The Plant Pono program was launched to support both consumers and industry across Hawai’i in reducing the use and importation of invasive plants and the pests that tend to travel with plants. It’s a partnership between the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS), the island Invasive Species Committees (ISCs), and members of the green industry. Plant Pono seeks to educate both consumers and suppliers about invasive species and highlight and promote those businesses that commit to protecting Hawai’i from invasive threats. To earn a Plant Pono endorsement, a nursery or landscaping company pledges not to sell invasive plants and to take strict measures to prevent the spread of invasive pests like little fire ants and coqui. Currently, Hawaii Island and Kauai have active Pono Endorsement programs.
The Plant Pono website is designed to be a tool for everyone, from the novice backyard gardener to the experienced landscaper, to learn about non-invasive plants.
Use plantpono.org and avoid harmful invasive plants that can harm Hawaii’s economy, health, environment, and way of life. Supporting Plant Pono Endorsed Businesses is a great way to help the local economy, keep Hawaii beautiful, and protect native biodiversity. While seemingly passive, planting pono has a massive effect on Hawaii’s natural areas.
Codes of conduct for plant lovers
The plant industry organizations that have signed voluntary Codes of Conduct are the Oahu Nursery Growers Association (ONGA), the Kauai Landscape Industry Council (KLIC), Hawaii Island Landscape Association (HILA), Maui Association of Landscape Professionals (MALP), Wal-Mart Garden Marts of Hawaii, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Lyon Arboretum, and the Waimea Valley Nature Center.