HONOLULU — An extensive survey of an area in Waimanalo has determined approximately 4 acres are infested with little fire ants, tiny invasive ants that can inflict painful stings. Crews surveyed more than 50 acres from Kumuhau Street to Mahailua Street in Waimanalo and determined that the infestation area is on state land and...
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Measure in state Legislature targets alien little fire ants
A bill in the state House would provide $500,000 toward destroying little fire ants. Of all the ants in all the world, Hawaii had to get bitten by this one. Hawaii lawmakers on Monday advanced a bill aiming to study and kill the little fire ant, a hard-stinging pipsqueak that threatens the state’s economy...
Continue readingThe incredible floating fire ant
By Brian Vastag, Congress — and perhaps the rest of us — could learn a thing or two about teamwork from Solenopsis invicta, the dreaded fire ant. When in danger of drowning, a colony of the critters — thousands of them — will save themselves by joining forces and forming a raft. They pile...
Continue readingAdmired ag inspector turns in his badge
After 30 years of protecting native animals and plants, the head of Hawaii’s agricultural inspection operation leaves behind a short-handed and beleaguered team today, worried that invading species are slipping into the islands. “Shipments are backed up but are still being inspected. That’s the good part,” said Domingo Cravalho Jr., who is retiring as...
Continue readingLittle fire ant infestation eradicated
WAILUKU – An infestation of little fire ants on Maui has been eradicated, the state Department of Agriculture announced Thursday. The department credited the success to its rapid response and the development of innovative pest control methods. The ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) can deliver a painful sting. They were discovered in October on a Waihee...
Continue readingAgricultural inspector layoffs slammed – The Maui News
KAHULUI – Environmentalists and farmers lashed out Thursday night at the announced layoffs of state agricultural inspectors, arguing that the move planned by the Lingle administration would uproot efforts to preserve the island’s agricultural industry and pristine environment. Close to 100 people turned out at a Senate Ad Hoc Committee meeting held in the...
Continue readingInspector layoffs may mean near ‘shutdown’ of imports – The Maui News
Positions targeted to balance state budget By ILIMA LOOMIS, Staff Writer POSTED: August 30, 2009 PUKALANI – Plant quarantine officials said last week that laying off more than half the state’s agricultural inspectors would create such a logjam at Hawaii ports that it could cause shortages similar to those seen during shipping strikes. Carol...
Continue readingHawaii growers urged to clean up exports-The Honolulu Advertiser
By Robbie Dingeman Advertiser Staff Writer Hawai’i’s $125 million agricultural export industry could be threatened by hitchhiking insects and other pests found on fresh flower, foliage and fruit shipments arriving in California. Budget cuts have left California with fewer inspectors and made that state more prone to slap sanctions on importers when pests are...
Continue readingLayoffs could leave island vulnerable to alien species – Mauinews.com
Should the layoffs go forward in November as planned by Gov. Linda Lingle, not all Maui-based inspectors will disappear, according to Carol Okada, manager of the Plant Quarantine Bureau in the state Department of Agriculture. There are inspectors in 10 positions covered by special funds who will not be affected, including six funded...
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