Potential economic impact of introduction and spread of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, in Hawaii

*[This paper presents the estimation of potential economic impacts of the red imported fire ant to the state of Hawaii. Evaluation of impacts focuses on the economic sectors of households, agriculture (cattle & crop production), infrastructure (cemeteries, churches, cities, electrical, telephone, & cable services, highways, hospitals, & schools), recreation, tourism, & business (hotels/resort areas, golf courses, commercial businesses, & tourists), & government expenditures (with minimal intervention). The full annual economic costs of the red imported fire ant to Hawaii are estimated (in US$ 2006) to be $211 million/year, comprised of $77 million in damages & expenditures, & $134 million in foregone outdoor opportunities to households & tourists. The present value of the projected costs of RIFA over a 20-year period after introduction total $2.5 billion. RIFA invasions across the globe indicate that economic cost-effective action in Hawaii entails implementation of prevention, early detection & rapid response treatment programs for RIFA.]