There are many times when Greg Friel, Haleakalā Ranch vice president and livestock manager, has sat in his truck watching torrents of axis deer leap and bound across the road in a never-ending stream. At those times, it can feel like the battle against Hawai‘i’s invasive species—of which axis deer is one of the worst threats—is a losing fight. But thanks to Haleakalā Ranch’s long-term program and unceasing effort by Friel, Mikey Abreu, and the entire team, the tide is starting to turn.
Haleakalā Ranch has received statewide recognition for its efforts to manage invasive species like axis deer, receiving the award for the 2025 Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM) “Community Hero.” On May 28, Friel traveled to O‘ahu to accept the award on the Ranch’s behalf.
Awardees are chosen by voting members of the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC). HISC commended Haleakalā Ranch for its steadfast dedication to both agriculture and conservation, along with its active role in protecting rangelands and native ecosystems from invasive species while producing local food and stewarding large open spaces on Maui.
Nicole Galase of Hawai‘i Cattleman’s Council nominated the Ranch with the following summary: “Haleakalā Ranch is deserving of this award in recognition of outstanding leadership and dedication to both conservation and agriculture. Haleakalā Ranch makes large-scale efforts to protect Maui’s rangelands from invasive species while maintaining an ag operation. Their commitment to sustainable ranching ensures that the land remains productive and healthy for future generations. The ranch fosters mentorship and collaboration, bringing together community and stakeholders to tackle Maui’s most pressing environmental and agricultural challenges. They exemplify a thoughtful blend of expertise, cultural awareness, and long-term vision for a healthier, more resilient Maui, while simultaneously producing food for our community without compromising the ecological function of open spaces.”
Jordan Jokiel, Haleakalā Ranch vice president and land manager, is proud of the work the Ranch does to protect native species. “The Ranch’s control of invasive deer, which is directly managed by Greg Friel and Mikey Abreu, really sets the bar for effective control of this priority pest species,” Jokiel says. “As land managers on Maui, it is probably our highest collective priority for regional and landscape level control. Their work is comprehensive, effective and meaningful. It engages with the local community and strives to ensure that as much meat as possible is utilized and/or consumed. We appreciate HISC for recognizing these efforts.”
The Ranch received the HISAM “Outstanding Business Leader” Award in 2022, nominated by Maui Invasive Species Council (MISC) for its “generations of land stewardship, protection and management of invasive species, and innovative ways in protecting native species through [ranch] efforts and in supportive partnerships throughout mauna Haleakalā and beyond.”
Also recognized from Maui this year was Mike Opgenorth, director of Kahanu Garden & Preserve in Hāna, who received the “Maui Nui MVP” Award. Opgenorth was commended for helping to expand native plant restoration, steward Piʻilanihale Heiau, and build strong community partnerships. He also played a key role in early detection and public education around Little Fire Ants, Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, and Banana Bunchy Top Virus.
Other HISAM awardees were:
• “Outstanding Business Leader”: Aloha Termite and Pest Control
• “Greatest Hit”: Trenton Yasui (Plant Quarantine Inspector, Hawai‘i Dept. of Agriculture)
• “Kaua‘i MVP”: Work It Out Kauaʻi (Jenny and Jasmine Kaohelauliʻi)
• “O‘ahu MVP”: Thomas Griego (Lanikai community volunteer)
• “Hawai‘i Island MVP”: Kiane Prietto (teacher at Kanu o ka ʻĀina)
The May 28 award presentation in the DLNR building on O‘ahu was followed by a luncheon in the State Capitol and Governor Josh Green’s signing of a proclamation. The proclamation recognized the importance of coordinated action to address invasive species statewide and celebrated the individuals and organizations honored with HISAM 2025 awards. Hosted by HISC and partners, Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month is designed to raise awareness about the impacts of invasive species while also recognizing the work being done to manage them.
See the HISC article:
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/news/hisam-2025-awardees/