Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)

Congressman Ed Case Introduces Measures to Combat Invasive Species in Hawaii

H.R.5506 – Hawaii Invasive Species Protection Act:

Press Release December 19, 2019

Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today introduced a bill to require that all baggage and cargo transporting into the State of Hawai’i by air or sea be inspected for invasive species and high-risk agricultural materials.

Case’s colleague, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard ((HI-02), co-introduced the measure, entitled the Hawai’i Invasive Species Protection Act .

“We must act now because invasive species pose an especially grave and accelerating threat to Hawai’i ,” said Case. “Isolated Hawai’i has one of the highest numbers and rate of endemic species anywhere and invasive species have wreaked havoc on our natural environment.

Case continued: “In the last 200 years, 28 bird, 72 snail, 74 insect and 97 plant species have gone extinct in large part because of invasives. Since 2005 alone, 195 new invasive species have been introduced, and they have triggered not only widespread environmental but economic damage as well.

“Leading countries have required strict invasive prevention measures. Even the continental United States requires inspections of goods from Hawai’i to prevent the introduction of species that may damage mainland crops.”

“This bill is important to help protect Hawai‘i’s ecosystem which is critical in so many ways — its beauty brings visitors from across the world, its unique nature is reflected in the rich cultural heritage of our Native Hawaiian community, and its abundance is vital to our agricultural economy,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “This bill will help preserve Hawai‘i’s unique beauty and bounty for our residents and visitors alike.”

Case explained that his measure would simply require the same inspection protocol for goods coming to Hawai’i that is currently imposed when leaving the islands.

“This is the protocol that is followed by leading invasive prevention countries overseas – and if it’s good for the rest of the country and world, it’s good for Hawai’i,” said Case.

Case said the cost of inspections would be paid for from increases in the current agriculture quarantine inspection fee.

“Protecting Hawai’i’s agriculture and environment from invasive species that may be transported to our state is a monumental task,” said Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. “We appreciate the assistance of the U.S. Congress and our federal partners in helping to increase our biosecurity.”

Case pointed out that Hawai’i’s unique circumstances also have given rise to one of our nation’s most diverse and productive agricultural communities. “With a year-round growing cycle, our crops have ranged throughout our history from the highest quality sugar and pineapple and cattle to tropical specialty crops like fruit and cut flowers in the highest demand worldwide,” said Case.

“Yet it is exactly because these crops like our natural resources have adapted to Hawai’i’s uniqueness that they are the most susceptible to devastation from external species against which they have no natural defenses.

Invasive species have drastically impacted agriculture in Hawai‘i, threatening some of the island’s most valuable crops in the state’s third-largest industry.

Case pointed to two examples of the destruction brought on by invasives:

  • The coffee berry borer, which was discovered in Kona in 2010, now infects all of the coffee growing islands in Hawai‘i, except Kaua‘i. The coffee berry borer can cause yield losses of between 30 and 35 percent and affects the quality of the coffee beans, directly impacting the income of growers. Our failure to prevent coffee leaf rust from entering Hawai’i could leave one of Hawai’i’s most iconic industries devastated.
  • Hawai’i’s third most valuable crop, the macadamia nut, is under threat from the macadamia felted coccid. Macadamia felted coccid has been found in all of Hawai’i Island’s macadamia growing regions. The felted coccid reduces macadamia tree output by draining nutrients from the tree. Invasive species coupled with increased rain led to a 22 percent decline in the macadamia nut harvest this year compared to last year.

“Yet despite these incontrovertible and growing impacts of external species on Hawai’i’s natural resources and economy, existing federal law leaves Hawaii largely defenseless against increasingly destructive invasives,” said Case. “Imports by air and sea, the only means of in-bound transportation to our island state, lack any effective regulation to screen out invasives.

“This is despite a fairly robust screening of exports from Hawai’i to the Continental United States to screen out invasives from Hawai’i viewed as harmful to mainland agriculture – invasives that, ironically, were invasives into Hawai’i to start with,” said Case.

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.

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

 

 

Agricultural Snail Survey Internships for Oahu High School Students

Attention STEM Students!

Apply to become an Agricultural Snail Survey Intern! We have openings for up to 8 paid positions for rising juniors and seniors from Central and West Oʻahu high schools.

LEARN and EARN up to $1,600 in cash upon completion of your internship!

These year-round internships are created by Bishop Museum in partnership with Mālama Learning Center to engage students in farm surveys for pest snails that could hurt agriculture and the health of our communities.

Learn from experts on how to:
• Identify snail species
• Lead surveys for snails
• Collect and analyze data
• Make maps using GIS (Geographic Information System)
• Make public presentations and teach people about what you learned

Interns will work in teams and be supervised by Bishop Museum and Mālama Learning Center staff.
Training Dates (All dates are required):
• Summer 2019 (July 15-26 weekdays)
• Fall Break 2019 (October 7-9)
• Winter Break 2019 (December 26, 27, and 30)
• Spring Break 2020 (3 days between March 16-20 to be determined)

Training hours will be from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. Bishop Museum is conveniently located along bus lines.

Additional time will be spent conducting surveys on school campuses and conducting outreach at farms and nurseries.

Apply online today!

For more information, contact info@malamalearningcenter.org. Positions will be filled as available. The sooner you apply, the better your chance!

This program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

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/

Aggresive ROD Fungus Confirmed on Kaua‘i

JOINT NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 21, 2018

 

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

DAVID Y. IGE: GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE: CHAIRPERSON

 

 AGGRESSIVE RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH FUNGUS FOUND ON KAUA‘I

 (Lihue)-Detection of Ceratocystis lukuohia, the more virulent of the two fungal pathogens causing Rapid ʻŌhi‘a Death (ROD), has now been confirmed in three trees on Department of Hawaiian Homelands parcel behind Kalalea Mountain on the east side of Kaua‘i. This first detection of C. lukuohia comes after the other pathogen resulting in ROD, Ceratocystis huliohia, was detected on Kauai in three distinct locations this past year.

“These three trees that tested positive for C. lukuohia were spotted by our rapid response team as they were conducting botanical surveys across the island,” said Sheri S. Mann, Kaua‘i District Manager for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). “Later, a team trekked by foot to visually inspect and take samples from the tree.”

ʻŌhi‘a die for many reasons, although symptoms consistent with ROD include the sudden browning of leaves on limbs or the entire crowns of trees. The fungus is not visible on the leaves or the bark but grows in the sapwood just below the bark. The three trees that were sampled earlier this month stood out in a forest of green, because the entirety of the trees leaves had browned.

Samples were then sent to the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Hilo for the necessary laboratory testing that confirmed C. lukuohia in all three trees.

“This is obviously news we didn’t want to hear,” Mann said. “But within a day of learning the news, we scheduled a helicopter to conduct more digital mobile sketch mapping to identify any additional symptomatic trees. We followed that with pinpoint drone surveys conducted by the UH Hilo Department of Geography SDAV Lab and more tree sampling to try and determine the severity and distribution of the outbreak. It’s been a busy week.”

 A benefit for Kaua‘i is the hard-earned research conducted on Hawaii Island where ROD was identified more than four years ago. Hundreds of thousands of trees have died due to ROD on Hawai‘i Island, more than 90 percent due to C. lukuohia. Earlier this year, scientists at ARS described the two-different species of fungi that cause ROD as C. huliohia and C. lukuohia. Both species are new to science.

The difference between the two pathogens is how they move through the tree and how quickly they kill.

“The pathogen enters the tree through a wound; be it a broken limb, twig or, perhaps, a scuffed up exposed root. Whereas C. huliohia may take months to years to kill an ohia tree, C. lukuohia can kill a tree within weeks,” said James B. Friday, the extension forester with the University of Hawaii.

The Kaua‘i ROD Working Group does not know exactly when or how the disease arrived on Kaua‘i-whether it was the result of human activity or on its own, e.g. via the wind.

Once additional lab results and drone imagery are available, the rapid response team will consult with the ROD science team to determine what management actions should be taken.

“Our priority is to save ohia. It has a critical role in the ecosystem’s function,” said Tiffani Keanini, project manager of Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee (KISC). “We are currently determining the best method to contain the spread and prevent ROD from entering pristine watershed areas. At this point, we are treating the recent outbreak with rapid response actions.  As we learn more about the distribution and density of the affected area, we will likely adapt our management strategy efforts.”

The C. lukuohia detection site is located in a remote area at 550-foot elevation. This forest location is comprised of a mix of native trees and plants like ʻōhi‘a, koa, hala, and uluhe that are being crowded out by non-natives such as albizia, java plum, strawberry guava, and octopus trees. Unfortunately, any loss of a native tree will give rise to the faster-growing invasives unless aggressive native tree plantings take place.

As there is no known cure to ROD, prevention is the key to ensuring it doesn’t spread and both Kama‘aina and visitors can help by following these key five guidelines:

1) Keep your eyes open. If you see ʻōhiʻa with a limb or crown turning brown, take a picture, and contact KISC via email (saveohia@hawaii.edu) or phone (808-821-1490). Samples of the wood must be taken by trained technicians and tested in a laboratory to confirm the presence of the ROD fungi.

2) Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa. Wounds serve as entry points for the fungus and increase the odds that the tree will become infected and die from ROD. Avoid pruning and contact with heavy equipment wherever possible.

3) Clean gear and tools, including shoes and clothes, before and after entering the forest and areas where ʻōhiʻa may be present. Brush all soil off tools and gear, then spray with 70% rubbing alcohol. Wash clothes with hot water and soap.

4) Wash your vehicle with a high-pressure hose or washer if you’ve been off-roading or have picked up mud from driving. Clean all soil off tires–including mountain bikes and motorcycles–and vehicle undercarriage.

5) Don’t move ʻōhiʻa wood or ʻōhiʻa parts, including adjacent soil. The disease can be spread to new areas by moving plants, plant parts, and wood from infected areas to non-infected areas.

 

 

MEDIA RESOURCES

(All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

HD video-field survey training, digital sketch mapping (May 11, 2018)

  • https://vimeo.com/269082425 (shot sheet attached)

HD video-Kauai Rapid Ōhiʻa Death video news release (May 11, 2018)

  • https://vimeo.com/269288041

Photographs-digital sketch mapping, field survey training: (cut sheet attached)

Video-Ceratocystis: Tale of Two Species & Screening for Resistance:

For more on Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death:

Credit: Kauai Invasive Species Committee/Kim S. Rogers:

Seanne Igne (Protection Forester/DOFAW) is pictured while conducting Digital Mobile Sketch Mapping surveys via helicopter.

 

Media Contacts:

Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee

Kim S. Rogers

(808) 821-1490

(808) 634-6667 (cell)

saveohia@hawaii.edu

 

 AJ McWhorter

DLNR Communications Specialist

Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

aj.mcwhorter@hawaii.gov

808-587-0396 (Communications Office)

808-587-0418 (Direct Line)

www.dlnr.hawaii.gov

Cedric Duarte

Information & Community Relations Officer

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

91-5420 Kapolei Parkway

Kapolei, Hawai’i 96707

Phone: 808-620-9591

Mobile: 808-342-0873

Cedric.R.Duarte@hawaii.gov

Naio Thrips

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Naio thrips (sometimes called myoporum thrips) were detected on Oʻahu on November 23, 2018. 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, defoliation, and eventual death of the plants.

Our goal was to contain and eradicate these harmful pests by first removing all infested plants on the island and then removing naio in landscaping as they are harbors allowing thrips to spread. Over 900 plants have been removed since the detection, along with thousands of man hours spent in the field. Numerous land managers and private citizens have been cooperating with this effort and there has been much support to stop the spread of naio thrips in order to save the wild populations.

However, the large number of naio in landscaping and the ease with which thrips are dispersed, combined with the logistics of coordinating massive plant removal projects using limited resources has made it extremely difficult to stop their spread. In short, despite reallocating thousands of man hours to remove their food sources, the thrips moved faster than we could. The strategy has now moved from eradication to management.

Removing so much food for the thrips in the beginning of the outbreak slowed the spread and allowed us some breathing room to figure out a management strategy that we can use when the thrips eventually make it to wild areas. Right now, we do not have treatments for naio in the wild or in landscaping. OISC’s experience and anecdotal evidence from others has not found a proven technique that will ensure naio survival after thrips find it.

Protecting wild naio populations is still a priority. Research has begun looking into effective treatment options along with searching for resistance among different varieties of native naio (Myoporum sandwicense) and of our Oʻahu endemic naio species (Myoporum stellatum). Researchers are also considering environmental factors, such as soil conditions and rainfall amounts. Our goal is to find techniques to manage thrips adequately that will protect our wild populations and once again allow naio to be used in landscaping and restoration.

It’s important to keep in mind that naio thrips are detected on Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu. Do NOT transport naio between islands to help stop the spread to neighboring islands where it is not established.

How You Can Help

  • 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.
    • Here is a list on nurseries and store that carry native plants:  Native-Plant-Source-List
    • Honolulu Board of Water Supply has a Oahu Regional Planting Lists for your area based on rainfall.
  • Do not move naio between islands. Currently, only Hawaii Island and Oahu have detections of these thrips.
  • Monitor – Monitor every week for damage to leaves if you choose to keep your naio plants.
  • Infested Plants. Infested plants will exhibit the damaged leaves. It is recommended to do the following:

1)    Remove infected terminals and place in thick contractor grade garbage bags.
2)    Spray material inside the garbage bag in order to kill thrips inside bag  (Conserve or Talstar).
3)    Fell tree or cut trunks if papa.
4)    Spray leaves and branches once on the ground with Conserve or Talstar to kill thrips that have been knocked loose from the activity.
5)    Treat stumps with 20%  Garlon 4 Ultra with 79.5% crop oil and 5% Turf Trax to kill root system.
6)    Cut up into manageable pieces.
7)    Cover with tarp or place in contractor clean up trash bags.
8)    Wait a minimum of 6-8 weeks minimum before removing tarp and bringing material to H-power, or dispose in rubbish, NOT green waste. This will allow plant material to die, eliminating food for remaining thrips or newly hatched thrips.  Check to be sure that you don’t see any live thrips before removing and disposing material.

*When pesticides aren’t used, the same procedure was followed without the use of chemical controls.

Feel free to contact OISC for any questions about infestation or proper removal and/or disposal: oisc@hawaii.edu.

Naio Thrips: these tiny insects are native to Tasmania 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.

In the naio/mamane forests of Pu’u Wa’a Wa’a Forest Reserve on Hawai’i Island, researchers could not find 10 healthy naio trees a decade after thrips invaded the area. Springer Kaye of the Big Island Invasive Species Committee likened the destructive capacity of the thrips to wildfire. Today, 90% of the wild naio at sites on the Hawai’i Island have died due to the damage caused by thrips.

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.

For additional information, visit

Contact Us

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

OISC Manager: Nate Dube
E-mail: oiscmgr@hawaii.edu
OISC Outreach Coordinator: Erin Bishop
E-mail: oisc@hawaii.edu

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