Protecting Endangered Plant Species from Displacement by Invasive Plants on Maui, Hawaii1

Abstract The Hawaiian island of Maui, with highly diverse habitats and 80 federally endangered plant species, provides a microcosm for addressing the threats of plant invasions to endemic biological diversity through partnerships for research and management. An evolving vision of what is needed involves an accelerated, balanced program involving exclusion of potential new invaders, early detection and rapid response, biological control, control to protect local populations, and public education. Additional index words: Biological control, Clidemia hirta, early detection, Hedychium gardnerianum, interagency cooperation, Miconia calvescens, Psidium cattleianum, public education, rapid response, weed exclusion. Abbreviation: MISC, Maui Invasive Species Committee.