Plant Pono is a statewide education and endorsement initiative led by the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) in partnership with island Invasive Species Committees (ISCs) and the green industry. It aims to steer Hawaiʻi gardeners, landscapers, and nurseries toward non-invasive (“pono”) plant choices, reducing ecological and economic harm caused by invasive species and pest hitchhikers.
Explore the plant database: Search across nearly 1,000 “pono” (low-risk) plants by name, color, growth form, etc. The database also flags high-risk and evaluate-listed species.
Endorsement for businesses: Nurseries and landscapers in Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi pledge to avoid selling invasive plants and adopt best practices for pest control (e.g., for little fire ants, coqui frogs).
Incorporate pest prevention: Participating nurseries implement protocols—such as MPIs, inspections, and pest‑prevention training—to limit inadvertent spread of invasive plants and pests .
Invasive species prevention: Understanding how plant choices affect ecosystems and reduce pest pathways.
Hawaiʻi Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA): Science-based evaluation of plant invasiveness, used to screen and certify “pono” plants.
Stakeholder partnerships: Collaboration among CGAPS, ISCs, nursery associations, landscapers, and academic institutions.
Sustainable landscaping: Cultivating ecological awareness and stewardship through plant selection.
