial rise in invasive species reports through Hawaii's 643Pest platform, especially concerning the coconut rhinoceros beetle, signals a heightened risk to the state's agricultural, real estate, and tourism sectors. While reporting remains voluntary, the sheer volume indicates a potential escalation in pest populations that could translate to increased operational costs and necessitate more robust management strategies.

The Change

Hawaii's official pest reporting platform, 643Pest, experienced a dramatic increase in submissions in 2023, largely driven by reports of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB). Prior to 2023, the platform received a few hundred reports annually. The surge indicates either increased public awareness, a significant population boom of certain invasive species, or both. This heightened activity suggests a growing challenge in containing and managing these pests, which can have direct economic consequences.

A coordinated effort spearheaded by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the University of Hawaii was launched to combat the CRB, reflecting the seriousness of this specific threat. This suggests an ongoing and potentially escalating concern that will require sustained attention and resources.

Who's Affected

Agriculture & Food Producers: Farmers and producers are on the front lines of invasive species threats. The coconut rhinoceros beetle, for instance, can damage coconut palms, a significant crop in certain areas, and potentially impact other fruit trees and crops. An unchecked spread could lead to:

• Increased costs for pesticides, traps, and monitoring.
• Reduced crop yields and quality.
• Greater labor demands for surveying and treatment.
• Potential for species to move into new agricultural areas, compromising previously secure crops.

Real Estate Owners: Property owners, including commercial landowners, residential landlords, and developers, face potential impacts on landscaping, infrastructure, and property value. Invasive species can:

• Damage ornamental plants, trees (like palms), and agricultural buffers, increasing maintenance and landscaping costs.
• In severe cases, compromise structures or utility lines.
• Reduce the aesthetic appeal of properties, potentially impacting rental rates and property values.
• Increase the likelihood of needing specialized pest control services.

Tourism Operators: Hawaii's natural beauty is a critical draw for tourists. Invasive species pose a threat to this appeal and can directly impact tourism infrastructure and operations:

• Damage to iconic palm trees and lush vegetation can detract from the idyllic destination image.
• Resorts and hotels may face increased costs for landscape management and pest control to maintain aesthetic standards.
• The presence of certain invasive species could, in extreme cases, lead to closures or restrictions on natural areas frequented by tourists.

Second-Order Effects

The proliferation of invasive species, particularly those affecting plant life, can trigger a cascade of economic impacts within Hawaii's constrained economy. For example, widespread damage to coconut palms or other significant vegetation by the coconut rhinoceros beetle could necessitate extensive replanting efforts. This increased demand for horticultural services and materials, coupled with already strained supply chains for specialized agricultural inputs, could drive up costs for landscaping companies, nurseries, and agricultural businesses. Furthermore, if these invasive species begin to affect staple crops or significantly mar tourist-friendly landscapes, it could indirectly lead to increased food prices for local consumers and pressure on tourism operators to invest more in mitigation, potentially impacting their overall profitability and their ability to absorb other rising costs like labor and energy.

What to Do

Given the increased reporting and the persistent threat of invasive species, businesses should adopt a proactive stance.

For Agriculture & Food Producers:

• Monitor: Regularly survey crops and surrounding areas for signs of new or increasing pest activity. Pay close attention to alerts regarding the coconut rhinoceros beetle and other key agricultural pests.
• Review IPM: Evaluate and update your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans. Ensure you have protocols in place for early detection and rapid response to new incursions.
• Supplier Relations: Discuss potential supply chain disruptions or increased costs for pest control products with your suppliers.

For Real Estate Owners:

• Landscape Assessment: Conduct regular inspections of your property's landscaping, especially mature trees and palms, for signs of damage or infestation.
• Proactive Treatment: Consider preventative treatments or enhanced monitoring for high-risk species like the coconut rhinoceros beetle, particularly if your property is in affected areas or features susceptible vegetation.
• Contingency Planning: Develop a contingency plan for potential landscape damage, including identifying reliable pest control service providers.

For Tourism Operators:

• Destination Aesthetics: Regularly assess the condition of your property's landscaping and any natural attractions directly managed or influenced by your operations.
• Vendor Vetting: Ensure your landscaping and pest control vendors are knowledgeable about current invasive species threats and have robust response capabilities.
• Guest Communication: Prepare to communicate proactively with guests if any landscape management issues arise that might impact their experience, though early intervention should minimize this risk.

Action Details: This is a WATCH situation. Monitor the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (Hawaii Invasive Species Council) and the Department of Agriculture (Hawaii Department of Agriculture) for advisories and new management guidelines concerning invasive species, especially the coconut rhinoceros beetle. If reports of CRB or other detrimental invasive species increase significantly in your operational vicinity, or if control costs for existing pests rise by more than 10% over two consecutive quarters, initiate a review and potential update of your pest management and landscaping budgets and strategies.