Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit

A moment of peace, a tender touch.

Sweetly perched together in the dappled light, we are reminded of ʻalalā resilience — and renewed hope for Hawaiʻi’s native wildlife across the islands.

Nesting season has arrived on the leeward slopes of Haleakalā, and the ʻalalā monitoring team is excited to document what these birds are up to. For now, pair bonding behavior, moving sticks around, and new foraging activities highlight day-to-day monitoring.

With each passing week, another step towards a brighter future.

📸 Harry Swain/MFBRP

It can be hard to see damage to Royal Palms by looking at the fronds, instead look for boreholes like the ones in the photo. When adult Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles (CRB) feed on palms they leave behind boreholes about the size of their body (~2 inches).

Request free resources to manage CRB on our website crbhawaii.org/community

KISC IS HIRING! Join our team to help protect Kauai from incipient species. KISC has botanical field positions available. Our Invasive Plant Prevention Technician position supports our Plant Early Detection Program. This position will conduct botanical surveys island-wide, work with partners across the state to identify newly introduced plants, and assist in prioritizing new target plant species.

MISC is hiring for a CRB Technician

This is primarily an outreach position, working to support awareness and engagement among the community and the landscape industry in efforts to prevent the establishment of CRB on Maui.

The incumbent will maintain a network of community-based detection traps and conduct outreach to stakeholder groups to increase CRB awareness with the goal of supporting prevention and early detection efforts. The ideal candidate has experience in invasive species control in natural resource settings or horticultural settings and understands the importance of niu in Hawai’i.

Requires a Hawaiʻi driver's license, Associate degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience), and background in the landscape industry or natural resources.

Apply at the link below:
https://hr.rcuh.com/psc/hcmprd_exapp/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U

Happening this Friday! don't forget to register at the QR code

Join us tomorrow evening--Tuesday, May 12: Protecting Forests for All: Birds, Plants, & People. Weʻll provide a brief update on the state of ʻōhiʻa forests, including our newest response to slowing the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death.

Then, in part two of the evening, weʻll explore a way to draw “still life” settings of seabirds and water birds found in the forest. No experience necessary. The only things necessary are paper and pencil and a curious mind. We'll welcome wonder, soak in a little science, and make some marks and/or notes on paper. Bring your favorite drawing supplies!

Zoom option available. Find link at kauairefuges.org.

🌿 Join the OISC team! 🌿
We’re excited to be growing our field crew and currently have (4) open positions available. If you or someone you know is interested in building a career in environmental conservation, we’d love to hear from you!

✨ Benefits include:
• 401K options
• Healthcare plans
• 21 vacation days/year + state & federal holidays
• Tuition assistance

🌱 Perks of the job:
• An outdoor office
• Hands-on experience with ArcGIS, plant ID, data management, and more
• Opportunities to build valuable career skills while protecting Hawaiʻi’s natural resources

📅 Application deadline: 5/22/2026 or until all positions are filled

Apply today or share with someone who may be a great fit!

May is Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month, a month of education, action, and community connection across the islands.

This year’s theme draws from the ʻōlelo noʻeau, ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia - no task is too big when done together. This traditional saying reminds us of the power of collaboration. Invasive species can feel overwhelming, but ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia- when we work together, even the biggest challenges become possible to overcome.

CRB management takes a community wide effort and thruoughout May CRB Response will have multiple distribution events for our community resource program. To learn more and sign up, go to our website crbhawaii.org/community. For all the information about HISAM, go to dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/hisam2026/