To support coordinated cooperative research, technical assistance, education and training, and usable knowledge development to inform science-based management of the national park system

The University of Hawaii at Manoa received a $141,640.14 cooperative agreement from the National Park Service (NPS) under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945), awarded August 1, 2025, with completion targeted for December 31, 2027. Under this award, the University of Hawaii will develop and implement science-based invasive species management strategies at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in collaboration with park staff. Primary deliverables include research and technical assistance to control invasive species threatening park resources, including little fire ants, Himalayan raspberry, and faya trees, through the evaluation and application of new herbicide and pesticide control methods. The university will also produce integrated information products and recommendations to prevent future invasive species threats, benefiting the National Park System's resource management objectives.

The Cooperative Research and Training Programs fund coordinated multi-disciplinary research and technical assistance to support science-based management across the National Park System. This award exemplifies the program's focus on ecological restoration and resource preservation by combining university research capabilities with park management needs to enhance both natural resource protection and visitor experience at this unique volcanic environment.

To facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products related to the resources of the national park system. To maintain a comprehensive network cooperative study units as will provide full geographic and topical coverage for research, technical assistance, and educational activities related to the resources contained in units of the national park system and their larger regions.at hawaii volcanoes national park, invasive species like stinging little fire ants, thorny himalayan raspberry, the noxious faya tree and other harmful invasives threaten both the visitor experience and the park s natural and cultural resources. The university of hawaii will help develop better ways to control these dangerous and highly invasive species and prevent future threats. By collaborating with park staff, they aim to create more effective methods using new herbicides and pesticides, benefiting the park, land managers, and visitors who enjoy this unique environment.beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and individuals (including members of the general public).