What does it mean to be Plant Pono Endorsed?

The Plant Pono Endorsement program is a partnership based on a set of shared values between the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) and green businesses on Hawai’i Island, as well as engagement with the Hawaiʻi Island Landscape Association and relevant stakeholders. Want to learn more? Scroll down for more info. Questions? Email us at biisc@hawaii.edu.

By choosing to support Plant Pono Endorsed businesses, we can make a positive impact on our environment and in our communities. These businesses have been vetted by the Plant Pono program, ensuring that purchases are safe for the ʻāina. In Hawaiʻi, being “pono” means doing the right thing, and to “plant pono” means ensuring that our choices are right for tomorrow’s generations.

What is Plant Pono?

The Plant Pono program is dedicated to stopping the sale and planting of harmful plants in order to preserve the natural beauty of Hawaiʻi. Many of these harmful or invasive plants were introduced with good intentions due to their beauty and uses. But, the unintended consequences have been severe. Today, invasive plants continue causing widespread watershed degradation (ex. strawberry guava & miconia), agricultural output reduction (ex. fireweed & Christmas berry), and habitat loss (ex. gorse & kahili ginger). Still yet, there are nearly no laws in Hawaiʻi to restrict the importation, propagation, or sale of invasive plants.

Together, Endorsed Businesses, BIISC, and Plant Pono, we believe it is important to protect and promote:

Endorsed businesses on Hawaiʻi Island agree to

1. Discontinue the sale and propagation of BIISC’s No Grow! Plants (9 invasive plants).
2. Before introducing or marketing new plants in Hawaiʻi, assess their potential invasiveness by using the Hawaii Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA) tool and avoid any high-risk species.
3. Promote non-invasive and native plants to clients and customers.
4. Schedule an annual visit of nursery, grounds, and/or work areas with appropriate BIISC staff.
5. Follow best management practices to reduce the spread via plant materials of coqui frogs, little fire ants, and other identified noxious pests.

Contact Molly Murphy at mollym3@hawaii.edu to endorse your business!

Plant Pono Endorsed Nurseries

Plant Pono Endorsed Landscapers

Coming Soon!