Rep. Gene Ward: Are baby fire ants smarter than us?

Hawaii’s unique ecosystems are under attack by some of the most destructive invasive species in their history.

Among the most disturbing are the coconut rhinoceros beetle, the little fire ant and the coqui frog. These invaders not only pose a threat to the natural environment; they also threaten Hawaii’s economy, agriculture and way of life.

As a legislator, I have been warned repeatedly that one shift in our defense could lead to disaster on our islands. We have tried our best, but we still have not been able to eradicate these pests, which seem to be outsmarting us.

For example, the current biosecurity effectiveness in Hawaii is like a prison guard watching over a prisoner with a cap gun, and they know it. Just ask any coqui frog how they took over the Big Island and how a coconut rhinoceros beetle and a little fire ant are going to break into a prison anywhere on Oahu.

The coconut rhinoceros beetle has recently become an alarming threat. First detected in Hawaii in 2013, this destructive pest, native to Southeast Asia, attacks palm trees by boring into their crowns and feeding on sap, which ultimately weakens and can kill the trees.

The loss of coconut palms would be devastating for Hawaii, as these trees are an icon of the islands and play a key role in our local economy and culture. In addition to their economic value, the destruction of palm trees disrupts the habitats of native species, destabilizing fragile ecosystems that have evolved over millions of years.

Another invasive threat that is wreaking havoc on the islands is the little fire ant. First detected in Hawaii in 1999, these ants are considered one of the most invasive species in the world. Known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior, small fire ants form supercolonies that spread rapidly, overwhelming native ant species and posing a serious threat to biodiversity.

A small fire ant infestation can make outdoor spaces unbearable for both humans and animals, transforming gardens, parks and even agricultural land into no-go zones. Their presence in homes and farms also has serious consequences for Hawaii’s agriculture and tourism industries. The risk they pose to pets, who can be blinded by ant stings, further highlights their danger.

Outsized influence

The coqui frog, although small, has had a major impact on the environment and people of Hawaii for decades. Accidentally introduced to the islands in the late 1980s, the coqui’s loud, piercing calls disturb the peaceful nights for which Hawaii is famous.

More concerning is the frog’s rapid reproductive rate and lack of natural predators. This has led to rapid population growth that threatens native species by competing for food and habitat.

The uncontrolled spread of the coqui frog has become a serious problem for both conservationists and residents. Its ability to alter ecosystems and impair the quality of life of residents makes it one of the most problematic invasive species in Hawaii.

Each of these invasive species, which have arrived on our islands like a Trojan horse, has shown us that we are not immune to breaches of our defense mechanisms.

This year, the Sejm passed this act Senate Bill 572that would authorize the Department of Agriculture to declare a biosecurity emergency if an outbreak or spread of a pest has the potential to cause significant economic or environmental losses. This bill would give the Governor sweeping powers to requisition or take control of any goods, property, or even seize Matson vessels to deal with this biosecurity emergency.

Along with this provision, SB 572 was subsequently vetoed by Governor Josh Green due to the possible impact on port operations and the economy of Hawaii, which is so dependent on the shipping industry. For this reason, I voted in favor of the bill, but I am disappointed that as a country we continue to delay taking decisive action, knowing how quickly we can lose control if we do not respond quickly to the coming threat.

We have no choice but to better protect our environment from invasive creatures that have so far proven to be smarter than us. Our isolated geographic location and rich history of ecological management give us an advantage in this fight, but ultimately government inaction and inadequate funding and manpower will show us that even ordinary beetles, ants and frogs can prove harmful and formidable enemies of our delicate ecosystem.

Who knows what little creatures will attack us next, but we must be prepared to outsmart them before their game on the ground and in the trees overwhelms us as it has in the past.