Note: LASN had contacted Christopher Dacus, RLA, with Hawaii DOT about his work with the University of Hawai?EUR??,,????'?????<

Chris Dacus is to be congratulated for pioneering efforts to bring the civil engineering dominated Hawaii DOT into the 21st century of biotechnology and sustainability. He has also taken the lead in the statewide industry effort to be proactive with invasive species control.

Tropical conditions make rights of way maintenance labor intensive, and invasive grasses and woody shrubs, with no winter to slow them down, quickly make inroads into any plantings deliberately introduced. Much will depend on the research into good weed control methods if these native grasses and sedges are to be successful.

Hawaii’s environment, compared to the rest of the U.S., is one of the most vulnerable to invasive plants, and one of the richest in unique species.

Our lowland areas, where most urban and rural built-up environments exist, are nearly devoid of native species. Chris and the DOT are making experimental steps to begin to re-establish low land natives. Dryland ecosystems in Kona on the big island are also being carefully studied by NGO and resort-sponsored groups, with an eye to protecting and expanding them.

The superficial beauty of the exotic tropical species everyone wants to see have long eclipsed the subtle beauty and sustainable forms of Hawaii’s native flora. The landscape industry in Hawaii is actively working to restore knowledge, appreciation, and use of native plants in the built environment. Chris Dacus is one of our leaders.

Boyd Boyd
Vice President
Akahi Services, Inc.
Pearl City, Hawaii