|
HISC News is a semi-monthly newsletter that provides 1) recurring updates from active response efforts, 2) announcements and programmatic updates from agencies and partners, and 3) upcoming events. This newsletter is sent to the full HISC email list, and readers can subscribe/unsubscribe at hisc.hawaii.gov.
|
|
|
Active response updates
HISC agencies and partners address a large number of invasive species issues across the state. Below are brief status updates for a few priority response efforts. For information on other invasive species projects, visit hisc.hawaii.gov, hdoa.hawaii.gov, or dlnr.hawaii.gov.
- Little Fire Ant (LFA):
 - The Hawaii Ant Lab is happy to announce the opening of our new West Hawaii location at the CTAHR Office in Kainaliu (79-7381 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua HI, 96750). This is thanks to funding provided by the state Legislature and efforts by rep Nicole Lowen and founder Carolyn Dillon of the LFA HUI in Kona. Kiyoshi Adachi is back on the team and will be available for ant identification and treatment advice. One-on-one consultations with farmers is another service that will be offered. Kiyoshi can be contacted at kiyoshi.adachi@littlefireants.com
 - Additional outbreaks of Little Fire Ants have been detected on neighbor islands, some of which may be linked to the movement of personal items. As a reminder, Little Fire Ants are hitchhikers and can catch a ride on nearly anything. We can accidentally bring them with us when we travel or move to another island, so test all belongings and ensure you don’t bring this pest home with you!
- If you find that you or your organization has an issue with invasive ants, please feel free to contact the Hawaii Ant Lab at (808) 315-5656. We are here to assist with best management plans for any situation.
- Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB):
- For more information or pictures, please contact the CRB Response at 679-5244 or BeetleBustersHI@gmail.com
- 5/3/19: HISC Brown Bag #21: HDOA's CRB Response: 5 Year Status with Kailee Lefebvre, Outreach Coordinator with the HDOA Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program.
- Challenges with mitigating CRB infested green waste material:
The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) is one tough bug. The CRB Response has learned that one of the most important steps to eradication of the beetle from Oahu is destroying breeding sites. Thus far, the CRB Response has found that the most effective and efficient means of mitigating infested green waste is using air curtain burners. Air Curtain Burners operate by injecting air to increase burn efficiency while reducing particulate matter generated. Chipping or grinding material along with same-day removal to a processing facility like Hawaiian Earth Products or H-Power (for a tipping fee) during sunlight hours is also effective. These options may not be available due to cost and coordination of time-sensitive labor and resources. Another complicating factor is that small and fine particles of green waste cannot be burned, chipped, or ground. This material requires other means of treatment for sanitation which include heat treatments and pesticide application. After initial treatment, this material should also be transported outside of the infested zone to a processing facility which can accept it since facilities may have restrictions on particle size of the material received (no soil or soil-like material).
Heat-treating infested green waste can be tricky. Mortality occurs at temperatures above 125 F for at least 1 hour but the heat needs to be distributed evenly throughout the material. To ensure that all material in a large pile reaches high enough temperatures, this may require heavy machinery to load into containers for treatment. Heat kills CRB currently in a breeding site, but the treated, broken down material is potentially even more favorable for breeding and therefore should be removed from the infested area, preferably to a secondary processing facility like Hawaiian Earth Products or H-Power.
- Larvicides have been tested in the lab and results have shown high mortality rates. However, pesticides have use restrictions and surface spreading may not be effective in material below a few inches. Even when tilled in, there’s no guarantee of 100% kill and would therefore require additional processing before safe removal of the material. In any case, the CRB Response recommendations for infested green waste mitigation requires an integrated management plan with at least two treatment methods and coordination for transport and dumping for the same material. Better to not have infested material in the first place, no? Circumstances and knowledge changes overtime and with it comes alternative solutions. Therefore, whenever there is any question about eradication efforts, who you gonna call-- Beetle Busters! AKA, CRB Response 679-5244 or BeetleBustersHI@gmail.com.
- Rapid Ohia Death (ROD):
- Conservation X Labs, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, and the National Park Service have partnered on The ʻŌhiʻa Challenge to identify advanced technological solutions to ROD. A $70,000 challenge is being offered to create low-cost solutions to detect (and predict) the invasion pathways and the spread of ROD-causing fungus in the environment, as well as solutions that would help contain or reduce the spread without harming other beneficial species. The application period for the ʻŌhiʻa Challenge is now closed. We have received 38 applications, which will be reviewed through July 2019.
- The U.S. Forest Service ROD Squad has been collecting fenced vs. unfenced ohia plot data from several sites on Hawaii Island over the past several years. Preliminary data shows that unfenced (free-roaming hooved animals) areas have a higher concentration and presence of ROD in forested habitats than do fenced (little to no hooved animals present) areas.
- Since Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death-causing fungus (Ceratocystis) was identified in 2014, our ROD team has grown. Did you know that each of Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi have Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR) teams to track down and test for ROD? Hawaiʻi Island’s EDRR team focuses on Hāmākua, Kohala, and North Kona, whereas the other teams work island-wide on their respective islands. Work with your local Invasive Species Committee to get connected with an EDRR team if you have a suspect ROD tree.
 - Recommended Actions to Prevent the Spread of ROD:
- 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)
- ROD Newsletter: To view the current issue of the newsletter click the link as follows: http://mailchi.mp/e1ed2686c31b/rapid-hia-death-newsletter
- ROD Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RapidOhiaDeath/
- Research Update:
- Learn more about the ROD Seed Banking Initiative and sign up for future workshops at ohialove.com.
- The Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Strategic Response Plan is available at www.rapidohiadeath.org
 - Photo: Nate Yuen
|
|
|
Program & Project Updates
|
|
Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)
- Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)
- Please visit the link above for general information.
- Division Of Forestry And Wildlife (DOFAW)
- Please visit the link above for general information.
- Funds provided by the State Legislature for research on control tools for the rose-ringed parakeet have been awarded to the USDA National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC). Working with the NWRC Hilo station, a working group on Kauai is preparing a set of guidance documents on currently available tools. NWRC is in the process of hiring a post-doctoral research, to be based on Kauai, to evaluate new tools that may provide additional control options.
- Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC)
- Please visit the link above for general information.
Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA)
- Please visit the link above for general information.
- Rapid Ohia Death (ROD)
- ROD Reminder: Anyone on ROD-free islands with suspect trees should call their local Invasive Species Committee (see links below under University of Hawaii's Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit) so that any samples go through HDOA's Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB) and not through the regular post – More information can be found at www.rapidohiadeath.org.
Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) - Please visit the link at left for general information.
Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT)
- Mamalu Poepoe (Sphere of Protection) Project - Mamalu Poepoe is a project funded by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) for a period of 5 years. The program is being coordinated through the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC) and aims at increasing surveillance of invasive species at six airport facilities on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii. The program targets Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), Africanized honeybees (AHB), ants and mosquitoes.
- The next Mamalu Poepoe Working Group Meeting is scheduled for Friday September 6, 9:00 - 11:30 am. The location for the meeting is still to be determined. Remote participation will be available.
- The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is the lead agency for the work on ants, CRB and AHB and the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) is the lead agency for the work on mosquitoes. Mamalu Poepoe is partnering with the Invasive Species Committees (ISC’s) and the Hawaii Ant Lab (HAL) to conduct the monitoring activities.
University of Hawaii (UH) - Please visit the link at left and the links below for general information.
- College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR)
- Please visit the link above for general information.
- Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU)
- Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)
- Please visit the link above for general information.
- Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS)
- Hawaii Alien Plant Informatics (HAPI) Project
- This project is compiling and analyzing all available alien plant data in Hawai‘i to help inform management decisions. Since February 2018 we’ve been working closely with the Bishop Museum to gain a finer understanding of where hundreds of introduced species fall on the naturalization spectrum. We are still seeking input from anyone who uses or collects information on alien plants within the state, and are reaching out to anyone who is willing to give feedback. Please follow this link to participate. Mahalo to those who have agreed to share their data – we’ll be following up shortly!
- Hawaii-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA)
 New Assessments: The HPWRA promotes responsible and informed planting choices by providing an objective, science-based and accurate method of assessing the invasive potential of plants being imported into and/or planted within the Hawaiian Islands. In the past two months, 12 new assessments and 4 revised assessments have been completed, bringing the current total of screened plant species to 2032. Of note were two assessments provided to a Kauai nursery for their November Arbor Day tree giveaway, and one assessment (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) for the Invasive Species Program Coordinator of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. All new and previously completed assessments can be accessed at the redesigned Plant Pono website: (https://plantpono.org/)- Community Outreach:
- Kalopa State Park: Two half-days (May 7 & June 4) were spent with volunteers from the Pa'auilo Mauka Kalopa Community Association (PMKCA) assisting in identification and control of Ficus macrophylla (Moreton bay fig), Sphaeropteris cooperi (Australian tree fern) and other invasive weeds on the park’s nature trail.
- Botany Training and Plant ID Workshop: A 3-day botany, plant identification, and weed risk assessment training session for statewide USDA-NRCS staff has been tentatively scheduled for August 2019.
- WRA Utility to Research
- Restoration Tool: A recent publication by scientists with the USDA Forest Service and faculty and students of UH Hilo describes a computer program that assists in selecting plant species for ecosystem restoration and management. In particular, plants are selected for their life history traits that meet desired restoration goals and hopefully lead to more effective landscape management. As part of the selection process, species are chosen for their low risk of invasiveness, as designated by their HPWRA scores. For more details, see: Rayome, D. et al. (2019). Restoring Ecosystem Services Tool (REST): a program for selecting species for restoration projects using a functional-trait approach. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-262. USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. Albany, CA
- Predatory Insect Research: Recent research into insect predators of thrips and other pests of orchids and vegetable crops grown for sale in local and export markets in the Hawaiian Islands evaluated “banker plants”, or species of plants different from the crop, which could supply natural enemies for control of crop pests. The authors found that Macaranga tanarius was the best host plant for anthocorids (aka minute pirate bugs or flower bugs) but cited the HPWRA score and high-risk rating to warn about its extreme weediness and to recommend using only male trees within the ranges that M. tanarius already exists. For further details see Calvert, F. et al. (2019). Survey of flowering plants in Hawaii as potential banker plants of anthocorid predators for thrips control. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology 22: 638–644
- WRA Presentation to the Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture (WCISA): Christy Martin, CGAPS, presented a talk about Hawaii’s weed risk assessment and Plant Pono programs, entitled “The Hawaii-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment: Past, Present, and Future” to attendees of the 2019 WCISA Annual Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii (April 29-May 2).
- UH Mānoa Campus Plant Map: The grounds of the University of Hawai‘i are an accredited arboretum, showcasing plants from Hawai‘i, the Pacific, and across the tropics. Its primary function is to support the educational mission of the University, but it is also open to the public. Arboretum staff are currently in the process of updating the interactive campus plant map and will now be including HPWRA ratings along with other information about each plant found on campus. Visit http://manoa.hawaii.edu/landscaping/plants/campusarboretum.php to learn more.
- Kaua`i Invasive Species Committee (KISC)
- Please visit the link above for general information.
- Coqui frogs (Eleutherodactylus coqui): KISC received seven coqui reports relating to three sites in May and June. The crew responded and were able to capture a total of three coqui. We continue to encourage the public to report any calls heard.
 - Kauai’s second Biosanitation Workshop was held May 20, geared to ecotour operators, and was well received. Distribution of biosanitation kits has continued. Additionally DLNR-DOFAW has commenced installation of boot-brush stations and ROD signage at Na Ala Hele (State of Hawai‘i Trail and Access Program) trailheads on Kauai.
 - Kauai hosted Kay Howe for a rat lungworm disease (RLWD) workshop June 6. Targeted for both teachers and the general public, the six hour workshop covered biology, disease, prevention, and introduced a STEM-based curriculum to engage school students on RLWD.
- Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)
- Please visit the link above for general information.
- Molokai-Maui Invasive Species Committee (MoMISC)
- Please visit the link above for general information.
- O`ahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)
- Please visit the link above for general information.
 Miconia (Miconia calvescens): OISC crews surveyed 849 ground acres and 1,847 aerial acres in 12 watersheds removing a total of 50 miconia plants, including 2 mature miconia trees found in the Kalihi and Waiāhole watersheds.- Devil Weed (Chromolaena odorata): 191 acres were surveyed and 1,509 plants were removed.
- Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD): Early detection surveys continue and all samples collected have been negative for fungus that causes the ROD disease. If you have or see dead ‘ōhi‘a with brown leaves still attached, please report to OISC at oisc@Hawai‘i .edu or to the statewide pest hotline: 643-PEST (7378) or www.643pest.org (Photos are very helpful!).
 - Naio Thrips (Klambothrips myopori): OISC is still conducting early detection surveys and removing infested plant material. If you see suspect thrips damage to naio plants, report immediately to OISC. Please send a photo to oisc@Hawai‘i .edu and the location of the plant. You can also report suspect naio thrips damage to the statewide pest hotline: 643-PEST (7378) or www.643pest.org.
- Little Fire Ants (Wasmannia auropunctata): Currently there are two sites on O‘ahu that are undergoing Little Fire Ant eradication treatment; Kanē‘ohe and ‘Āhuimanu. The Hawai‘i Ant Lab, OISC and the Hawai‘i Dept. of Agriculture continue to accept and identify ant samples from all around the island. The public is asked to collect any ants you have and submit them for identification. It’s quick, easy…and early detection is key to finding little fire ant populations while they’re still small. Currently there are two sites on O‘ahu that are undergoing Little Fire Ant eradication treatment; Kanē‘ohe and ‘Āhuimanu. For details on how to collect and submit ant for ID, visit: http://stoptheant.org/report-little-fire-ants/
- Outreach: Reached 500 people at several events including the Hawai‘i Pet Expo and Ocean Fest. Staff visited 4 schools presenting invasive species information to 575 students and gave 4 community presentations. Outreach staff also participated in HRP’s “The Conversation” on June 24th about invasive species issues in Hawai‘i with Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee, and the Hawai‘i Dept. of Agriculture. OISC engaged with ~2000 people through social media and our
website.
- For more information about OISC targets, please visit: www.oahuisc.org.
HISC Support
- Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC)
- Please visit the link above for general information.
 - Governor Ige closed the first year of his Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative as chair of the Western Governors’ Association. The initiative has produced a report on the activities of the previous year, including workshops and webinars that are available for review online. The Western Governors adopted a policy resolution based on the initiative, encouraging the federal government to recognize state needs in biosecurity issues. In particular, the resolution calls for a new Western Invasive Species Council and the establishment of a new regional biocontrol research center. Full details of the WGA Initiative can be found here: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/news/wga-final/
- The HISC Support Program is currently evaluating interagency applications for FY20 project funding to fill gaps between agency programs and/or conduct new research on invasive species detection and response. An open meeting of the Resources Working Group will be held on August 2 in the DLNR Board Room to finalize the interagency budget proposal that will be made to the HISC at a public meeting thereafter, per Sunshine Law. Interested parties are welcome to attend either meeting, and a public meeting notice for the meeting of the HISC will be distributed via our email list once a date is determined.
- The HISC Facebook page now has over 890 followers. Please Like & Follow HISC on Facebook to receive updates from HISC news, posts from our website, and invasive species-related posts from our constituent agencies and partners.
 - 643pest.org, 643-PEST app, or the 643-PEST (7378) telephone hotline.
- Got flatworms?
Please report flatworms to 643pest.org as part of a push to collect specimens for identification by the Bishop Museum. Flatworms, also known as hammerhead worms, are presumed to be found throughout the state. The Bishop Museum would like to identify the diversity of species found on each island. Please keep any flatworms found contained and alive. The most productive time to find and collect flatworms is on warm nights after a light to moderate rainfall, when these mollusks are active and out in the open. Flatworms, like other land molluscs in Hawaii, are potential carriers of rat lungworm parasites. Use care when handling.
- The HISC Brown Bag series continues! Check the link in the Upcoming Events section below for the next presentation dates & topics.
|
|
Upcoming events
- HISC Brown Bag: Stay Tuned for the next Brown Bag presentations and see past presentations here: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/category/brownbag/
- Brown Bag #24: Hydrogel Ant Baits: Paul Krushelnycky; July, 23, 2019
- Brown Bag #25: Ballast Water & Hull Fouling: Jules Kuo; August 27, 2019
- Brown Bag #26: Mongoose Toxicant Trials: Shane Siers; September 9, 2019
- Brown Bag #27: Alien Plant Informatics: Kelsey Brock; September 17, 2019
- Brown Bag #28: Marine Sponge DNA: Jan Vincente; November, 6, 2019
- Brown Bag #29: Albizia in KMWP: JC Watson/Will Weaver; December, TBD, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
