November 7, 2007

E-News from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Message from the Chairperson

HDOA staff continues to work diligently in many areas, including establishing a new Livestock Feed Reimbursement Program that will assist the livestock industry with the skyrocketing cost of feed, providing testimony at court and legislative hearings on the Superferry, holding community meetings on the Molokai Irrigation System, continuing efforts to prevent the spread of the varroa mite, nettle caterpillar, little fire ants and other pests and preparing bio-control agents for release to combat invasive pests – much of which you will read about later in this newsletter.

I am happy to report that the USDA-Risk Management Agency (RMA) has just approved HDOA’s application to include Hawai`i in its Adjusted Gross Revenue-Light (AGR-Lite) plan of crop insurance.  This is great news for many Hawai`i farms which may now obtain affordable crop insurance protection from natural disasters and market fluctuations. 

Until now, federal crop insurance was only available in Hawai`i for papaya, banana, macadamia nut, coffee and nursery plants.  The AGR-Lite program provides coverage for most farm-raised crops, livestock and aquaculture production and is based on revenue losses for the entire farm production, not just specific crops. 

Many Hawai`i agricultural producers have been hit hard by natural disasters in the past few years and our inclusion in the AGR-Lite program help producers to manage their business risk.  The federal government pays a portion of the premium for the policy, which has a liability limit of $1 million.

To view the news release on the program with more information, go to: http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/meetings_reports/news-releases/2007-news-releases/news-release-nr07-20-october-29-2007

Sandra Lee Kunimoto

Chairperson

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COMMUNITY MEETINGS HELD ON MOLOKA`I IRRIGATION SYSTEM

The department recently held a series of meetings on Moloka`i regarding the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS), a critical part of island’s economic infrastructure and HDOA’s statewide irrigation system program.

The department has made a concerted effort to strengthen the working relationship with the Moloka`i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board (MISWUAB) and with wider MIS-user community. Three meetings were held in August, September and October to identify areas of common interest and areas for improvement.

The MIS is the largest of all of the irrigation systems operated by the HDOA in terms of water consumed annually (900 MG + in FY 2007) and number of water users. About 240 Molokai farmers use MIS water to irrigate more than 3,000 acres on which they produce coffee, flowers, seed crops, taro, nursery products, and vegetables. The estimated gross revenue of farmers on the system is approximately $14.1 million annually.  Among all of the state’s irrigation systems, the MIS is unique in that upon demonstration of actual need, Hawaiian Homes Commission lessees have a prior right to a defined portion of the irrigation water.   

The first meeting resulted in a vision for agriculture on Moloka`i with a cross section of MIS users and Board members providing suggestions on what agriculture should look like in five to 10 years.

The second meeting in September addressed both the financial and operational details of managing the MIS. Board and community members were interested in obtaining information about how decisions are made about the MIS and the information used to reach the decisions. Participants at the September meeting had an opportunity to review and comment on the draft Roadmap which when finalized, will summarize the types of information and activities that the department will work on together with the Board and community to accomplish in the future.

The third meeting was held on October 27.  The Roadmap was furthered and staff explained how the right of Hawaiian Homes Commission is protected in the statutes and the administrative rules.

HDOA intends to continue to strengthen its relationship with the Board and community in the coming months and years. HDOA considers these three Roadmap meetings to be the start of a process to improve operational aspects of the MIS and to more fully utilize the skills and talents of the MISWUAB and the Molokai water users. 

To view the meeting notes, go to:  http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/arm/molokai-irrigation-system-meeting-notes-8-11-07

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WORKSHOP ON AGRICULTURAL LABOR TO BE HELD IN KONA ON NOV. 15

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is jointly sponsoring a workshop on agricultural labor on Thursday, November 15 at the Kona Civic Center from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The session is a follow-up to last year’s workshop and will focus on federal and state regulations regarding the hiring of non-immigrant, migrant and seasonal agricultural workers in Hawaii.  The federal Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers Protection Act (MSPA) and the H2A Agricultural Employment Visa Program will also be covered, as well as the adverse wage rate an ag worker housing issues.

The session is free of charge, but seating is limited.  To reserve a seat, contact Raechele Joyo at HDOA by e-mail at raechele.a.joyo@hawaii.gov or by phone at (808) 973-9552.

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HDOA DIVISIONS PARTICIPATE IN IMMIGRANT FARMERS ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP

The Farm Service Agency held an Immigrant Farmers Assistance Workshop at Aloun Farms in August and staff from several HDOA division served as resources for the estimated 125 farmers who attended.  Staff from Hawaii Agricultural Statistics, Agricultural Resource Management Division (ARM), Agricultural Loan Division, Pesticides Branch answered questions about their programs and the services that are available.

ARM distributed “Expression of Interest” forms for their agricultural park programs and received about 32 completed forms from interested farmers.

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HDOA FACILITATES MEETINGS WITH KAUAI FARMERS AFFECTED BY KALOKO RESERVOIR

Chairperson Kunimoto facilitated a meeting with HDOA, DLNR, farmers and others in Kilauea, Kauai, to discuss a recent decision by the Board of Land and Natural Resources that cancelled a permit to Kilauea Irrigation Company to divert water from the Puu Ka Ele Stream into the Kaloko ditch and reservoir which provides irrigation water to farmers in that area.

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WAIMANALO AG PARK FARMERS HELP REPAIR DITCH

The Ag Resource Management Division staff was given a major helping hand by several farmers in the Waimanalo Agricultural Park.  The volunteer farmers provided manpower and supplies to repair the aging system.  Due to the lack of rain during the summer, the system had been under a 30 percent water restriction and the work helped to deliver more water to the system.

The volunteer farmers were:  Scott Chun, Grant Hamachi, Carl Kobashigawa, Paul Kaneshiro, T.C. Staton, Dominic Kadaoka, and Fred Mencher of Hawaii Marine Enterprises in Kahuku. Sheet metal used in the repair was donated by Carl Kobashigawa.

To learn more about this cooperative effort and view photos, go to:  http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/arm/farmers-assist-in-maunawili-ditch-repairs

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PRISONERS HELP CLEAR WAIAHOLE DITCH

Inmates from Waiawa Correctional Facility assisted Agribusiness Development Corporation staff in clearing portions of the Waiahole Ditch for four days, totaling 200 work hours. The inmates did a great job in cleaning a heavily silted stretch of ditch in difficult terrain. 

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NATIONAL ANIMAL ID FORMS MAILED TO LIVESTOCK OAHU OWNERS

In continuing efforts to prepare for an animal health emergency, the Animal Industry Division mailed out packets on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) program to Oahu livestock owners at the end of September.Each packet contained information on the program, a premises registration form and instructions and a pre-paid return envelope. The national program is voluntary, but is crucial in mounting a rapid response to any animal disease outbreak.

For more information on the NAIS program, click here:  http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/ldc/HAPIS

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CONTROLLING ESTABLISHED PESTS

SURVEYS FOR PAPAYA RINGSPOT VIRUS AND VARROA MITE CONTINUE ON LANA`I

Maui staff continued door-to-door surveys on Lanai for the papaya ringspot virus (PRV), visiting about 220 residences.  About 43 plants on 15 properties showed symptoms of PRV.  Staff spoke with about six of the owners and left flyers for those who were not home on what to do to prevent the spread of PRV on the island. 

Oahu Plant Pest Control staff also traveled to Lana`i to conduct surveys for varroa mite.  No mites were found on bees on that island.

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GRID MAPPING OF NETTLE CATERPILLAR INFESTATION

Oahu Plant Pest Control and Plant Quarantine staff have begun a grid mapping survey to delimit nettle caterpillar infestations in two known core infestation sites, one in Central Oahu and one in West Oahu.  The grid mapping is being conducted to determine the extent of the infestation at the two sites so that appropriate actions can be taken to suppress and contain the populations.  Detection surveys also continue throughout the island.

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RESEARCH MAY HELP TO SPEED FIREWEED BIOCONTROL EFFORTS

Oahu insectary staff, in collaboration with USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS), have initiated a research project to study the development of a larval diet for a potential biocontrol agent, the Madagascan moth (Secusio extensa (Butler), which is presently being colonized in HDOA’s Insect Quarantine Facility for control of the invasive fireweed.

Currently, staff must propagate potted fireweed hosts to rear the larvae of the moth, a process that is labor intensive and time consuming.  If successful, the experimental diet, which uses powdered beans, powdered agar, in combination with vitamins and other ingredients, would eliminate the need to propagate fireweed host plants to rear the larvae of the moth. 

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BIOCONTROL STUDIES ALMOST COMPLETE FOR ERYTHRINA GALL WASP AND NETTLE CATERPILLAR

The Plant Pest Control Branch has completed host specificity testing for biocontrol agents for the Erythrina Gall Wasp (EGW) and Nettle Caterpillar (NC) and is working on completing the federal and state requirements for release of the natural enemies of these major pests.

Specimens of a parasitic wasp collected in Tanzania by HDOA’s exploratory entomologist were sent to the USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory (SEL) in Beltsville, MD.  Also sent to SEL were specimens of an ectoparasitic wasp that was collected in Taiwan.  Deposit into the national collection at SEL is one of the basic requirements before any biological control agent can be released in the U.S.  PPC staff anticipate that the issue of release should be brought before the Hawaii Board of Agriculture in a few months.

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BIOCONTROL RELEASES TO FIGHT PAPAYA MEALYBUG  

Big Island Plant Pest Control staff released 200 biocontrol parasitoids of the Papaya Mealybug (PM) at a papaya orchard in lower Puna.  Another 200 parasitoids were also released in an orchard in Opihikao.

Oahu Plant Pest Control staff report that sustained efforts to establish the papaya mealybug parasitoid across Oahu appears to be succeeding.  The biocontrol appears to be now well established on Oahu and coupled with cooler temperatures and increased rainfall PM densities are expected to decrease to manageable levels.

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PREVENTING THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW PESTS

INTERIM RULES ESTABLISHED TO PREVENT INTRODUCTION OF OHIA RUST

At its August meeting, the Hawaii Board of Agriculture approved interim rules to restrict the movement of plants and plant parts in the myrtaceae family from areas that are infected with a rust that may affect Hawaii’s native ohia trees.  The interim rule places restrictions on the importation of plants and plant parts from the myrtaceae family, including eucalyptus, myrtle and waxflowers from California, Florida and South America.  Plant Quarantine inspectors began to confiscate and destroy shipments accordingly.

To view the interim order go to: http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/admin-rules/subtitle-6-division-of-plant-industry/PQ_INTERIM_RULE_07-2%20-%20Ohia%20Rust.pdf

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Interceptions by Plant Quarantine Inspectors

(The following is a sampling of recent interceptions by Plant Quarantine Inspectors)

Plant Quarantine inspectors conducted another risk assessment at Maui’s Kahului Airport and rejected 73 parcels (1,284 lbs) of produce, which were infested with insects or infected with disease.

August 29 – Oahu inspectors rejected confiscated and destroyed a carton of mixed bouquets due to heavy infection of rust on myrtle cuttings that were included in the bouquet.  Interim rules recently approved by the Board of Agriculture restricts flowers in the myrtacea family from California, Florida and South America due to the prevalence of rust that may affect native ohia trees.

August 29 – Maui inspectors confiscated and destroyed one parcel (2 lbs.) of blood oranges heavily infested with scale and one parcel (14 lbs.) of organic rainbow chard heavily infested with leafminers.

August 31 – Oahu inspectors confiscated and destroyed one carton (1,000) of sprouted palm seedlings which arrived from Peru via freight forwarder due to restrictions on importing palm plants.

September 4 – Maui inspectors confiscated and destroyed one parcel (30 lbs.) of organic kale heavily infested with aphids, one parcel (10 bunches) of cut solidago infected with a fungal rust disease and two shipments containing 10 lbs each of baby gold beets and red beets with tops due to infestation with leafminers.

September 9 – Maui inspectors confiscated and destroyed the following:  one parcel (two bunches) of pepper berries infested with galls; one parcel (eight bunches) of cut eucalyptus infected with a fungal disease not known to occur in Hawaii; one parcel (15 bunches) of cut stocks infected with downy mildew fungal disease, which is not known to occur in Hawaii; three parcels (60 lb s.) of artichokes infested with thrips; and two parcels (20 bunches) of cut waxflowers, which did not have certificates of origin verifying that it came from an area free of the ohia rust.

September 10 - Maui inspectors rejected four shipments: one parcel (28 bunches) of various flowers heavily infested with thrips; one parcel (one pound) of Thai basil infested with leafminer larvae; and, two parcels (20 pounds) of organic red peppers infested with psyllids, which are not known to occur in Hawaii and, one parcel (30 bunches) of alstroemaria infected with a fungal disease not known to occur in Hawaii.  All these air freight shipments were treated and destroyed.

September 26 – Oahu inspectors confiscated and destroyed a carton of eucalyptus cuttings from an air cargo shipment from California consisting of 100 cartons of mixed bouquets that were destined for a Honolulu retail store.  Oahu inspectors also destroyed three bunches of eucalyptus cuttings from Miami that arrived via Federal Express and six bunches of myrtle and eight bunches wax flowers from California that were destined for Kauai.

Hiloinspectors rejected the following interisland shipments of plants:
August 22 – Hilo inspectors rejected 437 assorted plants destined for Oahu and Maui infested with nettle caterpillars.
August 27 – Hilo inspectors rejected one lot containing 43 plants destined for Oahu infested with nettle caterpillar.
August 29 – Hilo inspectors rejected one lot containing 80 plants infested with nettle caterpillars.
September 20 – Hilo inspectors rejected a shipment of 266 assorted potted plants due to the presence of nettle caterpillar egg mass and pupae casings.  The shipment was bound for Maui.
September 25 – Hilo inspectors rejected a shipment of eight orchid plants bound for Oahu due to infestation of little fire ants.

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PESTICIDES BRANCH PARTICIPATES IN HOME SAFETY MONTH

October was Home Safety Month and the Pesticides Branch joined the City & County of Honolulu Environmental Services, City Mill and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii to help spread the word on the importance of reading the labels for hazardous household products, including cleaners and pesticides.  

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HDOA HONORS THE CREAM OF THE CROP    

HDOA held its Incentive and Service Awards for 2007 recently.  In a separate ceremony, the HDOA honorees were recognized with other employees from other state departments by Lt. Governor Duke Aiona.

Manager of the Year:      Dr. Isaac Maeda, Branch Manager of the Rabies Quarantine Program

Employee of the Year:    Domingo Cravalho, Jr., Plant Quarantine Branch Inspection & Compliance Chief

Sustained Superior Performance:            Cheryl Mitsuyuki (Fiscal Office)

                                                            Mohsen Ramadan (Plant Pest Control Branch)

Team of the Year:          Earthquake Response Team (Agricultural Resource Management Division)

To learn why these people were recognized, go to:  http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/Info/isap-file/isap-awards-for-2007

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