HI HCR43

Rose-ringed parakeets, introduced to Hawaii in the 1960s on Kauai, have spread to multiple islands with populations estimated at 20,000 on Kauai, 10,000 on Oahu, several hundred on Hawaii, and a few on Maui.

Invasive parakeet populations damage native ecosystems by stripping tree bark, dispersing invasive plant seeds, and killing native wildlife; they also cause significant agricultural losses estimated over $1,000,000 in crop depredation of corn, lychee, mango, papaya, and other crops.

Parakeet populations pose public health and safety hazards through excessive droppings at roost sites that expose humans to zoonotic pathogens and create severe noise pollution.

Research funded by the Legislature in 2017 and 2018 determined that roost culling is a viable population reduction strategy when published in January 2023.

Hawaii Invasive Species Council, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, is urged to develop a comprehensive management strategy and submit it to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2024 Regular Session.