HONOLULU -- Hawaii was the last place on Earth to be free of a pest that attacks honeybees, but now that pest has arrived and scientists worry its presence will have a global impact on Hawaii's bee and honey industry.

The varroa mite has been discovered on honeybees in Makiki and Manoa on April 6.

Its presence in the islands has potentially devastating impacts on Hawaii's honey and bee industry.

"They actually can severely impact the health of a hive and in extreme cases kill the hive," said Darcy Oishi of the state Department of Agriculture.

The mite lives by sucking the blood from adult bees, pupae and larvae, weakening adults and causing defects in emerging bees.

"It has global impact what other areas want is they want their honey production their pollenator bees to start out strong," Oishi said.

The absence of the mites is a major reason why Hawaii bees have been so popular in the past.

"Hawaii's market was very popular because we were pest-free. Long-term it may actually impact our ability to sell our bees," Oishi said.

Investigators said they do not know how the mite got to the islands. It is illegal to transport bees to Hawaii.

Inspectors are making the rounds on all islands looking for the mite. So far, they have only found it on Oahu.