Banana Poka. Non-native, Invasive. Considered dangerous to native forests. This vine, native to South America, was brought to Hawai`i for the purpose of hiding an outhouse. It began to spread uncontrollably, and has since proceeded to strangle many miles of native forest.

Octopus Tree. Non-native, Invasive. Also known as he`e, the Hawaiian word for octopus. This tree is native to Australia. It spreads very quickly, and is a pest in native forests.

Fountain Grass. Non-native, Invasive. This noxious weed is native to Africa, and was introduced as an ornamental to Hawai`i. It has spread rapidly, especially on the west side of the Big Island. Many people mistake it as pili grass, the native grass that was used to thatch ancient Hawaiian houses.

Miconia. Non-native, Invasive. On the Top Ten Unwanted List. Extremely dangerous. Miconia is native to Central and South America, but has become a terrible pest in the Pacific region. It has already overtaken much of the native forest in Tahiti, and is known there as the green cancer.

Tree Frog. Non-native and Invasive. Many species are from the Caribbean.

Mosquitoes. Non-native. Invasive. On the Top Ten Unwanted List. Carriers of avian diseases. Invasion poses major threat to human health.

Rats. Non-native, Invasive. There are three species of rats in Hawai`i: the roof rat and the Polynesian rat are native to tropical Southeast Asia, and the Norway rat to the cooler temperate zones of Asia. All three species are invasive, and cause damage to the natural and agricultural ecosystems.

Mongoose. Non-native, Invasive. Mongooses are native to India, but came to Hawai`i from sugar plantations in Jamaica. This was a misguided effort to control rats . The mongooses have caused a severe decline in the population of native ground-nesting birds, such as the nene.

Snakes. Non-native, Invasive. Illegal. There are NO species of snake native to Hawai`i. Call authorities immediately if sighted.

The brown tree snake is considered the most dangerous and threatening of invasive species. On the Top Ten Unwanted List. Concerted efforts by federal, state and county agencies are extremely watchful of snake invasion into Hawai`i.