The quiet war being waged in Hawaii's remote valleys and mountainsides rarely makes headlines, yet it represents one of the most critical environmental battles facing the islands. As Hawaii grapples with an escalating invasive species crisis that threatens everything from native birds to agricultural crops, the pioneering work of conservation entrepreneur John Leong and his company Pono Pacific is drawing renewed attention for its transformative approach to protecting Hawaii's fragile ecosystems.
Pono Pacific Land Management, founded in 2000 by Leong, has evolved from a modest operation into what many consider the largest private natural resource conservation company in Hawaii. According to Hawaii Business Magazine, the company's first project involved removing invasive species from Kailua's Kawainui Marsh for the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
A Growing Crisis Demands Innovation
The timing of renewed focus on Pono Pacific's work coincides with alarming trends in Hawaii's invasive species landscape. As reported by KITV, there was a significant increase in invasive species reports across Hawaii in 2023, with over 1,800 reports made in the last year. Recent developments underscore the severity of the situation, including four opossums captured in Hawaii in just over a year, according to SF Gate.
The stakes couldn't be higher for Hawaii's unique ecosystem. Data from the National Invasive Species Information Center shows that factors such as habitat loss, invasive species, and non-native predators have been fueling native bird decline for centuries. Meanwhile, a major legislative victory came through Act 231, the "Biosecurity Bill," which according to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, secured a $10 million increase to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's budget for invasive species prevention and response.
Revolutionary Conservation Model
Before Leong developed his business concept, conservation work was traditionally handled internally by state or federal departments. As Hawaii Business Magazine notes, "Before John came up with this business concept, conservation work was always done internally by state or federal departments." Pono Pacific gave government agencies an effective way to outsource conservation projects, fundamentally changing how this work gets done in the islands.
The company's comprehensive approach extends far beyond simple invasive species removal. According to Hawaii Business Magazine, Pono Pacific has installed over 203,000 feet of fencing to protect native plants and animals from invasive species. "Our perspective is that the land is an asset and we want to develop it to its best use, whether it's conservation, agriculture or energy," explains Pono Pacific president Jonathan Marstaller in the publication.
Beyond Business: The Kupu Connection
Leong's conservation vision extends beyond Pono Pacific through his parallel organization, Kupu, a youth development nonprofit he co-founded. The two organizations reflect Leong's holistic approach to environmental stewardship and workforce development. Data from Poukihi shows that the organizations he has founded currently employ more than 400 staff and interns, creating over $150 million in socio-economic impact for the state.
The work continues to gain recognition at the highest levels, with Leong being named Hawaii Business Magazine's Nonprofit Leader of the Year 2024. His leadership experience includes fellowships with prestigious organizations including the Obama Foundation, Omidyar Network, and Pacific Century Fellows.
Addressing Unique Island Vulnerabilities
Hawaii's geographic isolation creates unique challenges that make Leong's work particularly crucial. As the National Invasive Species Information Center explains, introduced diseases, particularly avian malaria spread through mosquitos coupled with climate change, represent the greatest threat facing Hawaiian forest birds today. "As the climate warms and more mosquitoes move into the once malaria-free regions of the mountains, healthy birds are running out of places to escape," the organization notes.
As Hawaii confronts an intensifying invasive species crisis that threatens both its natural heritage and economic future, the pioneering model developed by John Leong and Pono Pacific offers a proven pathway forward—one that combines private sector efficiency with public sector partnerships to protect the islands' irreplaceable ecosystems for future generations.
