The erythrina gall wasp invaded the islands in 2005 and in less than a year, had a devastating effect and threatened the very existence of native wiliwili (Erythrina sandwiencis), a keystone species of Hawaii dryland forest ecosystems. Tri-Isle provided fiscal oversight of a Maui County emergency response grant allowing researchers to travel to Africa to collect potential biocontrol species to be used in long term mitigation and survival of the wiliwili dryland forest. Current (2008) efforts continue with release of a predator wasp species.
Tri-Isle RC&D Council, Incorporated
USDA Service Center
77 Hookele St Ste 202
Kahului, HI 96732-3516
