Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Detected on Oʻahu

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS RELEASE: July 31, 2019

RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH NOW DETECTED ON FOUR ISLANDS: Less Aggressive Strain Discovered on O‘ahu

(Honolulu) – One of the species of fungus causing Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death was recently detected for the first time on O`ahu. A team of natural resource managers from the O`ahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) and the Ko’olau Mountain Watershed Partnership (KMWP) recently sampled a dead ʻōhiʻa tree on private land in a remote area in the Ko’olau Mountains above Pearl City.

The sample was analyzed by the USDA Agriculture Research Service lab in Hilo. It confirmed the presence of Ceratocystis huliohia. Although this is the less aggressive of the two Ceratocystis species associated with ROD, it still has the ability to kill ʻōhiʻa trees.

A partnership of state, federal, university, and non-government organizations have been conducting systematic helicopter and ground surveys to look for Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death since 2016.  On Oʻahu, 150 dead or unhealthy ʻōhiʻa trees have been sampled for the disease in the past three years, and all have been negative until now. The location of the infected tree is extremely remote and it is considered highly unlikely to have been spread by people. Researchers are still trying to understand the source of the two Ceratocystis pathogens and are looking at any possible patterns of dispersal.

This first detection on O‘ahu has initiated a rapid response which includes additional surveys to determine how widespread the disease is. A combination of helicopter, UAS (drone) and ground surveys are planned with OISC, DLNR and KMWP playing lead roles. The landowner, Kamehameha Schools, is working closely with the response agencies to coordinate access to the property so agencies are able to test for the fungus and prevent it from spreading.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death threatens Hawaii’s most important tree species. ʻŌhiʻa grows throughout the Ko’olau and Waianae mountain ranges across approximately 50,000 acres. ʻŌhiʻa serves as a keystone species providing important watershed cover for recharging the island’s aquifer, habitat for endangered species, and cultural uses such as hula performances.

Residents and visitors can help protect our remaining ʻōhiʻa forests with the following actions:

  • Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa. Open wounds on ʻōhiʻa are an entry point for disease spores. The disease can also spread from tree to tree on machetes or other tools.
  • Don’t transport ʻōhiʻa inter-island.
  • Don’t move ʻōhiʻa wood or vegetation, especially from areas known to have ROD.
  • Clean your hiking boots/gear/tools. Scrub off all dirt and spray boot soles and tools with 70% rubbing alcohol, and wash your clothes in hot water and use a dryer to ensure the disease is not spread on boots and clothing.
  • Wash your vehicle if driving near ʻōhiʻa forests. The disease can remain alive and infectious in soil, so wash all dirt off vehicles.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has now been detected on Hawai‘ Island, Maui, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu since the fungal disease was first discovered in 2014. To date, the more aggressive form of the disease has not been found on Maui or O‘ahu, and is extremely limited on Kaua‘i.

RESOURCES (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

To report dead or dying ʻōhiʻa on Oʻahu please call or text the Oahu Invasive Species Committee at (808) 286-4616 or e-mail oisc@hawaii.edu.

Additional information about Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death can be found at www.rapidohiadeath.org.

Media Contact: Dan Dennison, Senior Communications Manager (808) 587-0396,  DLNR.comms@hawaii.gov

 

 

LITTLE FIRE ANT FOUND AT 2 MORE WINDWARD OAHU LOCATIONS

July 18, 2019

HONOLULU – Infestations of little fire ants (LFA) have been detected in two areas of Windward Oahu. An infestation in Lanikai involving six residential properties is currently being treated by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) and the Hawaii Ant Lab (HAL). The other infestation area is located in an isolated area on Kualoa Ranch. LFA crews have been working with the ranch to survey the area and a treatment strategy is near completion. The area involved is about 14 acres in an area that previously underwent a native species restoration project and currently is not open to human foot traffic. A buffer zone of 20 acres is being planned for treatment, which will begin when the master treatment plan is finalized. Kualoa Ranch Land Stewardship teams have already begun treatment in applicable locations within the area.

Earlier this year, neighborhoods in Kaneohe and Ahuimanu were also found to have LFA and treatment of those areas continue. The sites are about half way through the treatment protocol and the last survey of both areas last week did not detect any LFA. LFA treatment plans are developed by HAL researchers and involves several types of pesticides and bait formulas which are applied on a six-week interval for a total of eight treatments. Monitoring of those areas will continue for several years.

In June 2014, an LFA infestation was detected in Mililani Mauka which covered six acres. A similar multi-agency response successfully eradicated the infestation and that neighborhood has been free of LFA since February 2015.

“Residents in uninfested areas around the state should always be on the look out for little fire ants,” said Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. “Residents should also be careful before introducing any plants to their homes and yards regardless of where the plants are coming from. A simple peanut butter stick test can save your property from becoming infested with these invasive ants.”

LFA has been found on Hawaii Island since 1999 and the population is widespread on that island.

Since that initial detection, HAL and HDOA have developed a treatment strategy that has helped to prevent the spread of LFA to other islands.

HDOA and partner agencies, including the Invasive Species Committees on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui County and the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) have been asking residents on Oahu, Kauai and in Maui County to survey their properties for LFA by using a little peanut butter on a chopstick and leave them in several areas for about one hour. Any ants collected should be put in a sealable plastic bag, placed in the freezer for at least 24 hours and dropped off or mailed to any HDOA office. An informational flyer may be downloaded at: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2014/05/LFASurvey.pdf

In addition, the Department of Land and Natural (DLNR) Resources has produced a three-minute video, “How to Test for LFA,” which shows the step-by-step procedure for testing for LFA. The video is available at: https://vimeo.com/97558997

Originally from Central and South America, LFA is considered among the world’s worst invasive species. LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16th inch long and are pale orange in color. Unlike tropical fire ants which move quickly and are established in Hawaii, LFA move slowly and are much larger with a larger head in proportion to its body. LFA can produce painful stings and large red welts and may cause blindness in pets. They can build up very large colonies on the ground, in trees and other vegetation, and in buildings and homes and completely overrun a property.

Suspected invasive species should be reported to the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE – 643-PEST (7378).

Second Windward Little Fire Ant Infestation Found in Ahuimanu

For Immediate Release from Hawaii Department of Agriculture:  March 7, 2019 

HONOLULU – Little fire ants (LFA) have been confirmed in a second Windward Oahu neighborhood. A resident in Ahuimanu reported stinging ants and surveys of the area and a nearby home of a relative detected two infestation sites around Ahuimanu Rd. The main site involves 13 properties and the other site involves five properties, totaling about three acres, including 15-meter buffer zones around each site. The area was treated today by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) and the Hawaii Ant Lab (HAL). Crews also conducted the second treatment of the Kaneohe neighborhood where LFA was detected in December. HDOA Plant Pest Control specialists from Hawaii Island were also brought in to help conduct
the treatments.

In late January, an Ahuimanu resident reported stinging ants and HDOA entomologists confirmed that they were LFA. Crews conducted multiple surveys of the neighborhood to determine the boundaries of the two infestations. The infestations in Kaneohe and Ahuimanu do not appear to be related.

Last week, LFA was also confirmed on a plant that was purchased at the Punahou Carnival in early February. Those who purchased plants at the carnival are also being urged to test their plants for LFA. So far, no LFA have been reported on any other plants sold at the carnival. Suspected LFA should be reported to HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch at (808) 973-9538.

“These recent detections should be a warning to homeowners on all uninfested islands to check for little fire ants periodically,” said Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, acting chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. “People traveling from infested areas should also be very cautious of potentially transporting these tiny ants in plant material, baggage and cargo.”

The Kaneohe infestation zone includes a total of 11 properties covering about two acres around Alokahi St. That area was treated today for the second time following a treatment plan developed by HAL researchers. It involves the use of several types of pesticides and bait formulas applied in six-week intervals for a total of at least eight treatments. Monitoring of the treated areas will continue for several years.

In 2015, LFA was successfully eradicated in a six-acre infestation site in Mililani Mauka using the same treatment protocol being used in the two Windward Oahu infestation sites.

LFA has been found on Hawaii Island since 1999 and the population is widespread on that island.

Since that initial detection, HAL and HDOA have developed a treatment strategy that has helped to prevent the spread of LFA to other islands.

HDOA and partner agencies, including the Invasive Species Committees on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui County and the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) have been asking residents on Oahu, Kauai and Maui County to survey their properties for LFA by using a little peanut butter on a chopstick and leave them in several areas for about one hour. Any ants collected should be put in a sealable plastic bag, placed in the freezer for at least 24 hours and dropped off or mailed to any HDOA office. An informational flyer may be downloaded at: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2014/05/LFASurvey.pdf

In addition, the Department of Land and Natural (DLNR) Resources has produced a three-minute video, “How to Test for LFA,” which shows the step-by-step procedure for testing for LFA. The video is available at: https://vimeo.com/97558997

Originally from Central and South America, LFA is considered among the world’s worst invasive species. LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16th inch long, are pale orange in color. LFA move slowly, unlike the tropical fire ant, which is established in Hawaii, move quickly, and are much larger with a larger head in proportion to its body. LFA can produce painful stings and large red welts and may cause blindness in pets. They can build up very large colonies on the ground, in trees and other vegetation, and buildings and homes and completely overrun a property.

Suspected invasive species should be reported to the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE – 643-PEST (7378).

Little Fire Ants Found in Kāneʻohe

HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NEWS RELEASE: January 24th, 2019

HONOLULU – An infestation of little fire ants (LFA) was reported at a residential neighborhood in Kaneohe and the area was treated today in multi-agency effort involving the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) and the Hawaii Ant Lab (HAL). A total of 11 properties covering about two acres were treated this morning, including a 15-meter buffer zone around the infestation area.

On December 13, 2018, a resident on Alokahi St. contacted HDOA to inquire about ants in her home. The resident added that she had traveled to Hawaii Island. On December 19th, staff from HAL retrieved the ant samples which were identified as LFA on December 20th by an HDOA entomologist. On December 21st, HDOA and HAL staff returned to the home and conducted a survey of the exterior of the residence and detected LFA in the patio, carport and along the perimeter of the property. Staff returned on December 24th to survey two surrounding properties which also had LFA.

A larger survey of 12 properties in the area was conducted on January 4th and LFA was found in seven of those properties. On January 9th, another survey of two additional properties was conducted and one was found to have LFA. According to the treatment plan developed by HAL researchers, several types of pesticides and bait formulas are applied on a six-week interval for a total of eight treatments. Monitoring of the area will continue for several years.

In June 2014, an LFA infestation was detected in Mililani Mauka which covered six acres. A similar multi-agency response successfully eradicated the infestation and that neighborhood has been free of LFA since February 2015.

“This coordinated treatment and response plan for this infestation has been proven effective in the past and we appreciate the continued assistance of the different agencies and also the cooperation of the residents,” said Denise Albano, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. “This incident also reminds everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspected infestation of little fire ants.”

LFA has been found on Hawaii Island since 1999 and the population is widespread on that island. Since that initial detection, HAL and HDOA have developed a treatment strategy that has helped to prevent the spread of LFA to other islands.

HDOA and partner agencies, including the Invasive Species Committees on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui County and the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) have been asking residents on Oahu, Kauai and Maui County to survey their properties for LFA by using a little peanut butter on a chopstick and leave them in several areas for about one hour. Any ants collected should be put in a sealable plastic bag, placed in the freezer for at least 24 hours and dropped off or mailed to any HDOA office. An informational flyer may be downloaded at: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2014/05/LFASurvey.pdf

In addition, the Department of Land and Natural (DLNR) Resources has produced a three-minute video, “How to Test for LFA,” which shows the step-by-step procedure for testing for LFA. The video is available at: https://vimeo.com/97558997

Originally from South America, LFA is considered among the world’s worst invasive species. LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16thinch long, are pale orange in color. LFA move slowly, unlike the Tropical Fire Ant, which is established in Hawaii, move quickly, and are much larger with a larger head in proportion to its body. LFA can produce painful stings and large red welts and may cause blindness in pets. They can build up very large colonies on the ground, in trees and other vegetation, and buildings and homes and completely overrun a property.

 

Suspected invasive species should be reported to the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE – 643-PEST (7378).

 

Media Contact:

Janelle Saneishi, Public Information Officer
Hawaii Department of Agriculture

808.973.9560

hdoa.info@hawaii.gov

http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/

Naio Thrips

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Naio thrips (sometime called myoporum thrips) were detected on Oʻahu on November 23rd. Naio thrips attack our native Hawaiian naio tree (Myoporum sandwicense). These thrips are small sucking insects with feathery wings. They harm the naio by sucking the tissue out of the new leaves, causing severe damage and eventually kill the plants.

Since the Oʻahu detection, multiple agencies and many private citizens have come together to remove infested plants. Right now, significant natural sites such as Kaʻena Point and the Kaiwi shoreline do not show signs of thrips and these areas are being regularly monitored.

OISC’s first priority is to remove all infested plants on the island. Numerous land managers and private citizens have been cooperating with this effort and there has been much support to to stop the spread of naio thrips in order to save the wild populations.

Protecting wild naio populations is a priority. Landscaped naio plants provide harbors for thrips to move around the island. Neither organic or pesticide treatments are effective for prevention. Removal is needed to stop the spread. So while OISC is working to remove infested naio, removal of healthy naio in landscaped areas can help stop thrips from working their way across the island towards these wild populations.

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP! …we can’t do it alone…

  • Remove urban/landscaped plants BEFORE they get infested…we’ll replace it with a native plant.
  • Monitor – If you decline to remove your unifested plant, monitor every week for damage to leaves.
  • Report damaged leaves immediately to the Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) for removal and safe disposal.
  • Report naio plant locations: use the form below to let us know where plants are located.  
  • Do not plant naio. Plant other native or non-invasive plants. You can visit, Plant Pono for healthy landscaping choices. Recommended alternatives are: koaia, a’ali’i,  alahe’e, and ‘ōhi‘a…and for naio papa use ulei.
  • Do not move naio between islands.

Naio Thrips: these tiny insects are native to Tazmania and have caused widespread damage on the popular landscaping Myoporum plants in southern California and in the San Francisco area. They were first detected on Hawaii Island in March of 2009.   Naio thrips can be found on many Myoporum species, but is especially noticeable on our native naio species. The leaf curling and gall formation effects of thrips on naio plants will be noticed before any insects are seen. These thrips are tiny, about 2mm long, and are shin, dark brown.

Damage: 

Naio thrips damage includes severe gall-like distortion of the new leaves and terminals. The insects suck out the healthy tissues of new leaves. The stunting of growth at the terminal ends of the plant occurs and leaf curling or folding is common. Eventually new leaves stop forming and the plants will die. In Hawaiʻi, this recent pest can potentially have devastating effects on our native naio trees which are an important component of lowland and coastal dry forest and comprise roughly one half of the plant biomass of the māmane-naio forest ecosystem.

Distribution: 

Naio thrips can be transported to new areas in infested landscaping plants, on people, and locally via the wind. This pest was first noticed on the island of Hawaiʻi in March 2009 and has since spread across the Big Island (map). There is still a chance of preventing this pest from establishing throughout the state. They haven’t been detected on Kauaʻi or Maui County. Please report any sightings to 643-PEST or OISC if seen on Oʻahu.

Outreach Publications: Naio Thrips Rack Card

For additional information, visit

Do You Have Little Fire Ant?

HAVE YOU TESTED YOUR YARD FOR LITTLE FIRE ANT? It’s soooo easy and even more important. Find them…before they find you!!

We need your help! ...you can pick up free test kits at these Oʻahu locations to collect and send in your ant samples:

Mānoa Public Library:  2716 Woodlawn Dr.  Manoa, HI 96822   HOURS

Waikiki-Kapahulu Library:  400 Kapahulu Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815  HOURS

Waimānalo Library:  41-1320 Kalanianaeole Hwy.  Waimanalo, HI 96795  HOURS

Pearl City Home Depot:  1021 Kamehameha Hwy, Pearl City, HI 96782  HOURS

Do you need a free test kit? NO…all you need are chopsticks and peanut butter: How To Test for LFA

Q:  We’ve already got fire ants are everywhere…I always get stung at the beach and the park. What’s the big deal?

A:  Most people on Oʻahu have experienced “Tropical Fire Ant”…but “Little Fire Ant” is a different beast. Tropical Fire Ants live in sunny, dry areas….while Little Fire Ants like it shady and damp. Also, Little Fire Ants will live in the trees and on the ground. People who have experienced areas heavily infested with little fire ant talk of “raining ants” and getting repeated stings on their head, face, arms and back. This is the situation we want to avoid on Oʻahu.

Q:  I’ve never seen little fire ant at my place, why should I test?

A:  Just because you don’t see them, doesn’t mean they’re not there. Little fire ant only spread about 60 feet per year (as long as we don’t move them). So, they could be hanging out in a shrub, going unnoticed for a long time. We want to find them BEFORE they spread all over your yard. If we can find them while their colonies are still small…it’s so much easier to eradicate them.

Q:  What happens if I do have little fire ants?

A:  Because they are still not widespread on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Dept. of Agriculture will help you get rid of them!

Q:  Do I have to have go pick up one of these fancy test kits?

A:  Nope!! All you need are some chopsticks, popsicle sticks, or coffee stirrers, a ziplock bag and some peanut butter (use lunch meat or mayo if you’re allergic to peanut butter). Testing is quick and easy in just 5 steps! For testing details, CLICK HERE

 

For more information on little fire ants in Hawaiʻi…visit: www.stoptheant.org

The New 643-PEST App is Here!!

Submit a report using to alert the 643Pest Network of new pest sightings in Hawaii. The website 643pest.org (and the 643-PEST telephone hotline) are services provided by the State of Hawai‘i to help direct pest reports to the appropriate responding agency, or to community-based partnerships working with the state on invasive species issues.

…and they have just launched a new app for your smart phone! You can download the app using the QR code at the bottom or just search “643Pest” in your app store. Just keep it on your phone and reporting suspect pests is a breeze. It’s free, easy to use, and applicable state-wide. Together, we can stop the spread of invasive species!

Remember to call 911 immediately for all snake sightings.

 

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death

Rapid Ohia Death symptoms include rapid browning of affected tree crowns. Trees die so fast, the leaved remain even after the tree has died.

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death symptoms include rapid browning of affected tree crowns. Trees die so fast, the leaved remain even after the tree has died.

In an effort to prevent spread of this devastating disease to other islands, the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture approved an emergency quarantine measure on intrastate movement of ‘ōhi‘a and ‘ōhi‘a products.

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD) is caused by two strains of the  fungus Ceratocystis that until now, where unknown to science. Ceratocystis lukuohia, destroyer of ‘ōhi‘a and Ceratocystis huliohia, turning of ‘ōhi‘a. Both fungi infect and kill ‘ōhi‘a by attacking the vascular system of the tree. These fungal strains haven’t been seen before and there is no known cure for this new disease, but the quarantine will afford researchers more time to look for ways to mitigate the impacts.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has now been detected on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu. To date, the more aggressive form of the disease has not been found on Maui or O‘ahu, and is extremely limited on Kaua‘i.

Everyone is asked to help stop the spread of ROD by following these 5 steps:

  1. Don’t injure ‘ōhi‘a. Avoid mowing and walking over roots.
  2. Don’t move ‘ōhi‘a wood, especially if you don’t know where it came from. Follow the quarantine rule and do not move ‘ōhi‘a materials to other islands without a permit. (Permit applications at: www.hdoa.hawaii.gov)
  3. Keep your eyes open. If you see ‘ōhi‘a with ROD symptoms on O‘ahu, take a picture and contact OISC right away so we can collect a sample for testing. Email photos to oisc@hawaii.edu or call us at: 266-7994.
  4. Clean your tools, gear, clothing and shoes when hunting, hiking, or gathering. Remove all dirt and much and either dip or spray your soles in *approved solution, and wash clothes in hot water and detergent.
  5. Wash your vehicle with detergent, especially if you’ve traveled off-road.

*approved decontamination treatment proven to kill ROD fungus: spray with 70% rubbing alcohol. 

ON O‘AHU: REPORT DEAD/DYING ‘ŌHI‘A TREES WITH BROWN LEAVES. 

OISC has been assisting with reports of suspect ‘ōhi‘a trees on O‘ahu by collecting samples and submitting them to the ROD Team on the Big Island.  Samples submitted have tested negative for ROD. On O‘ahu, If you see a dead or dying ‘ōhi‘a trees that still have brown leaves attached, you can contact OISC at 266-7994 or email oisc@hawaii.edu.  Also, please take a photo (if can) of the suspect tree and note the precise location in the report.

For current news, maps and pictures, visit: www.rapidohiadeath.org or Facebook/rapidohiadeath

 

Read More Here: Board of Agriculture Restricts Movement of Ohia

OISC Lyon Arboretum Volunteer Trip

When:

CANCELED DUE TO HIGH WIND FORECAST FOR MANOA MAUKA: Saturday, October 12th, 2019 from 9:00am-2:00pm. RSVP is required.

If you had reserved your spot, you will also received an email confirmation.

Where:

Lyon Arboretum at 3860 Manoa Road. Meet in the Lyon Arboretum parking lot at 9:00am.

What to bring:

Daypack, water (at least 2 liters), insect repellent, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes and rain gear. Long pants and long-sleeved shirt are highly recommended.

RSVP required!

The RSVP link will open on the 1st of each month and close when the trip is full (12 people maximum). If you have questions, please contact OISC at oisc@hawaii.edu or (808)266-7994 or (808) 286-4616.

Mission:

We will focus on the removal of two invasive plant species – Ardisia virens and Stromanthe tonckat. Lyon Arboretum is the only known location in the state where these species are found; which means with your help we can work toward completely eliminating them from the island so that they are no longer a threat!

Note:

Volunteers will be hand-pulling plants and hiking off-trail in moderately steep to steep terrain with exposure to sun, rain, mosquitoes and muddy conditions. Volunteers should be physically fit for strenuous activity. Participants will be required to sign a waiver and provide emergency contact information. Children ages 12-17 yrs. must have parent/guardian signature. Children ages 12-14 must have an adult accompany them for the duration of the trip. Please call 808-266-7994 or email oisc@hawaii.edu with any questions.

Contact Us

Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)
Office: (808) 266-7994
Fax: (808) 266-7995

OISC Manager: Rachel Neville
E-mail: oiscmgr@hawaii.edu
OISC Outreach Specialist: Erin Bishop
E-mail: oisc@hawaii.edu

Pest Hotline: 808-643-PEST (7378)
Report a Pest Online