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January 20, 2005 E-News From the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Welcome to the first HDOA E-Newsletter of 2005! Things are already jumping as we head into the legislative session, which opened on January 19. But first, if you are not already aware, HDOA deputy Diane Ley will be leaving us in the next few weeks to move back to the Big Island to become the deputy of the Department of Research & Development for the County of Hawaii. Diane has worked hard over the past two years as deputy and I appreciate all she has done. Although it was a difficult decision for Diane, the opportunity with the County arose at the same time that family obligations called for her return to Hilo. We wish her well in her new position and we are glad to see that she will continue her good work in public service. Although it will be a difficult task to find Diane’s successor, Governor Lingle has opened the selection process to the public. If you would like to apply for the position or know of good candidates, cover letters and resumes are now being accepted by the Governor’s office at e-mail: Governor.Lingle@hawaii.gov
Sandra Lee
Kunimoto * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Listening Session On December 13, HDOA held a three-hour “Listening Session” with members of the agricultural industry as represented by the Farm Bureau's Commodity Advisory Group (CAG) at the Plant Quarantine Conference Room. Some of the issues discussed include: Increasing education efforts in schools and communities to encourage students to consider options in agriculture as a career of choice, and to promote agriculture and a better understanding about the issues that concern agriculture and aquaculture. HDOA, HARC and the Farm Bureau are developing an “Ag in the Classroom” program, which includes a speakers bureau. Private sector sponsorship and grant funding are being explored. Looking at the ceiling for agricultural loans and if it is sufficient to cover the needs of expanding industries, including high-tech industries like aquaculture. Developing new partnerships with other government agencies as well as the private sector. Protecting Hawaii-grown products from fraudulent marketing of non-Hawaii products. Coordinating efforts to stem agricultural thefts. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Exporter of the Year Awards On December 16, Governor Linda Lingle presented the Exporter of the Year Awards at an event sponsored by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and HDOA at Washington Place. It is noteworthy that many of the award winners were agribusinesses or aquaculture ventures. Congratulations to: Exporter of the Year – Kona Bay Marine Resources Exporter of High Technology - Plum Hall, Inc. Exporter of Manufactured Product - Koyo USA Corporation Exporter of Fresh Commodities - Pacific Floral Exchange, Inc. Outstanding Contributor to Exporting (2 winners) Robert Krant - Hawaii Roasters, LLC *Dr. Lyle Wong - HDOA Administrator of the Plant Industry Division and Ralph Iwamoto, Deputy Administrator with USDA-APHIS *Dr. Wong and Mr. Iwamoto were recognized for working together to facilitate the movement and expansion of trade between Hawaii and the world. Their primary objective is to minimize any possible rejection, or obstruction in accessing Hawaii's export markets. For more information on the awards, click here: http://www.hawaii.gov/gov/Members/candice/news-releases/News_Item.2004-12-16.1812 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ornamental Fish Priority for R&D Program HDOA's Aquaculture Development Program (ADP) has made it a priority to develop the freshwater and saltwater aquarium industry in Hawaii and, with it's extension partner Sea Grant, has been spreading the word out about a federal research program focused on helping food fish aquaculturists and serious aquarium hobbyists get into the business of growing and marketing aquarium species for export to the U.S. mainland. The Pacific Tropical Ornamental Fish Program (PTOFP) is led by Susan Matsushima, Vice Chair of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture and President of Alluvion, a North Shore nursery products company on Oahu. Funding for the program comes from the National Sea Grant Program to the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii. PTOFP is in its fifth year and recently announced the selection of 16 proposals (six from the Big Island, three from Maui, one from Molokai and six from Oahu) totaling $355,000. The global aquarium industry is estimated to be an $8 billion per year business, with the livestock portion estimated at as much as $1 billion. Hawaii, with its aquaculture pedigree, is prime for this large and growing market for live, attractive freshwater and saltwater species farmed for export. Since the PTOFP project began, it is estimated that the value of Hawaii's cultured aquarium sector has doubled to $752,000 in sales a year in 2003. For further information on PTOFP or any aspect of aquaculture, contact ADP at (808) 587-0030 or e-mail: info@hawaiiaquaculture.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Highlights in Combating Established Pests HDOA insectory personnel reports that a parasitic wasp was recently found attacking the eggs of the glassywinged sharpshooter (GWSS) appears to be effectively controlling the pest. A recent collection of 12 GWSS egg masses revealed that 95 percent of the eggs were parasitized. Insectory staff have begun colonization of the wasp for further study. Oahu insectory personnel continue to conduct propagation and host specificity testing of a parasitic wasp, recently obtained from Taiwan as a candidate for biocontrol of the nettle caterpillar, which is well established and steadily dispersing from Panaewa on the Big Island. Plant Pest Control Branch staff is continuing to develop statewide programs to detect the Little Fire Ant in residential areas and commercial nurseries. The effort includes mail-in of ants collected, compiling data on effective registered pesticides for ant control, continued surveys and testing from consumers and agricultural users and public awareness efforts in all counties. Pesticides education specialists have been visiting retailers to inform them that effective January 1, 2005, sales of diazinon labeled for residential use is prohibited and advised retailers of the process to return material to the manufacturer. Staff is conducting chemical trials to treat pothos vines that are harboring coqui frogs. The tests are being conducted for habitat modification process intended to destroy frog nesting sites in Lawai, on Kauai. Cooperative work with the Kauai Invasive Species Committee resulted in the removal of an estimated 1,125 seedlings of thorny kiawe at Mahaulepu. Surveys were also conducted for ivy gourd in Poipu Beach area and surveys resulted in no fireweed findings in Kalihiwai. Kauai Plant Pest Control staff continue release of the lady bird beetle predator for the cycad scale on the north shore areas and at Hanapepe Heights. Maui personnel continued Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping for banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), giant salvinia and fireweed. There were no new reports of BBTV; however, surveys for fireweed indicated significant impact to pasturelands. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Preventing New Introductions of Pests Sudden Oak Death In December, HDOA Plant Industry personnel met with representatives from CTAHR and USDA-APHIS to discuss and coordinate the impending statewide survey for plants infected with sudden oak death (SOD), which is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum, which causes leaf spots, cankers and dieback in more than 12 plant families. The disease has spread from California to other parts of the U,S, via shipments of infected ornamental plants by two plant nurseries. Fortunately, no infected plants were sent to Hawaii but all states will participate in the nationwide survey. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Interceptions by Plant Quarantine Inspectors October 7 - Two cartons (21) Chrysanthemum plants shipped by a supermarket on Oahu were returned to its origin because no certificate of origin or treatment accompanied the shipment. The plants arrived via FedEx from California. Another shipment on October 8 containing nine plants was also returned to the shipper for the same reason. October 8 - Eight cartons of Anaheim peppers infested with Potato Psyllid, which is not known to be established in Hawaii, were confiscated and destroyed by freezing. The peppers were among other produce arriving from Los Angeles. October 10 - A Kona inspector confiscated a pineapple fruit from a North American Airlines passenger from Nevada. The import of pineapple to Hawaii is prohibited and it was destroyed by autoclave. October 12 - Three cartons of persimmon that were heavily infested with mealybugs, scales, and ants were destroyed by Oahu inspectors. The infested fruit was part of a larger shipment destined for a natural food store via Hawaiian Airlines from Los Angeles. October 13 - 205 cartons of pineapple suckerlets were burned and destroyed because the plants were infected with Erwinia sp., which is not known to be established in Hawaii. The plants arrived on a Philippine Airlines flight from Manila. October 13 - A food company imported 21 live whelks (predatory marine snails, also known as baigai) via air cargo from Maryland. Kona inspectors confiscated and destroyed the whelks, which are prohibited. On November 17, a shipment of 10 lbs. of live whelks for the same food company was intercepted and destroyed by Honolulu inspectors. The whelks were included in a shipment of fresh fish fillets arriving on United Airlines from Los Angeles. Because the whelks were not properly labeled and included in a carton labeled "Fresh Fish," the importer was cited. October 15 - Hilo inspectors confiscated and destroyed five cartons (150 lbs) of Indian corn because the shipment was not accompanied by a certificate of origin or treatment. The shipment arrived via Horizon cargo from Sacramento and was headed for Hilo Cost-U-Less. October 20 - Hilo inspectors detected a single palm plant growing in one pot, which was part of a shipment of 800 bird-of-paradise plants. The plants arrived via Matson from Palm City, Florida. The palm plant was destroyed by autoclave because Florida is an area where lethal yellowing disease in palms in known to occur. October 20 - Oahu inspectors confiscated and destroyed one carton (20) Cymbidium orchid bulbs from a Hawaiian Airlines passenger from Los Angeles because the owner did not have an import permit or a certificate of origin. October 25 - Sixteen starfishes, 18 shrimps, and four bags of sea snails were confiscated and destroyed on Oahu because the importer did not have import permits for these animals. The shipment arrived on a Delta Airlines flight and was ordered by a Maui pet store. During the month of October, Big Island inspectors confiscated and destroyed five lots consisting of six cartons of chard and marjoram infested with rust disease, which is not known to occur in Hawaii. November 4 - One carton containing two citrus plants and one banana plant was returned to the shipper by Oahu inspectors because of restrictions on the shipment of bananas. The plants arrived from Illinois via U.S. Postal Service. November 4 - One bag (250) Mysid shrimp for a Kailua, Oahu resident was returned to the shipper in California after arriving via FedEx. Mysid shrimp are on the Restricted A List of animals which requires an import permit, which the owner did not possess. November 9 - One carton (50 lbs.) of persimmon, heavily infested with mealybugs, were returned to the shipper in Gardena, California via FedEx. November 9 - Oahu inspectors confiscated and destroyed two snowflake eels headed for a Kauai pet store. Snowflake eels are on the Prohibited List and may not be imported to Hawaii. The illegal eels were included in a shipment of fishes arriving via air cargo from Los Angeles. November 16 - One carton (5 lbs.) of passion fruit for an Oahu supermarket was confiscated by Oahu inspectors because of restrictions on the importation of the fruit, which arrived via Matson from Los Angeles. November 20 & 24 - In two separate incidents, Kona inspectors confiscated and destroyed pineapples found while they were inspecting private aircrafts. Other Enforcement Activities October 7 - Plant Quarantine Animal Specialists, in cooperation with the State Attorney General’s Office and the Honolulu Police Department Specialized Services Detail executed a search warrant on a home in Makiki, Oahu and confiscated a male squirrel monkey, The monkey was not under permit with the Plant Quarantine Branch and was not bonded as required. The animal was seized and the owner was cited. The monkey has since been donated to the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo. October 20 & 21 - Plant Quarantine specialists responded to reports of water lettuce being offered for sale at garden shops in Moiliili and Pearl City. Store managers were notified at each location and both promptly removed the item from sale. Follow-up letters were sent to the businesses and periodic inspections will be made to assure compliance. October 28 - Plant Quarantine Animal Specialists, in cooperation with the State Attorney General’s Office executed a search warrant on a Moiliili apartment and confiscated two lionfish, two leopard sharks and two ribbon eels - all of which are prohibited. The matter is still under investigation as the owner is currently incarcerated at the Federal Detention Center. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Animal Disease Surveillance Since the start of the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Enhanced Surveillance program in June 2004, there have been 150 samples collected from downed or dead cows. Hawaii’s target for samples is just under 400 samples. The nationwide surveillance program runs for another 12 to 18 months. All samples taken in Hawaii have been negative for BSE. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Financial Assistance Agricultural Loan Division disbursed $75,000 to Orlando and Ella Manuel to expand their papaya operations and to purchase a farm truck. The loan was previously approved by the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Export Marketing The Hawaii Board of Agriculture tentatively approved amendments to administrative rules to allow immature or green papaya for export purposes. The proposed rule change which was submitted by HDOA’s Quality Assurance Division now goes to public hearings before final approval by the Board and the Governor. To facilitate the international export of Hawaiian honey bee queens and attendant bees, HDOA personnel conducted semiannual inspection of apiaries of honey bee producers in South Kona to certify the absence of honey bee diseases and mites. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * National News Sou Appointed to USDA's Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets Alec Sou, President and General Manager of Aloun Farms, has been appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman to serve on the USDA Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets. Sou is one of 15 new members appointed to the 20-member committee, which reviews funding proposals under the Emerging Markets Program administered by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service. Information on the program is available on the USDA website at: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.html Specialty Crop Bill Sent to President In early December, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved H.R. 3242, the "Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004," clearing the bill for the president. The legislation focuses on six areas of federal policy affecting the industry including marketing, international trade, research into crop production and pest and disease problems, and conservation practices. The bill authorizes $44.5 million in annual funding for the next five years in the form of block grants from the federal government. The bill was introduced more than a year ago to aid farmers and growers nationwide and enhance all areas of fruit, vegetable, nut, and horticulture production. Under this legislation, each state would receive a base grant of $100,000 with the remaining funds allotted to each state based on the proportion of the value of specialty crop production in each state in relation to the national value of specialty crop production for that year. Specialty crops are defined under this bill as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops. Additionally, H.R. 3242 authorizes $5 million per year for specialty crop research and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to elevate the priority of current methyl bromide alternative research and extension activities and reexamine the risks and benefits of extending the phase out deadline. Methyl bromide is a leading fumigant to control the devastation of insects and invasive mold. Grant Programs NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant USDA has announced that $15 million is available for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG is a nationwide grant competition that provides farmers and ranchers with the opportunity, through innovation, to address pressing natural resource conservation needs. The request for proposals is available at the federal grants website at: http://www.grants.gov and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) website: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/index.html#cigfinalrule Selected applicants may receive grants up to 50 percent of the total project cost. An exception allows for beginning and limited resource farmers and ranchers and community-based organizations representing these groups to obtain up to 75 percent of the project matching funds from in-kind contributions. The federal contribution may not exceed $1 million for a single project. Applicants must submit proposals by March 28, 2005. NRCS EQIP Grants Available for Coqui Frog and other Invasive Species Control Programs NRCS is currently accepting grant applications from farmers and ranchers for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to promote conservation practices that address natural resource concerns on agricultural lands. The grant may also include funding for control of invasive species, such as coqui frogs. The following priorities for this grant have been identified by the State Technical Advisory Committee and the Local Work Groups:
Animal
Waste from Confined Livestock Operations For more information and application procedures, go to the NRCS website: http://www.hi.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip.html Application deadline for the next ranking period is March 11, 2005. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HDOA Retirements HDOA bid aloha to several employees at the end of 2004; including the following managers: Larry Nakahara - Branch Manager, Plant Pest Control Branch, Plant Industry Division. Larry has been a 29-year veteran of HDOA, and has served as Pineapple Souring Beetles Project Entomologist, Survey Entomologist, Chemical/Mechanical Control Section Chief, Biological Control Section Chief, Plant Quarantine Branch Manager, and his current position as Plant Pest Control Branch Manager. Once an entomologist, always an entomologist, so we know that Larry will still help HDOA as we continue the battle against plant pests. Carol Miyachi - Rabies Quarantine Station Operations Supervisor. Retiring after 25 years of service in State government, Carol has supervised operations at the Animal Quarantine Station during recent drastic changes in the rabies quarantine rules. We wish her much aloha as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For more
information, please call (808) 973-9560.
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