HBMP compiles and maintains detailed, comprehensive information on Hawai‘i's biological resources. HBMP's mission is to synthesize, interpret, and distribute this information to a wide set of appropriate users toward making a positive impact on biodiversity protection. The HBMP database is the state's largest computerized inventory of endangered, threatened, and rare plants, animals, and ecosystems, extracted from all available sources. It includes detailed information on more than 1000 native species and ecosystem types in nearly 16,000 locations across the state. Up-to-date information on the historical and current location and status of rare and endangered species is of critical importance to researchers, landowners, managers, and planners, and the HBMP database is an important tool for keeping abreast of rapid environmental changes in Hawai‘i. The Hawai‘i Biodiversity & Mapping Program provides the information needed by these individuals and organizations in many ways:

What: Location maps and data for all endangered and candidate species in Hawai‘i--even rare species and ecosystems not yet given state or federal status. Over 1000 species and ecosystem types are tracked, including all threatened and endangered taxa. Now these data are available on USGS 1:24,000 quadrangles or as GIS layers (computer-generated maps).

Where: 16,000 locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands, where these species and ecosystems still exist, sometimes in unexpected areas.

Why: Support of conservation and other land-use planning, compliance with environmental regulations, natural resource management, scientific research, and education.

How: Computerized databases and a powerful GIS augment a professional biological staff engaged in field research and surveys.