Twolined Spittlebug


TLSB


South Kona on Hawaii Island has been the Twolined Spittlebug (TLSB) hotspot since its first detection in 2016. 

The pest's range has been slowly expanding north and south, but in the summer of 2025 TLSB infestations were detected in Kahuku and Glenwood -- likely spread from improperly sanitized machinery. 


Visit the TLSB Website to learn how to identify and report TLSB. Early detection is key!

 TLSB Website 


Invasive Species

Watch this TLSB video for more background!

Ranchers are at the forefront of this invasive species that has the ability to change landscapes on a large scale. Researchers are looking for Twolined Spittlebug resistant grasses that are still a high quality forage. 


Axis Deer

To learn more about the urgent axis deer problem on Maui, visit the resources and check out the videos linked below. 

Axis Deer Impacts in Maui County

Arizona State University's Strategies for mitigation & long-term management

Big Island Invasive Species Council

Background on axis deer in Hawaii and how to report sightings

PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY OF AXIS DEER ON MAUI, HAWAII

by Dr. George H. Waring, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University

Deerosion

Experience the urgent call to action in Maui Nui encouraging the community to unite to tackle the devastating impact of Axis deer overpopulation. Delve into the heart of the crisis and the pressing need for collaborative solutions before it is too late. Hear from ranchers, farmers, conservationist and community stakeholders as they highlight the critical importance of addressing this ecological emergency. Join us to understand the far-reaching consequences of deer overgrazing and erosion on our islands’ environment, economy and food sovereignty; and discover why immediate action is essential to safeguard Maui Nui’s future. 

Interviews: Greg Friel (Haleakala Ranch), Zeke Kalua (County of Maui Office of the Mayor), Mike Abreu (Haleakala Ranch), Jordan Jokiel (Haleakala Ranch), Uncle Bobby Allan (‘Aina Pulapula - Molokai), Jade Bruhjell (Pala‘au – Molokai), Michael Marchand (Lapa‘au Farm – Maui), Ryan Earhart (Oko‘a Farms), Jerry Thompson (Thompson Ranch), Kristin Almasin (Ulupalakua Ranch), Andrea Thompson (Thompson Ranch), Dylen Joaquin (Hawaii Grazing Lands Coalition, Carolyn Auweloa (NRCS).

Visit the Kahikolu Project's website to learn more about invasive axis deer on Maui. 

Controlling Axis Deer

Axis deer have been a problem on the islands of Maui County for a while. But lately, the problem has gotten out of control. With no natural predators, there is nothing to control the growth of the herds. There are thousands of deer. As serious drought conditions grow worse, the deer venture out of the hills and other areas they roam in search of food eating anything in sight, damaging farm crops, gardens and native plants leading to erosion problems.