Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit

06/03/2026

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.

05/21/2026

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

05/21/2026

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

05/21/2026

05/12/2026

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.

05/11/2026

🌿 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!

05/08/2026

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/

05/08/2026

High on the slopes of Haleakalā, in a tiny stretch of remote healthy native forest, getting a glimpse of ʻākohekohe is a special experience. ❤️

Nectar-lovers, these fancy little members of the honeycreeper bird family can be found running across the branches of ʻōhiʻa lehua, seeking sustenance from (and pollinating) the ʻōhia tree’s bright pom-pom shaped flowers.

Only found on Maui, ʻākohekohe are critically endangered and we continue working with our partners to ensure they have a future here in the islands for generations to come.

‘ākohekohe (ah ko-heh ko-heh)

📸 MFBRP

05/01/2026

Celebrating our year of coastal kuleana, we are highlighting coastal native plants for native Hawaiian plant month. Meet Pōhinahina, Pōhinahina has been recently placed in the very large Mint family (Lamiaceae) of some 7,000 species! The number of well known, mostly aromatic, members is amazing, and they include spearmint, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, basil, sage (Salvia), savory, marjoram, oregano, thyme, shiso or perilla, yerba buena, lion's ear (Leonotis), coleus, chia, lemon balm (Melissa), horehound, pennyroyal, catnip, hyssop, clerodendrum, teak (Tectona), and Mesona, used in making "grass jelly."

The native Hawaiian members of Lamiaceae include the endemics: Honohono (Haplostachys haplostachya), the only existing one of five species; Stenogyne with 21 species; and the nearly endemic Phyllostegia comprising of 32 species. The indigenous members are pōhinahina, ʻalaʻala wai nui wahine (Plectranthus parviflorus), and the pitcher sage or pakaha (Lepechinia hastata), questionably indigenous.

05/01/2026