The Palila Bird

Wildfires are an issue for all islands in the state. The destruction caused by wildfires can potentially affect everything from native forests, watersheds, and agricultural production through to drinking water, cultural resources, and of course human safety.  The Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization is dedicated to controlling the wildfire threat.

Christopher Phillips explains...

The forested watershed is the well from which life in the islands spring. Without it soils would erode into the oceans, coral reefs and fishing would be devastated. Water supplies would vanish, leaving the islands exposed to threats such as drought, a consequence of which would be immeasurable economic and environmental chaos.

Christopher Phillips explains...

The Hoary Bat is Hawaiʻi's only native land mammal. It can be found throughout a variety of terrain and elevations, from sea level to the summits of Hawaiʻi's highest mountains. The Hoary Bat population has suffered tremendous decline due to habitat destruction, pesticides, and predation.

Christopher Phillips explains...

Invasive species threaten the well being of native flora and fauna. This threat takes many forms, a fungus, a disease, a plant or animal. The legacy of the presence of invasive species is felt across the islands. On Hawai'i island, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee is conducting outreach and education projects, and building strategies to combat invasive species.

Christopher Phillips explains...