March 3, 2005

E-News From the Hawaii Department of Agriculture

I have just returned from attending the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) mid-year meeting in Washington, D.C.  NASDA is a great means of staying connected and having input on the national level for agricultural issues, legislation and policy.  I'm a member of the Animal and Plant Industry Committee, the Marketing and International Trade Policy Committee, the Specialty Crop Task Force and the Biotechnology Task Force. 

In addition, I'm the president of the Western Region this year, which means I serve on the NASDA Board and Hawaii will host the Western Regional Meeting this summer.

I also took the opportunity on this trip to meet with staff of our Congressional delegation and many USDA officials, including the new Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns, to discuss Hawaii agricultural issues.

Sandra Lee Kunimoto

Chairperson

Hawaii Board of Agriculture

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Pesticides Branch Assists DOE in Spreading Concepts of Integrated Pest Management

Proper application of pesticide is always a concern, especially around children because improper application may have more concentrated affects.  HDOA’s Pesticides Branch, in collaboration with the Operation and Maintenance Section (OMS) of the Department of Education (DOE) is conducting a series of workshops to train custodians on Integrated Pest Management (IPM).  The workshops inform school applicators on the economically and environmentally sound approach to managing insect, weed, fungal, bacterial, vertebrate and other pests.

The IPM approach uses knowledge of pest life cycles and habits, monitoring systems and multiple control tactics in responding to a pest infestation.  In addition, when a pesticide is needed, the least toxic effective product is selected and applied in a safe manner.  The goal of these workshops is to help reduce the need for pesticide use in the schools.

The two-and-half hour workshops were conducted by DOE staff, HDOA Pesticides Branch staff and a volunteer from a local pest control company.  So far, classes have been held in Kona and Keaau on the Big Island, Kauai and at several Oahu schools.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Highlights in Combating Established Pests

Kauai staff surveyed north Kauai for the Sago Palm Scale and released more of the predatory ladybird beetle in the Kilauea area.

Kauai staff, in collaboration with the Kauai Invasive Species Committee, continued control of long thorn kiawe in the Kikiaola Harbor in Kekaha, cutting and treating 55 plants.  The crew also hiked into Kalaheo and treated fountaingrass regrowth covering ¾ acres on a 45-degree hillside.

HDOA Plant Pathologist issued a quarterly report on surveys of soybean rust (SBR).  Hilo staff reported SBR in a planting near Hilo.  No SBR was detected in Waimanalo and Manoa on Oahu.  Maui staff did not detect SBR in seed fields near Kihei.  UH-CTAHR reported no incidence of SBR in seed fields in Kekaha.

Federal and state officials and taro farmers met to discuss the use of ducks to control apple snail infestation in taro loi.  The use of domestic ducks have been successful in reducing apple snail populations in taro producing areas in Waikapu, Oahu; Keanae, Maui and Waipio, Island of Hawaii.  Recommendations included that:  locally raised ducks including koloa be employed as a biocontrol method; amend state rules to include the imporation of mallards for commercial and private use; urge government to do more the help affected farmers; and obtain funding sources to research other control methodology.

In response to a major upsurge in populations of the invasive plant, clidemia, on Kauai; HDOA plant pathologist on Oahu prepared and shipped clidemia biocontrol pathogen to staff on Kauai.  Two gallons of the spore solution of the biocontrol fungus was sprayed onto clidemia plants at Molepe in the forest above Kapaa. The fungus is also being released in Wainiha.

After follow-up surveys, Maui staff have discovered a major banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) infestation in Kihei.  The affected landowner is cooperating to destroy the infected plantings.  BBTV was first detected on Maui in Kihei in October 2004.

Oahu staff have been conducting weekly surveys and monitoring of the Castle Junction renovation site and over the past months and have found a total of 15 fireweed plants.  Carpetgrass seeds originating from Australia are suspected as being the source of the infestation.  HDOA has been working with the DOT, which is responsible for control efforts at that site.

Oahu and Kauai staff have conducted fireweed and salvinia surveys using Global Positioning System (GPS) to map infestations by satellite technology.

Coqui frog survey conducted by Oahu staff in Wahiawa U.S. Army forest area uncovered a breeding colony in a private property adjoining the forest.  The property owner is cooperating and allowing staff on property to treat the infestation with citric acid.

During a survey of a certified nursery on Oahu, staff detected and captured one male coqui frog.  No other frogs were noted, but surveys are now being conducted every two weeks.

Maui staff participated in a survey led by USDA in the search for parasitoids of the papaya mealybug, an insect that has been detected only on Maui within the state.  Samples of infested plant material were brought back to the Kahului insectary for closer inspection and for possible emergence of parasitic wasps that may help in the eventual biocontrol of the papaya mealybug.

Hilo staff continue daily efforts to survey for little fire ant.  Testing is also being conducted on ant baits for control purposes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Highlights in Preventing Introductions of New Pests

Plant Quarantine staff, in collaboration with DLNR staff, conducted snake detection training sessions on Molokai for members of The Nature Conservancy, Molokai Invasive Species Committee and US Department of Interior, National Park Service.  Participants were provided information on rapid response techniques to snake sightings.

Plant Industry and Plant Quarantine heads met with Matson and Horizon officials to discuss how to comprehensively and conveniently minimize opportunities for the introduction of the Red Imported Fire Ants by cargo ships.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Interceptions by Plant Quarantine Inspectors

(The following is a sampling of interceptions by Plant Quarantine Inspectors on the Big Island during the month of December 2004.  Data from other islands were not available at this time.)

December 1 – Kona inspectors confiscated and destroyed one carton of green chard infected with a rust disease not known to occur in Hawaii.  The shipment arrived from California in cargo.

December 15 – Kona inspectors confiscated and destroyed one carton of green peppers infested with psyllids, arriving via air cargo from California.

December 22 – Kona inspectors intercepted a container of baled hay infested with a beetle not known to occur in Hawaii. 

December 29 – Hilo inspectors detected a live coqui frog in a bromeliad plant, which was part of a shipment of 30 plants from an uncertified nursery bound for Kauai.  The shipper decided not to ship the plants when informed that a citric acid treatment was required.

Educational Activities

During the last quarter of 2004, Plant Quarantine Specialists conducted presentations on the State's pest prevention program to 641 Oahu school students.  Presentations and tours were conducted for students from Kids Kare, Aiea Hongwanji, Honowai Elementary, Kalihi Kai Elementary, Waiau Elementary, Moanalua Elementary and Mid-Pacific Institute.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Animal Disease Surveillance

The Animal Industry Division reports that Hawaii has submitted about 155 samples for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) as part of the national surveillance program.  All samples tested negative.  The national surveillance program is designed to detect one infected animal per 10 million adult cattle if BSE were present in the national herd.

Pseudorabies and swine brucellosis surveillance testing is being conducted on Kauai by HDOA and USDA veterinarians.  Annual on-farm testing is of 25 percent of the state’s swine herd is conducted for surveillance requirements to maintain the state’s disease-free status in both programs.  At the same time livestock premise GPS readings are being collected on Kauai.  The GPS readings are being entered into the HDOA geographic database, which will also be required for the National Animal Identification System.

The Animal Quarantine Branch reports that during the first half of FY 2005 (July 2004 to December 2004), 4,097 dogs and cats entered the state through the rabies quarantine program with the following distribution:

                        3, 559 (~ 87%)              direct release at the airport

                        126 (~ 3%)       held 5 days or less

                        116 (~2.8%) 30-day program

                        294 (~7.2)    120-day program

To view the news release, click here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Financial Assistance

In February, the Agricultural Loan Division submitted to the Hawaii Board of Agriculture a recommended loan to James Jones to expand operations of his plant nursery in Pukalani on Maui.  The Board approved the loan in the amount of $275,000 for acquisition of a nursery in the Kula Agricultural Park and for site improvement.  In addition, the Board approved a loan request of $60,000 for equipment and other start-up expenses. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Agricultural Theft

In mid-February, HDOA Commodities specialist met with 11 Honolulu Police Department officers, including a major at the Regional Patrol Bureau District 4 (Koolaupoko) regarding agricultural theft statutes.  Plans are being formed to canvas restaurants, fruit and vegetables stands and a variety of stores to educate vendors regarding the requirement of certificates of origin of commodities.

Export Marketing

Interested in marketing your products in a foreign market and looking for financial assistance or consultation?  In partnership with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), the Market Development Branch will be conducting Export Readiness Trainings and a Branded Program seminar on April 4-8, 2005.  For more information, contact Donna Shima at e-mail:  donna.k.shima@hawaii.gov or call 973-9465.

The Market Development Branch will be sponsoring a Hawaii exhibit at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Exposition and Conference in Atlanta, GA on November 6 – 7, 2005.  Those interested in participating in the Hawaii exhibit may call Larry Yamamoto in the Market Development Branch at e-mail: larry.m.yamamoto@hawaii.gov or call 973-9591

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

National News

USDA SEEKS MEMBERS FOR AGRICULTURAL TRADE ADVISORY COMMITTEES

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently accepting nominations for members to serve on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade (APAC) and all Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees for Trade (ATACs).

The APAC provides advice to USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on overall agricultural trade policy objectives, while ATACs focus on specific commodities. The ATACs cover trade in:

• animals and animal products;
• fruits and vegetables;
• grains, feed and oilseeds;
• sweeteners and sweetener products;
• tobacco, cotton, peanuts, and planting seeds;
• processed foods.

Nominations must be received by March 31, 2005.  For further information and nomination forms, click on this link to the USDA news release:  http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/PressRelease/pressrel_dout.asp?Entry=valid&PrNum=0030-05

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HDOA Personnel Notes

·         HDOA Deputy to the Chairperson, Diane Ley, left her position on February 28^th.  She started immediately in her new position as deputy of the Department of Research & Development for the County of Hawaii.  We send her a very fond Aloha and best wishes in her new position. 

·         Jeri Kahana has been selected as manager of the Commodities Branch under the Quality Assurance Division.  Jeri has worked for HDOA for 27 years, starting as a meat inspector in 1978.  She has been the Eggs & Feed Specialist since 1994.  Jeri now supervises 19 full-time employees in the branch.  The position was previously held by Walter Mitsui, who retired last year.

·         Measurement Standards Branch Manager, William Pierpont, has been temporarily assigned as Administrator of the Quality Assurance Division. 

Career Opportunities

The Plant Quarantine Branch is currently recruiting for six Plant Quarantine Inspector I positions on Maui through the State Recruiting Office of the Department of Human Resources and Development.  This entry-level position pays $2,591 per month and includes the State’s generous benefits package.  The positions are temporary up to August 2006; however, HDOA has submitted legislation to make those positions permanent. 

Educational requirements include graduation from a four-year accredited college with a major in one of the following areas:  Entomology, Plant Pathology, or Biological or Agricultural Sciences. 

The positions require shiftwork and some positions may require working with detector dogs. 

Interested persons may apply in person at the nearest State Workforce Development Office in Lihue, Kaneohe, Waipahu, Honolulu, Kahului, Molokai, Hilo and Kona.  For more information or to apply on-line, go to:  http://www.ehawaiigov.org/statejobs

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

To visit the HDOA website: click here:  http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/

For more information, please call (808) 973-9560.
To E-mail, click here