Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)

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

State Budget Hearing: March 29th

The state budget bill is up for hearing on Wednesday March 29th. Please consider writing a letter to support the DLNR’s budget requests. The requests are for funding the Hawai’i Invasive Species Council’s grant program, from which OISC receives its base funding. The overall amount for HISC in the budget is not less than last year, but DLNR did request an additional $500,000 for invasive species, along with $500,000 for watershed partnerships and 7.5 million for fence-building. The Senate Ways and Means committee has indicated the additional operating funds and fence building will be cut. However these additional funds are necessary as we face a future with no federal funds to support our work. OISC has already received word that $50,000 of federal funds that support our work in 2017, will not be available next year.

A sample letter is below, please note your letter will be published on the Legislature’s website, so only include your address or phone number if it is a business.

There are 2 ways you can submit testimony:

1. By emailing the Ways & Means Committee at least 24 hrs before the hearing. 

You can email your testimony to the Ways and Means Committee up until  9:30am on Tuesday the 28th at:  WAMtestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov

2. Register at the Hawaii State Legislature

 Website: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/login/register.asp and then submit your testimony online. 

Mahalo in advance for your help! Please feel free to call OISC at 808-292-6691 if you have any questions. 

Testimony of [name or company/entity name]

Supporting Funding for the Department of Land and Natural Resources’

Watershed and Invasive Species Programs

in H.B. 100 Relating to the State Budget

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Wednesday, March 29, 2017, 9:30AM, Room 211

 

I [or_company/entity name_supports] am in strong support of funding for the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ and Department of Agriculture’s invasive species and watershed protection programs.

Invasive species affect everyone. Our water supply is at risk because our forests are at risk, our locally-grown crops are attacked by pests and diseases, our heritage trees like ʻōhiʻa are threatened by disease, and our health and well-being can be harmed by stinging insects and mosquito-borne diseases.  However, we recognize that together we can make a difference if we make it a high priority for our government and ourselves to prevent new introductions, control the worst pests already present, educate ourselves and others, and use good science to support our collective efforts.

 Feel free to include some specific information about yourself or your organization and why this issue and your ISC is important to you.   Information about local jobs created or maintained is also useful to include.]

Thank you for your support.

 

Sincerely,

[name and title – your actual signature is nice but not essential]

HISAW 2017 Video Contest

VIDEO  CONTEST! 

GRADES: 7-12 (Schools in Hawaii only)

TOPIC: Impacts of Invasive Species on Hawaii’s Economy, Environment, Quality of Life, or Human Health

LENGTH: 30 seconds

DETAILS: Create a short (30sec) video based on the topic described above. Videos can follow any type of format (interview, musical, animation, documentary, etc.)

JUDGING: Videos will be judged based on these five categories

  • Accuracy of information
  • Relation to contest topic
  • Creativity
  • Production quality
  • Overall presentation

PRIZES: Either Amazon or Apple Store gift card. 1st prize:  $175, 2nd prize: $125, 3rd prize: $75. Winners will also receive HISC prize packs!

All submissions are due by February 20th, 2017.  Video Clips can be submitted electronically via Dropbox by uploading them at this web address: https://www.dropbox.com/request/Zd58RaVXkjeik0erfDi5

Please include a separate document with your contact information (Name, Grade, School, Email or Phone, Video Title).  **Do not include personal info in the video.

*By submitting a video, you agree to allow the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to post it on the HISAW web page and to use it for future invasive species outreach.

For more information, visit http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/hisaw/or  Send an email to: johncarl.r.watson@hawaii.gov

 

MAHALO!!!

OCTOBER IS “SPOT THE ANT, STOP THE ANT MONTH”

Have you tested for little fire ant?

This October is “Spot the Ant, Stop the Ant Month” in Hawai‘i. This campaign is being conducted state-wide to educate residents of the threats posed by little fire ant, especially the painful stings to our families and the blindness it causes in pets. We are asking for your help to participate in early detection surveys by testing their yards for LFA and submit their samples to the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture. By testing once a year, you can ensure that you are either LFA-free or find the ants while the infestation is still small enough to eradicate.

During the month of October, you can pick up free LFA testing kits AND drop off your ants at the following libraries on Oahu: 

Hawaii State Library,  Hawaii Kai,  Kahuku,   Kailua,   Kaneohe,   Manoa,   Mililani,   Wahiawa,  and Waimanalo.

Do you need a pre-packaged kit? Nope! …if you have chopsticks, peanut butter and a ziptop bag, you can do the test. We just want to make it as easy as possible for you to test and submit your ant samples.  Just test and submit any ants you find.

HOW TO TEST VIDEO

What are little fire ants, and why are they so bad?

Unless you’ve encountered the wrath of these tiny pests, you may ask “what’s the big deal?”.  Well, among all of the world’s invasive pests – the plants, animals, insects, bacteria…LFA have top-chart billing as one of the world’s worst 100 invasive species.

Little fire ants (LFA) are native to Central & South America, but have been spreading across the Pacific, damaging the envrionmnent, economy and the quality of life of those subjected to their stings. LFA sting the eyes of pets, leading to blindness.  LFA damage crops, food production, and the economy everywhere they have spread. LFA alter (or impact) people’s lives because their stings are unavoidable.

Doesn’t Hawaii already have fire ant? How are LFA different?

Many of us have been stung by the common Tropical Fire Ants, which nest in the ground in sunny fields and beach parks.  These are NOT the same as Little Fire Ants. LFA is a very tiny ant-about as long as a penny is thick and prefer shady, moist areas. They can nest in the trees and on the ground. LFA’s sting packs a wallop and when they fall out of trees, a person gets multiple stings all at once.

LFA have been detected on all main Hawaiian Islands except Molokai, and are only established on the Big Island. The Hawaii Ant Lab is based in Hilo and conducts research on invasive ant impacts, prevention and treatment methods, and eradication plans. They provide resources and information for the public and work closely with the residents of Big Island to best manage little fire ant infestations around their homes.

Early detection is key to preventing LFA from establishing.

LFA are established in areas on the Big Island and it’s highly unlikely there will be an island-wide eradication, but finding them early significantly increases chances of spreading across the island, as well as between all the islands.  When infestations become larger, costs increase dramatically and the chances of successful eradication are also much lower.

On Oahu, the residents of Mililani Mauka were crucial to the success of eliminating the infestation there. A resident brought samples to HDOA after being stung and because of this, the infestation was discovered while it was relatively small. Equally important, all the neighbors allowed staff on their property to test for and to treat the ants.

We need your help!!

LFA can spread across an island and move between islands in any materials – including fresh fruit, cut flowers, potted plants, household items and vehicles. The best way to help is to test your yard for little fire ant at least once a year. It’s quick, easy and a fun activity to do with kids. There are written instructions and a video explaining how to test at the website www.stoptheant.org.  

 

 

Public Hearings for Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Quarantine Rule

Testify…and show your ʻŌhiʻa Love!  

The Department of Agriculture will hold public hearings to receive testimony on the proposed amendment to add a permanent rule that will maintain the current, temporary quarantine restrictions to prevent Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death from spreading from Hawaiʻi Island.

The hearing on Oʻahu will be on August 31st, 2016 from 5pm-7pm, at the Dept. of Agriculture’s Quality Assurance Division at 1851 Auiki St.

TESTIFY IN PERSON:

The hearing on Oʻahu will be on August 31st, 2016 from 5pm-7pm, at the Dept. of Agriculture’s Quality Assurance Division at 1851 Auiki St. Please register with staff prior to the convening of the hearing…sign up sheet.

WRITTEN TESTIMONY: COMMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY SEPTEMBER 7th by 7pm.

Via postal mail to:  Plant Quarantine Branch,  1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, HI 96819

or via FAX at:    (808) 832-0584

or via e-mail at:   hdoa.pqspec@hawaii.gov.  Please include the word “testimony” and the subject matter when submitting testimony by e-mail.

It is imperative to stop the spread of this devastating fungal pathogen; and the temporary quarantine has successfully intercepted infected ‘ōhi‘a from being shipped to neighbor islands.

ʻŌhiʻa trees are the keystone species of our native forests and an integral part of our state’s most valuable watersheds. ʻŌhiʻa forests cover 865,000 acres statewide, and half of the native trees on Hawai‘i Island alone are ʻōhiʻa.

A team of state and federal scientists continue researching ways to save healthy trees by searching for any genetic resistance, minimizing transference of the fungus, and possible fungicides.

If the permanent rule cannot be established, ʻŌhiʻa logs, plant parts and soil will be able to freely move inter-island with NO inspection for the disease.

Ohia Notice of Public Hearing

Ohia Rule Amendment

For more information on ROD, visit www.rapidohiadeath.org  and like them on Facebook.

SHOW YOUR ‘ŌHI‘A LOVE!

Board of Agriculture to hold hearing on proposed permanent ‘ōhi‘a quarantine rule on Monday, May 9th at 1:30pm.

The current quarantine restricting the movement from the Island of Hawai‘i to other islands, of ‘ōhi‘a wood, plants, plant parts, and soil without a permit has been extremely effective–for example, the Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD) fungus has been detected in ‘ōhi‘a logs that would have otherwise been shipped to counties. This is a TEMPORARY interim rule, and if a permanent rule is not in place by August 25th, ‘ōhi‘a wood, plants and plant parts, and soil will be free to move anywhere in Hawai‘i WITHOUT Ohia Graphicinspection or permits. In order to prevent the free movement of the ROD fungus, the process to make this quarantine permanent has begun.

The Board of Agriculture (BOA) Plants and Animals Committee meeting will be hearing and discussing the proposed permanent ‘ōhi‘a quarantine rule, which is the first step.  The Committee will discuss the proposed rule and recommend whether or not the proposed rule will be sent to the BOA as is, or with changes, and whether or not they think the BOA should approve the proposed rule for public hearing.   The Plants and Animals Committee meeting is at 1:30 p.m. on Monday May 9 at the HDOA PQ Conference Room on Auiki st., and is open to the public. Agenda

Public comments will be accepted at the hearing.  Written letters of testimony are also accepted.  Please send them at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, or they may not make it into the public record. Send to:

Jonathan K. Ho
Acting Inspection & Compliance Section Chief
Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Branch
1849 Auiki Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
FAX: (808) 832-0584
Email: jonathan.k.ho@hawaii.gov

Ohia Sticker

 

 

 

 

 

 

HISAW 2016 Awards Ceremony

The 4th annual Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week honored exceptional efforts in invasive species prevention, management and eradication. Governor Ige, Senator Gabbard, Suzanne Case, and others gathered to presents awards to private citizens, businesses and researches. Mahalo and congratulations to the honorees!!

 

 

Department of Land and Natural Resources Press Release (2/26/16)

HEROES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INVASIVE SPECIES HONORED
State Capitol Ceremony Recognizes Extraordinary Efforts

(HONOLULU) –  Hawaii’s 4th annual Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week (HISAW) wrapped up today with a ceremony in Governor David Ige’s office to recognize people and organizations who’ve been instrumental in the fight against invasive species.  HISAW is organized in coordination with the U.S. National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) and regional Pacific Invasive Species Awareness efforts. The event promotes information sharing and public engagement in what the Hawaii State Legislature has declared “the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii’s people.” Events included a proclamation from Governor Ige, an awards ceremony, a student video contest, community presentations, and numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the state.

2016 HISAW Awards

COMMUNITY HERO

The Hawaii Invasive Species Council recognizes Kay Howe for her dedication to increase public awareness and education on the dangers of rat lungworm disease. Kay has worked tirelessly to research rat lungworm disease and educate the community about the perils of this disease and the invasive nematodes that cause it. She demonstrated that nematodes can survive for a long time in water, as in catchment tanks, and that they can pass through 2 micron filters, alerting the community to the risk of contracting it from water. Through a recent Go Fund Me campaign “Help Stamp Out Rat Lungworm”, Kay began a program to educate students at five K-12 schools on Hawaii Island. Through education, students can learn how to avoid and prevent rat lungworm disease. The students then become educators for their families and communities on the dangers and prevention of rat lungworm disease.

 

BUSINESS LEADER

The Hawaii Invasive Species Council recognizes Young Brothers, LTD. for their Initiative and response to stopping the spread of Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death.

In response to Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death (ROD), Young Brothers showed great initiative by stopping shipments of ‘ōhi’a products from Hawaii Island. These actions showed foresight and understanding to the implications of the statewide spread of ROD. The full affect and extent of their actions may not be known, but in any “outbreak” scenario, rapid response and containment are known to be of extreme importance.

 

GREATEST HIT

The Hawaii Invasive Species Council recognizes J.B. Friday, Flint Hughes, and Lisa Keith for their efforts regarding the combat and research of Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death.

This dedicated team of individuals has been working diligently to address Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death (ROD), have made great efforts to explain and update conservation professionals and the community about this serious issue. Their research of ROD continues to yield more information and identify management challenges that the team is meeting head-on.

 

HOTTEST PEST REPORT

The Hawaii Invasive Species Council recognizes Laura Hew for her efforts relating to reporting and stopping the spread of the Giant Day Gecko.

As a proactive community member, Laura promptly reported sightings of the giant day gecko to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA). Her diligent reporting of an invasive pest species clearly demonstrates the success of the 643PEST reporting system, and highlights how the community can personally take actions to protect Hawai’i.

 

HAWAII COUNTY MVP

The Hawaii Invasive Species Council recognizes Judith Houle for her outstanding community efforts and her work controlling invasive species on Hawaii Island.

Judi has worked tirelessly to address invasive species issues plaguing residents of Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP). Hit hard by fallen Albizia, HPP also suffers from infestations of coqui frogs and little fire ants, impacting the lives of its 12,000 residents. Judi was the first to bring BIISC’s community empowerment program for Albizia control to HPP by working to promote training workshops and support residents in getting the resources they need to address problem trees in their neighborhoods. Judi works on these issues as a volunteer, and commits her own time and money to supporting her community and addressing invasive species that threaten the health and well-being of her neighbors.

 

MAUI COUNTY MVP

The Hawaii Invasive Species Council recognizes Dr. James Leary for his efforts relating to controlling the spread and impact of invasive species in Hawai’i.

James Leary is a leader in innovative methods for weed control. Best known for his development of Herbicide Ballistic Technology (HBT) he continues to seek improvements and expand the list of species for which it can be used. In 2015, James organized a county-wide weed workshop on Maui, bringing together more than 50 field staff from conservation organizations to share their successes and offer solutions to identified problems. He supports professional development of staff in conservation organizations and willingly shares his knowledge and expertise with key conservation funders and elected officials. His efforts to streamline and improve HBT application methods resulted in the control of over 3000 Miconia plants in difficult to access areas of East Maui.

 

OAHU MVP 

The Hawaii Invasive Species Council recognizes Paul Zweng for his outstanding leadership and cooperation in regards to controlling invasive species on the Island of Oahu.

Paul Zweng has been controlling invasive plant species and restoring native forest at his 1,440-acre property at Waikāne Valley since 2010. Paul has an infectious enthusiasm for habitat restoration; and freely shares his passion with the many volunteers that he coordinates. The Ōhulehule Forest Conservancy, which Paul founded, is an active member of the Ko‘olau Mountains Watershed Partnership. Paul is also a founding member of the O‘ahu Weed Working Group, an alliance of land management agencies, which aims to increase greater continuity of invasive weed control on the Island of O‘ahu. Paul sets a wonderful example for other landowners to be actively engaged in invasive species control.

 

KAUAI COUNTY MVP

The Hawaii Invasive Species Council recognizes Trae Menard for his efforts to protect watershed areas and control the spread of invasive species on the island of Kauai.

As part of his role as the Director for Forest Conservation with the Hawaii Nature Conservancy, Trae plays an extremely active role in controlling invasive species in the upper watersheds of Kauai. He also coordinates the Kauai Watershed Alliance and has a successful record of partnering with public and private landowners to achieve large-scale conservation actions. In 2015, Trae utilized new technology from high-resolution imaging and helicopter based plant control to combat the spread of Australian tree fern in the Wainiha Preserve and further protect and restore the Alakai region on Kauai.

HISAW 2016 Student Videos

 

HISAW2016High school students from around the state participated in the HISAW video contest, creating  public service announcements about how invasive species affect them. The videos were scored on creativity and accuracy and OISC is providing prizes to the top three videos to help these students continue to grow their ability to communicate powerful messages through video. Mahalo to all participants and congratulations to the top three!

1st place: “Protecting Our Water,” by Jaysen Giroux, Meilani Nelson, Cai Noel, Naomi Rubon, and Kaimana Idica of Maui

2nd Place: “Changing Our Islands Forever,” by Kayla Oshita, Naia Litman, Seana Lanias, and Danica Brown of Maui.

3rd Place: “Stop Bugging Me,” by Caleb Soo Hoo of Baldwin High School, Maui.

 

Bill to help remove feral ungulates from native forests.

Fenceline shows the stark contrast between ungulate damaged land and protected forest.

Fence line shows the stark contrast between ungulate damaged land and protected forest.

Please help DLNR employ aerial shooting in order to remove feral ungulates from native forest. It is a necessary method in order to completely remove feral sheep and pigs from inside fence lines. There is a hearing scheduled for Friday, January 22nd on a bill (HB799) that would affirm DLNR’s authority to carry out aerial shooting. Here are the particulars for the bill and how to submit testimony:

 

Bill text and status: http://bit.ly/HB799_textstatus

Hearing notice: http://bit.ly/HB799_HearingNotice

Submit testimony:  www.capitol.hawaii.gov/submittestimony.aspx

Testimony heading:

Testimony of ________________

Supporting With Amendments H.B.799 HD1 Relating to the Uniform Aeronautics Act

House Committee on Judiciary

Friday, January 22, 2015, 2:00PM, Room 325

The Nature Conservancy has shared their testimony for your reference. TNC Testimony on HB 799

Mahalo!

Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week 2016

HISAW2016

The State of Hawaii will be hosting the 4th annual Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week (HISAW) in February 2016. HISAW is organized in coordination with the U.S. National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) and regional Pacific Invasive Species Awareness efforts. HISAW seeks to promote information sharing and public engagement in what the Hawaii State Legislature has declared “the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii’s people.”

VIDEO CONTEST!

Submissions are now being accepted for the Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week student video contest! GRADES: 9-12 (Schools in Hawaii only)

TOPIC: How do invasive species affect you or your family?

LENGTH: 30 seconds

DETAILS: Create a short (30sec) video on how you or your family is affected by invasive species. Videos can follow any type of format (interview, musical, animation, documentary, etc.)

JUDGING: Videos will be judged based on these five categories • Accuracy of information • Relation to contest theme • Creativity • Production quality • Overall presentation

PRIZES: Either Amazon or Apple Store gift card. 1ST place: $175, 2ND place: $125, and 3RD place: $75. 

All submissions are due by February 18th, 2016.

Video Clips can be submitted electronically via Dropbox by uploading them at this web address: https://www.dropbox.com/request/aSlevBCflmYD0H2NxbgB

Please include contact information so we can let you know if you win. (Name, Grade, School, Email or Phone)

*By submitting a video, you agree to allow the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to post it on the HISAW web page and to use it for future invasive species outreach.

For more information, visit HISC Website or send an email to: johncarl.r.watson@hawaii.gov 

2016 HISAW Events

2016 HISAW Video Contest

 

 

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