Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii (CPSU Hawaii)

USGS Biological Resources Division, Pacific Island Ecological Research Center

Clifford W. Smith, Unit Leader

William M. Steiner, Director PIERC

USGS and the University of Hawaii have a cooperative research program in Pacific Islands ecosystems administered through the CPSU Hawaii. The Unit facilitates research efforts between the University and Department of the Interior and other federal agencies, departments of the State of Hawaii and private organizations. The unit's primary focus on the conservation of Hawaii's natural resources in protected habitats, such as national parks and wildlife refuges and the state's natural area reserves. Studies on cultural resources are also conducted particularly where they interface with natural resource management, a not uncommon situation in Hawaii. Studies are also conducted in the National Park of American Samoa, and War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam and its associated unit in Saipan.

Current Initiatives and Accomplishments

• Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk database on alien species, their distribution and impact in the Hawaiian Islands. Databases and briefing statements are being developed. Some are available on the World Wide Web at http://www2.hawaii.edu/~halesci/HEAR/ Initial efforts have been directed at alien plants. Attention is now being directed at vertebrates and invertebrates. The project is due to be completed in June 1999. Bishop Museum has established the standard for the taxonomy of all organisms in the state under the auspices of their Hawaii Biological Survey. This program creates databases and standards for monitoring and management information systems for the alien species in the state.

• Long-term monitoring of native organisms, particularly endangered species, is a special focus of management efforts in the natural area reserves on Hawaii and Maui, as well as Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks and adjacent regions.

• Control and containment of weeds. This work has been a primary focus of CPSU research and management efforts over the last 20 years. Currently, CPSU is coordinating efforts for various agencies to contain miconia on Maui and Hawaii. Many of the weed control strategies used in the natural areas of the state have evolved from the studies at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

• Biological control of weeds. CPSU has marshalled funds from different sources to sponsor the search for biological control agents against strawberry guava, miconia, fayatree, tibouchina in their native countries. Five potential agents for strawberry guava have been found that do not attack the common guava. They will be undergoing host screening in the next few years. A fungus, a relative of the species that attacks clidemia, has been proposed for release against miconia. Work on fayatree is stalled due to export permit problems. A preliminary assessment of the potential to control Himalayan raspberry is in progress in China.

• Endangered species research and management. Studies of Hawksbill turtles are a major component of these studies. The CPSU is assisting state and federal agencies in the research and implementation of management of endangered birds at Hanawi and Hakalau.

• GIS assistance is being provided to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to develop a system for the national parks in the state. This system is closely coordinated with other state programs to ensure that they are compatible for cross-reference when needed.

• CPSU has long been involved in various aspects of feral ungulate control. Minimal monitoring of feral goats and pigs continues. We are beginning studies on axis deer particularly on Moloka'i. Small mammals, mongoose and rats, studies will resume in FY98.

• Assistance to various military installations to implement many of the management technologies developed in the above programs is ongoing.