Home Slider — Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)

OISC IS HIRING!!

OISC is now accepting applications for a full-time Fiscal & Program Assistant through July 13, 2020.

RCUH JOB ID: 220222

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $2,424-$4,372/Mon.

DUTIES: Provides essential fiscal, operational, and administrative support for OISC’s invasive species control program and for OISC cooperators. Responsible for the formulation, oversight, tracking, and projection of the project’s budget, including multiple individual accounts with different accounting periods. Coordinates contracts and receipt of grant funds with granting agencies and fiscal sponsors. Determines whether requests for no-cost extension for grants are necessary. Modifies budgets as needed. Manages all project expenditures including, but not limited to, assignment of accounts for staff salary and fringe, equipment and office supply inventory, equipment, vehicle and baseyard repairs, and researching/selecting vendors and products. Executes all purchases, including delivery or pick-up. Projects future budget needs. Serves as primary custodian of $500 imprest funds (authorization, completion). Works closely with OISC Manager to decide budget priorities. Work must be done in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and laws, especially regarding invasive species, safety and health, and pesticides. Oversees all fiscal, personnel, and administrative documents to ensure project efficiency. Responsible for administrative tasks integral to the function of OISC operations. Oversees up to five (5) field crew workers and volunteers performing occasional administrative and research tasks as needed. Researches grant opportunities. Prepares budgets for grant proposals. Organizes OISC Committee meetings, documents and summarizes OISC meetings and action items. Edits proposals, reports, letters, manuscripts, and public relations or educational material.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university. (Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college and one to three (1-3) years of experience managing a budget, processing payments, acquiring supplies, or related experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree.).

EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of experience formulating and managing a budget.

ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Excellent mathematical ability. Must be accurate, dependable, and detail oriented. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding personnel and budgetary matters. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check.

POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i’s and/or business entity’s policies and procedures. Violation of RCUH’s, UH’s, or business entity’s policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Business, Finance or Accounting. Expertise with purchasing goods and services in excess of $100,000 annually. Experience formulating and managing an organizational budget in excess of $500,000 with multiple funding streams. Experience with assigning personnel costs to grants. Experience working in an office to support publicly funded programs or non-profit work.

INQUIRIES: Nathan Dube (808) 292-6691 (Oahu).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and search JOB ID: 220222. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 or (808)956-0872.

RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.

Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran.

Here are some more links for other conservation job postings in Hawaiʻi.

RCUH Jobs: https://www.rcuh.com/work/job-postings/
Conservation Connections: http://conservationconnections.org/opportunities/type/full-time

DID YOU RECEIVE A PEST ALERT POSTCARD IN THE MAIL?

If you received the pest alert post card, LFA have been detected in your neighborhood. We are asking that everyone collect and submit any ants you have on your property or in your home for identification. LFA are tiny and can go undetected for a long time before you start to feel their sting. On their own, they spread very slowly as the ant population grows, but they can easily be spread from yard to yard when we move potted plants, yard materials, equipment…just about anything!

The eradication of these isolated population can only be successful if we can find them early and work together to get rid of them. To do this, we need to know how far these ants have spread in your neighborhood. Now more than ever, we need your help in finding any additional infestations in your areas.

Let us know you surveyed for ants online. We’re all doing our part to stay home during the pandemic. Some ants we can rule out as LFA with just a photo. We’ll let you know if it’s a suspect LFA and should be identified by species. Simply fill out this shorty survey and tell us (or submit a photo) of what you find: MY ANT SURVEY

There have been several little fire ant (LFA) detections on Oahu in the last year. Residents have reported getting bitten or stung by something in their yard. Suspecting it could be LFA, they collected and submitted their ants for identification. Luckily, most of these have turned out to be small populations and with the help of area residents, we have either already begun treatment for eradication or they are in the planning phase to start treatment.

Collecting and submitting your ants is fast and easy…just 3 steps: VIDEO ON HOW TO SURVEY

LFA love cheap peanut butter! Mayonnaise or lunch meat is also a good substitute if you have a peanut allergy. Place a THIN smear of peanut butter or mayo on the end of a coffee stirrer, popsicle stick or chopstick. Place them in shady areas in your yard, potted plants, around pet food bowls, even indoors.
Collect the sticks after 30-60 minutes (no longer than an hour). Any sticks with ants, put into a ziptop bag and freeze overnight.
When ready to send your ants, simply mail them to be identified. Include your contact info with your ziptop bag of ants from the freezer. Prepare an envelope addressed to:
- Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture- Attn: HAL
- 1428 S. King St.
- Honolulu, HI 96814

Once received and identified, you will be contacted informing you whether or not your ants are LFA. If they are, the Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture and Hawaii Ant Lab will discuss with you the next steps toward eradicating these harmful ants. We appreciate your help and your patience. Normally, we would try to visit all of the houses in affected neighborhoods in person. We hope that everyone stays safe and that we will soon be able to resume our work in communities, protecting our islands from harmful invasive species.

If you have questions, you can contact us: 808-286-4616 or email: oisc@hawaii.edu.

OISC in the COVID-19 Emergency Order

The Oʻahu Invasive Specie Committee (OISC) is complying with the state and county emergency proclamations. Our office and administrative staff will be teleworking and our field crew is operating modified field work field. We are committed to not only keeping our forests safe from invasive species, but also doing all we can to protect our staff, their families and our community

We are teleworking and available Mondays – Fridays, 7am-330pm. You can reach us via email: oisc@hawaii.edu, or contact our outreach staff at (808) 286-4616 for inquiries. We are still taking reports, but with these modified field operations there may be delays in actionable responses. However, we will note the report and if actionable, schedule the removable as soon as we are able.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture is still operating with essential staff and the statewide pest hotline is still receiving reports. You can report suspect invasive species by calling 643-PEST (7378), report online: www.643pest.org, or download the 643pest smartphone app for free.

Virtual Outreach is now available! OISC has the capability to host live webinars for both virtual classrooms or community meetings. We also are creating on-demand webinars and educational worksheets and games. We are continuously updating or educational resources and community outreach pages with new materials. https://www.oahuisc.org/outreach-education/

To schedule a live webinar for your classroom or community meeting, contact OISC via email: oisc@hawaii.edu or call 808-286-4616.

We wish you and your families aloha and good health in the upcoming weeks!

For the latest updates about COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi: https://hawaiicovid19.com/

ARE YOU GETTING BITTEN OR STUNG IN YOUR YARD?

SEVERAL LITTLE FIRE ANTS INFESTATIONS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING TREATMENT ON OAHU.

These recent detections of little fire ants on Oahu are the results of residents submitting ants for identification after being repeatedly “bitten” in their yard. There are over 50 species of ants in Hawaii and none are native. However, some are worse than others…and little fire ants are one of the worst in the world. There are several stinging ants widely established on the island that are similar in color and size. To identify ants by their species, they need to be looked at under a microscope. So, the public is asked to collect and send their ants for identification.

If little fire ant infestations are found early….the successful eradication of that colony is greatly increased.

So please…COLLECT & SUBMIT YOUR ANTS FOR IDENTIFICATION: “How to Test for LFA,” which shows the step-by-step procedure for testing for LFA: https://vimeo.com/97558997

It’s easy…you just need to place a very thin smear of peanut butter on the end of a stick, a small piece of paper and leave it in a damp, shady area for 1 hour.
Place any sticks that have ants into a ziptop bag and freeze overnight to kill the ants.
Mail the ziptop bag of ants to either HDOA: 1428 S. King St., Honolulu 96814 or OISC: 743 Ulukahiki St., Kailua 96734…we’ll identify them and let you know.

For more information on Stop the Ant campaign, go to: http://stoptheant.org/

LFA was first detected in the state on Hawaii Island in 1999. However, by time it was found, the ants were widely disbursed on the island and no treatment protocol existed for eradication. The HAL was then established to research best method of eradication and control of LFA. The treatment plans developed by HAL and HDOA entomologists have been very successful in eradicating new infestations. The protocol uses several types of pesticides and bait formulas applied on a six-week interval for a total of eight treatments. Originally from South America, LFA is considered among the world’s worst invasive species. LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16th inch long, and pale orange in color. LFA move slowly, unlike the tropical fire ant, which is established in Hawaii, can move quickly, and is 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 inside buildings and homes and completely overrun a property.

Are these little fire ants? Don’t know! There are several ants similar in size and color that are widespread in Hawaii. We can’t ID the ant species unless we look at them under a microscope. Collect and send your ants in for identification and find out what species of ants you have.

Current Areas Under Treatment for LFA on Oahu:

Kaneohe, Oahu

Reported December 19, 2018 – Samples submitted to HAL
Treatment zone 2 acres; 11 properties involved
Treatment began January 2019; survey in July 2019 found no LFA
Participating partners: HDOA, HAL

Ahuimanu, Oahu

Reported January 25, 2019 – Samples submitted by resident to Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)
Treatment zone 2 acres; 12 properties involved
Treatment began March 2019
Participating partners: HDOA, HAL, OISC

Lanikai, Oahu

Reported June 13, 2019 – Resident submitted ant samples to HAL.
Treatment zone < 2 acres; 6 properties involved
Treatment began July 17, 2019
Participating partners: HDOA, HAL

Kualoa, Oahu

Reported May 8, 2019 – Kualoa staff submitted ant samples to OISC.
Treatment zone 20 acres; pastures, natural areas, unpaved roadways
Treatment began September 16, 2019
Participating Partners: Kualoa Ranch, HAL, HDOA, GCAPS, OISC, Oahu Army National Resource Program
(OANRP), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),

Makiki Heights, Oahu

Reported July 23, 2019 – Resident submitted ant samples to HAL – Oahu
Treatment zone approximately 5 acres; 18 properties involved
Treatment began October 9, 2019
Participating partners: HDOA, HAL

Pauoa, Oahu

Reported August 30, 2019 – Resident submitted ant samples to HDOA/HAL
Delimiting surveys currently being conducted on approximately 2 acres and 8 properties involved
Treatment will begin when surveys are complete
Participating partners: HDOA, HAL

Laie, Oahu

Reported October 7, 2019
Delimiting surveys currently being conducted
Participating partners: HDOA, HAL, GCAPS, OISC, OANRP, USFWLS

FOURTH DETECTION OF RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH ON O‘AHU

Dead leaves still attached to ʻōhiʻa (as seen here from the air)…this is known as “flagging” and symptomatic of potential presence of ROD inside the tree.

(Honolulu) – An aerial survey of some 20,000 acres of forest on O‘ahu has resulted in the fourth detection of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) in an ʻōhiʻa in the Moanalua Section of the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve above Tripler Army Medical Center.

“Fortunately,” explains State Protection Forester Rob Hauff of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), this tree is infected with Ceratocystis huliohia, the less aggressive species of the fungus associated with ROD.” The tree was located using a helicopter-mounted camera system developed by the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo, Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Lab (SDAV). The collected images were analyzed in partnership with staff from the O‘ahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) and DOFAW, as part of an on-going effort to improve the ability of field personnel to spot potentially infected trees.

The previous detections of the same species on O‘ahu include single trees on Kamehameha Schools land in Waiawa, and on two private properties in Windward O‘ahu residential areas. Nathan Dube, the manager of the OISC said both of those trees were planted ʻōhiʻa. He said, “Both of these detections were from concerned landowners, who reported their dead or dying ʻōhiʻa to OISC. An OISC field team cut down the trees, dissected them, and sent samples to a lab in Hilo for positive confirmation and for research purposes.”

The aerial survey that picked up the tree in the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve, focused on the area adjacent to the earlier Waiawa detection. Surveyors identified about 40 additional trees from the images that need to be sampled for the disease, including ground-truthing. That process will take some time, as the area is rugged and difficult to reach. DOFAW and OISC crews, with the help from experts on Hawai’i Island, decided to remove the infected branch of the tree and monitor it monthly for further signs of disease. Crews used a sealant on the wound to prevent additional disease infection.

*Please report location of dead or dying ʻōhiʻa trees with dead leaves still attached on O‘ahu to OISC at: oisc@hawaii.edu (Photos are helpful)

Surveying 20,000 acres of forest on Oahu. using helicopter mounted camera system designed by UH-Hilo, Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Lab.

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.

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:

Don’t injure ‘ōhi‘a. Avoid mowing and walking over roots.
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)
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.
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.
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

OISC Lyon Arboretum Volunteer Trip

When:

Cancelled until further notice due to the COVID-19 Outbreak. We plan to resume activities as soon as the crisis passes and hope thatʻs sooner than later. For more updates on COVID-19 and how to protect you, your family and community…visit: https://hawaiicovid19.com/

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 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.

Saving the Native Forest Video

With OISC and Lyon Arboretum

Save Native Forests from Oiwi TV on Vimeo.