Uncategorized — Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

Gobble Gobble! Maui’s Wild Turkeys

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

With Thanksgiving only 12 days away, the traditional centerpiece of this holiday meal is likely on your mind. Stores will be flooded with them, the president will pardon one, old family recipes dusted off to make a favorite variation of it, and leftovers will be eaten for a week as sandwiches and jook. If you haven’t guessed it, I’m talking turkey. But did you know that outside of the freezer, this Thanksgiving icon resides in our islands?

Male wild turkeys show off their plumage in Ulupalakua as a courtship display to nearby turkey hens. Maui turkeys are concentrated mainly throughout private ranch lands above Mākena, Wailea and Kīhei. Although they are introduced species, they are not considered harmful invasive pests. — Forest and Kim Starr photo

According to the Bishop Museum archives, turkeys may be one of the first bird species introduced to our islands post-Western contact. In 1788, several birds arrived from China. In the 1800s, they were abundant on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi as escaped domestic birds formed wild, self-sustaining populations. During the 1930s, a particularly deadly parasite called blackhead disease swept through, greatly diminishing turkeys throughout the state. Efforts to reintroduce them as a game bird resumed to give us the turkeys we have today. The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR-DOFAW) currently manages wild turkey populations. Although they do not have estimates on the total population statewide, Hawaiʻi Island is thought to have the largest number of wild turkeys, and Lānaʻi has the most in Maui County. In fact, turkeys were so abundant on Lānaʻi in the 1900s, that they were harvested and distributed to other islands to provide the classic centerpiece to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Today they are considered a nuisance by many residents of Hawaiʻi’s third smallest island- seen often along the roadside, in neighborhoods, on hotel properties, and even eating crabs on the beach!

The Maui gobblers are concentrated in the southern parts of the island, dispersed throughout ranch lands above Mākena, Wailea, and Kīhei. They have also been observed in ʻUlupalakua and one was even spotted near Kuihelani Highway recently. Although they are introduced species, they are not considered harmful invasive pests according to Shane De Mattos, Wildlife Biologist for the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife. “Turkeys do not seem to make a substantial negative impact on our environment. The areas they frequent are not pristine ecosystems, and their numbers arenʻt so large that they are competing with natives” They do have the potential to spread invasive seeds, however, as they forage primarily on non-native grasses, seeds, and berries.

Turkeys have been in Hawaii since the late 1700s and quickly escaped domestication. The largest population of wild turkeys in our islands today occur on Hawaii island, with Lanai having the most in Maui County. — Forest and Kim Starr photo

In regards to hunting turkeys on Maui, De Mattos says, “Turkeys are allowed to be harvested during the State game bird season, usually held November through January. On Maui island, they can only be harvested on private lands with a valid State of Hawaiʻi hunting license.” De Mattos encourages hunters and birders wanting to observe wild turkeys to make sure they have permission before entering private lands and to follow best sanitation practices to prevent the spread of invasive species or diseases like Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. “When hunting or going into wild areas, make sure to clean your boots of any mud, as well as wash and clean clothing and gear. Washing vehicles and tires before and after going to new areas is also a great practice,” De Mattos encourages, “Just doing these simple practices can create a huge positive impact to reduce the spread of invasive species in our islands.”

A wild turkey was featured on the 2018-2019 Hawaiʻi Game Bird Stamp. Turkeys are allowed to be harvested during the State game bird season On Maui, they can only be harvested on private lands with a valid State of Hawaiʻi hunting license. – DLNR photo

As for how they taste, Upcountry rancher and hunter, Steven Wong remarks, “You have to know how to cook them right, otherwise they’re dry, tough, and rubbery.” Wong grew up hunting and eating wild turkey and recommends cooking it with green papaya (similar to chicken papaya soup) or in an imu- but with added pork or beef fat to prevent it from drying out. For most of us, it may be best to stick to the Butterball.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on November 13, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

Duane Sparkman Receives 2021 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Duane Sparkman, Chief Engineer at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, is the 2021 recipient of the Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award. The award is given each year to recognize the efforts in the landscape and agricultural community towards stopping the spread of invasive species in Maui County. The award is presented by the Maui Invasive Species Committee, the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, and the County of Maui.

With his roots in landscaping, Sparkman worked his way up to become part-owner of a large landscape company that maintained 65 acres of resorts along Maui’s coastlines before coming on board with the Maui Westin Resort and Spa. Along with his day job, Sparkman has pursued his passion of learning about Maui’s unique environment. He has volunteered with over a dozen conservation organizations, removing invasive species and planting endangered plants in some of Maui’s most pristine places. In 2012, he worked at Haleakalā National Park with their resource management team, which drastically changed his view of landscape maintenance. Through his experience, Sparkman came to a realization: “If I don’t have to fertilize a native forest, why do I need to fertilize urban landscapes?” He then proceeded to transform the landscape practices at the Maui Westin Resort and Spa’s 12-acre oceanfront resort to organic practices.

*Duane Sparkman, 2021 recipient of the Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award.* *Photo: MISC*

Additionally, Sparkman sits on the board of directors of Maui Cultural Lands as their botanist and is the project manager for a 72-acre Hawaiian cultural reserve called Kīpuka Olowalu. He also has a consulting company called Edaphic Perspective, where he assists homeowners, landowners and municipalities transition to organic landscape practices, and has recently partnered with the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council to assist them with their organic land management division

Sparkman’s nomination stems from his passion in seeing thriving and healthy ecosystems from mauka to makai. He has affected not only the industry he works in, but countless other organizations throughout Maui, by sharing his knowledge and skills with community members, respecting and promoting Hawaiian culture and practices, working with local non-profit organizations, and continuing to improve sustainable landscape practices within Hawaii’s resort industry.

*The 2021 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award features a glass sculpture of a Maui Parrotbill on a koa branch, made by glass artist Jupiter Nielsen, and mounted on a koa wood plaque.* *Photo: MISC*

Due to Covid-19, the award was presented in a small, socially distanced award ceremony in West Maui and filmed by videographer Spencer Hyde of Dgtl Film. The presenters included Allison Wright, President of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, and Adam Radford, Manager of the Maui Invasive Species Committee. This year’s commemorative plaque featured a sculpture of a Maui Parrotbill perched on a koa branch by glass artist Jupiter Nielsen. The Mālama i ka ʻĀina award is a part of the 2021 Maui Arbor Day Garden Expo and Tree Giveaway held November 2-6. This year, local experts will offer tree and plant care lectures and webinars and the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will host a nursery open house in addition to giving away more than 1,000 Hawaiian trees. More information on Arbor Day can be found at arbordayexpo.org.

Not All Fire Ants Are The Same

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

It’s a familiar feeling many of us have experienced. You may have been picnicking in a park, loading up a surfboard, or walking your dog when OUCH! The sensation between fire and an electric shock move slowly up your leg. You look down and see them. Fire ants. A familiar yet frightening sight, yet are all fire ants in Hawaiʻi alike?

Hawaiʻi has no native ant species. Since humans first began to inhabit the islands (and bring cargo), over 60 species of ants have hitchhiked here. One of the most common and notorious is the tropical fire ant. With a native range from the southern U.S. to South America, tropical fire ants were first documented in Hawaiʻi as early as 1879. These small red ants are now commonly found on every major Hawaiian island. Ground-nesting, they prefer dry, sunny locations and are right at home in beach parks, lawns, fields, driveways, and dirt roads. When a human foot or leg disturbs their nest, they attack – and they pack a punch and immediately start hurting. Because these ants live only on the ground, stings are almost always found on the victim’s feet and legs.

Hawaiʻi has no native ant species. Since humans first began to inhabit the islands… over 60 species of ants have hitchhiked here.

Fire ants are not all the same. Relatively new to Hawaiʻi, the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) usually stick to humid and shady locations: think dense foliage and rainy or irrigated areas. Tropical fire ants are on the ground, whereas little fire ants (LFA) can live in brush and treetops. They don’t have a good grip, so if you brush against an infested plant (or it’s a windy day), they can rain down on you, stinging your neck and falling down your shirt and on your arms, leaving painful rash like wounds that become increasingly itchy and swollen over time.

Size is one of the best ways to tell what type of fire ant you may have encountered. Tropical fire ants are giant compared to LFA, and TFA moves quickly and aggressively, making them easy to see with the naked eye. LFA are slow and sloth-like and extremely tiny. You most likely will feel their sting without even seeing them! Don’t let their size fool you, though- these tiny terrors have an enormous impact, affecting our economy, health, environment, cultural practices, and quality of life.

Established tropical fire ants are much larger than newer, invasive little fire ants. Tropical fire ants live in the ground and are commonly found in beach parks, fields and driveways. These are the ants that will typically sting your feet and legs. Little fire ants are not established on Maui, and can live in brush and treetops. Stings by LFA are typically on the neck, down the shirt, or on arms since they donʻt have good grip and will fall on passerby from above. Photo: MISC

LFA were first detected outside of Hilo in the 1990s, then spread throughout the state, first reaching Maui in 2009. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, and Invasive Species Committees endeavor to stop the spread of these pests, and solicit help from the community in these efforts. In fact, 12 out of the 18 known little fire ant populations on Maui were detected by members of the public.

Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture are working to prevent little fire ants from establishing a permanent foothold on Maui. Monte Tudor-Long, Little Fire Ant Crew Leader with MISC, feels hopeful. “Our control methods are working, and we are proud to say that we have declared several little fire ant populations on Maui eradicated, and those undergoing treatment are showing positive results. But we need the public’s continued help to detect these pests early.” Research and efforts by the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, based on Hawaiʻi Island, has led to the development of new control methods and tools.

Tudor-Long says that it’s important to collect any stinging ants, even if they might be tropical fire ants. By doing so, you can help detect any new populations of LFA or prevent new invasive ants like the Red Imported Fire Ant, a notoriously invasive tropical fire ant lookalike not known to be in Hawaiʻi yet.

Collecting ants is simple “All you need is some peanut butter and a chopstick. Smear the bait on your stick, leave it in a shady place, and check back on it in an hour. If there are any ants on the stick, send them to us!”, Tudor-Long encourages. On Maui, MISC will identify your ants and let you know if you indeed have LFA and then help, free of charge. Don’t have LFA? Your ant sample will still help by contributing to understanding what ants are present in Hawaiʻi’s environment.

Testing for little fire ants is easy, and a great way to ensure that LFA, or other harmful ants, aren’t present on your property. Watch the video above to learn how to test for ants, and request a free testing kit at www.stoptheant.org, or by calling (808) 573-MISC. Video: Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources

October’s Stop the Ant Month is a state-wide campaign that brings awareness to little fire ants and encourages the public to test for ants in the backyards. You can request a test kit at www.stoptheant.org. Throughout the month, kits will also be available at local libraries, garden stores, veterinary clinics, and farmstands in Maui Nui.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on October 9, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

Be like Bob: The Importance of Reporting Something Out of Place

Posted on September 24, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Retired state forester Bob Hobdy knows his trees. So, when he was driving through his Haʻikū neighborhood earlier this summer and saw a tree he didn’t recognize, he collected a branch complete with the flowers and seeds. After some sleuthing, he determined that it was Vernonthura polyanthes, a tree that has never been documented in Hawaiʻi, hiding in plain sight. Hobdy, concerned about the invasive potential of this plant, shared his findings with MISC’s Early Detection Specialists, Forest and Kim Starr, who quickly confirmed the identifications. The surprise lies in how far it had already spread.

Vernonanthura polyanthes, or assa-peixe, can grow to about 20 feet in height and has oblong-shaped green leaves. During the winter months in Brazil, assa-peixe puts on a display of delicate white and pink-colored flowers beloved by bees and resembling the blooms of invasive haole koa. Photo: Forest & Kim Starr.

The Starr’s gathered historical aerial photos of the area where this tree was discovered, looking for an indication of how many trees might be there. The results were shocking. In 2008, the area was completely cleared and bare dirt. Photos from 2015 show vegetation regrowth and a sprinkling of this new arrival in open pasture. In 2019, the pasture was completely clogged with mature trees. Recent data shows that this tree has sprouted up from Māliko Gulch to Kaupakalua Gulch, and ranges from about 600-1,000 ft. elevation. Aerial imagery can only go so far, and the Starrʻs are concerned that the pest may have expanded farther than can be detected with only aerial photos. As of the publication date of this article, the invasive tree has colonized an estimated 1,000 acres. Though current data shows this tree to only be in the Haʻikū area, Hobdy has concerns about its potential to spread further. “If left unmanaged, this tree will invade Maui’s agricultural and pasture lands and even has the potential to reach Haleakalā’s leeward native forests.”

Aerial photos taken on Maui of an area where assa-peixe is prevalent shows just how quickly this invasive plant can quickly invade open land. If you spot this invasive tree outside of the Haiku area, report it to 643pest.org. Photo: Forest & Kim Starr .

Vernonathura polyanthes is commonly called assa-peixe (ah-sa-payshay) in its native Brazil. Its leaves are breaded and fried and eaten as a snack, and when prepared this way, the veins of the leaves are reminiscent of fish bones, inspiring the tree’s common name, which translates to “fish roaster.” The tree can grow to about 20 feet in height and has oblong-shaped green leaves. During the winter months in Brazil, assa-peixe puts on a display of delicate white and pink colored flowers, resembling the blooms on invasive haole koa.

Beloved by bees and beekeepers, assa-peixe was exported in the 1990s to Mozambique as a nectar plant for honeybees. It invaded quickly- thriving in open agriculture fields, pasture lands, roadsides, and other areas disturbed by humans and animals. It soon began impacting agricultural communities and economies while creating a significant wildfire threat. Able to regrow after being cut down or after a fire and with seeds that travel easily by wind, assa-peixe moved into neighboring Zimbabwe and quickly became a dominant invasive species in the region within 25 years.
No stranger to working with invasive species throughout his 38-year career, Hobdy remarks, “In less than 20 years, it seems to be doing the same thing on Maui that it’s been doing in Africa. Frankly, this one scares me.”

In less than 20 years, it seems to be doing the same thing on Maui that it’s been doing in Africa. Frankly, this one scares me.

Maui Invasive Species Committee staff and partners plan to conduct more surveys to determine many trees are established. “Even if it seems like something you’ve seen before, be like Bob and investigate. You just may have found something early enough to stop it.” says Starr. He encourages the Maui community to keep an eye out for assa-peixe to learn if it has moved further from the known area. Since the seeds of this tree can quickly disperse on Maui’s trade winds, it has the potential to spread to other places, so catching it early and controlling it in your backyard before it gets out of hand is critical. If you find assa-peixe outside of the Haʻikū area, take a photo and report it to 643pest.org.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life

This article was originally published in the Maui News on September 11, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

Keep an eye out for invasive parakeet

Posted on August 18, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

In July 2021, a Kīhei resident reported a strange-looking bird near their condo to the State-wide online pest reporting system, 643PEST.org. The concerned citizen knew that was not the rosy-faced lovebird, which is already established on Maui. The next day, a Nāpili resident reported an oversized visitor at their bird feeder. Both reports described lime-green parrot-like birds that were loud – really loud! These citizen reports led to the detection of a small band of rose-ringed parakeets, a species known to be invasive throughout the world.

Rose-ringed parakeets were recently observed at a bird feeder in Napili. These invasive species are not established on Maui and can cause harm to the agriculture industry, native ecosystem, and public health. Report RRP sightings to www.643pest.org or call (808) 643-PEST. Photo: Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project.

Parakeets are members of the parrot family, absent from the native fauna in Hawaiʻi. They are one of the most popular bird species in pet trade globally and are transported from their native ranges of Africa and Asia. With the ability to survive a range of climates, rose-ringed parakeets have established wild breeding populations in over 40 countries throughout the globe- ultimately making them one of the most invasive birds species in the world. In the United States, the largest and most problematic population of rose-ringed parakeets roost in Hawaiʻi, resulting in the State of Hawai‘i deeming it illegal to import them as pets.

It is unclear when rose-ringed parakeets arrived in Hawaiʻi. Escaped pet birds have been reported in the wild on Oʻahu since the 1930s, with about 4,700 birds present to date. Reports of rose-ringed parakeets have occurred since the 1980s in locations throughout Hawaiʻi Island; however, not much is known about their current population and distribution. The largest and most problematic population of rose-ringed parakeets are found on Kauaʻi. Recent estimates have the population over 10,000 and counting.

Rose-ringed Parakeets can be identified by their long tails (about the same length as their lime green bodies), red beaks, and loud call. Mature male parakeets have a black or rose-colored ring around their cheeks. Report RRP sightings to www.643pest.org or call (808) 643-PEST. Photo: Bishop Museum.

Released in the wild near Lāwaʻi in the 1960s, they have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage to date on fruit and grain crops grown on Kauaʻi. Highly intelligent, wild flocks of rose-ringed parakeets will send scouts to deem if a location is safe, and if so, the movable feast begins like a hoard of tourists on a cruise ship buffet line. Flocks of birds will descend onto fruit trees and strip them bare. What’s left of the harvest may be covered in excrement and no longer viable for sale- bad news for small, local farmers already on tight margins.

It’s not just their appetite that makes them problematic. Their loud, high-pitched calls have been described as “deafening” when roosting at sunset, and the noise is not much better again at sunrise. Large congregations of birds also mean large piles of excrement- often on cars parked under trees. One hotel has even resorted to installing its own car wash to help clean up the nightly mess. The vast volume of feces can also become a potential human health hazard and encourages other invasive species like mice and rodents in the area. The Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee, partnered with the Rose-ringed Parakeet Working Group, leads the research to determine the best way to manage these invasive pests.

Currently only found in lowland environments near humans, there is a growing concern on what effects they may cause if they reach upland native ecosystems. Potential impacts could be eating native plant seeds and damaging trees, spreading diseases such as avian pox to native forest birds, and impacting Hawaiʻi’s unique biodiversity, thus threatening our watersheds and cultural connections to some of the world’s most unique and threatened ecosystems.

Rose-ringed Parakeets may look similar to wild love birds, which are species already established on Maui, but there are some key physical differences that help to tell them apart.

Back on Maui, the rose-ringed parakeet found in Kīhei was captured; however, at the time of this publication, at least four more birds remain at large in West Maui. An interagency effort between the Maui Invasive Species Committee, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, and Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project has been working to locate and capture these remaining birds to prevent them from becoming established on Maui.

The Maui community can help protect our island’s environment, agriculture, and quality of life by reporting rose-ringed parakeet sightings to www.643pest.org or calling (808) 643-PEST.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life

This article was originally published in the Maui News on August 9, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

Press Release: New Invasive Species Alert: Rose-ringed Parakeets Found on Maui

Posted on August 18, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Date: August 6, 2021
Subject: New Invasive Species Alert: Rose-ringed Parakeets Found on Maui
Contact: Serena Fukushima, Public Relations and Educational Specialist
Maui Invasive Species Committee
PH: (808) 344-2756
Email: miscpr@hawaii.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rose-ringed parakeets (RRP) have recently been confirmed on Maui. An interagency effort between the Maui Invasive Species Committee, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, and Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project has led to one bird being captured in Kihei as a result of an online report to www.643PEST.org, a reporting resource made available by the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. At least four more birds remain at large in West Maui. These four birds were reported by a Napili resident who observed them frequenting a bird feeder. Follow-up visits by staff from the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project confirmed their presence. Efforts were made to capture these remaining birds on July 30; however, the birds were not observed and are assumed to have moved on to another feeding location.

Not to be confused with the Rosy-faced Lovebird, which is already established on Maui, Rose-ringed parakeets are native to equatorial Africa and Asia and have invasive populations in over 35 countries. There are established populations of RRP on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, and Kauaʻi. They are an agricultural pest that causes extensive damage to food crops, especially fruits and grains. On Kauaʻi, they have already successfully invaded farmland and have caused significant losses to harvests. Their high-density roosts, loud calls, and mass accumulation of droppings cause disturbance to humans and are a potential public health risk. If they reach native forests, their impact on native ecosystems could be substantial. The most recent population estimate of Kauaʻi RRP numbers is over 10,000 individual birds, with the rate of expansion steadily climbing along with costs to control them. The Kauai Invasive Species Committee, in partnership with the Rose-ringed Parakeet Working Group, is conducting research to develop management methods to mitigate these harmful pests.

MISC is asking the Maui community to help in early detection efforts by reporting any sightings of these few remaining birds. Report any sighting of Rose-ringed Parakeets on Maui to www.643pest.org or call (808) 643-PEST (7378). Questions may be directed to miscpr@hawaii.edu.

MISC appreciates your support in the rapid response effort to keep Maui free of this invasive species!

Coffee Leaf Rust Never Sleeps

Posted on July 21, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

You may be holding a cup of it now as you read this. Warm and comforting, coffee is the fuel for many facing an early morning or a much-needed pick me up. In the United States, coffee is the most commonly consumed beverage (more than tap water!) and percolates more than $200 billion into the United States economy. Hawaiʻi is the largest producer of coffee in the country, with over 1,400 coffee farms statewide. It is the second-highest value crop, contributing nearly $150 million annually to the economy of the Aloha State. The Kona Typica variety of coffee, primarily grown in the Kona region of Hawaiʻi island is world-renowned. Maui also contributes to the Hawaiʻi coffee industry, with over 1,000 acres in active production and the second greatest number of coffee farmers in the state.

A fungus that has been spreading and threatening the global coffee industry has now arrived on our shores. Coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) is the most destructive and economically devastating disease of coffee worldwide. It was first discovered in Africa in 1861 and has slowly spread throughout coffee-growing regions worldwide. In October 2020, a Haʻikū coffee farmer reported suspicious orange spots on their coffee leaves. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) soon confirmed it as Hawaiʻi’s first case of coffee leaf rust. It is now found island-wide on Maui and confirmed on Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island. Kauaʻi has had no reported findings to date*.

A coffee tree infected with coffee leaf rust will display irregular-shaped, yellowish spots on the surfaces of the leaves. Underneath the leaves, there may be powdery spores, yellow to orange in color, that can be spread on the wind or by humans through footwear, vehicles, clothing and tools. Learn how to dispose of infected trees, decontaminate gear and report coffee leave rust at www.hawaii coffeeed.com. — Andrea Kawabata and HDOA photo

Coffee leaf rust spores spread quickly on the wind and can also be easily moved by humans. An infected plant will display irregular-shaped, yellowish spots on the surfaces of the leaves. Underneath the leaves, there may be powdery spores, yellow to orange in color. The fungus usually appears on the lower leaves and slowly moves up the tree. Infected leaves die and drop, which can inevitably reduce production and, in severe cases, kill the tree as it becomes unable to photosynthesize.

Maintaining healthy plants and good sanitation practices are integral in managing coffee rust. Gerry Ross, President of the Maui Coffee Association and farmer at Kūpaʻa Farms, discovered coffee leaf rust on his trees shortly after its arrival to Maui. “We are vigilant in observing all of our crops and caught coffee leaf rust on our trees early,” Ross says, “Maintaining tree health is key. We have an active pruning program to prevent the spread of the fungus and use organic fungicide sprays to manage it.”

Pruning, using fungicide sprays, and controlling weeds around the base of coffee trees are some methods of control. Still, wild coffee has also proven to be a host susceptible to this pest. Ross sees a silver lining though, “Wild coffee that dies from coffee leaf rust would reduce habitat for coffee berry borer, hopefully bringing its populations down.” The coffee berry borer is an invasive beetle that arrived to Hawaiʻi in 2010. It bores into coffee beans and can ruin entire harvests if left unchecked.

Gerry Ross, president of Maui Coffee Association and farmer at Kūpaʻa Farms, stands amongst his organic coffee trees. Maintaining coffee tree health by pruning, weeding and using fungicide sprays has helped coffee farmers like Ross keep coffee leaf rust at bay. — Ann Tuomela photo

Long-term plans are in motion to further combat coffee leaf rust. Research in Hawaiʻi is currently underway on coffee leaf rust-resistant cultivars; however, it may take some time to import, breed and multiply new coffee varieties for that superior cup of Hawaiʻi-grown joe.

Slowing the human spread of coffee leaf rust is possible through proper sanitation measures. Aut Fleming, Noxious Weed Specialist with Mauiʻs HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch, recommends decontaminating after being in areas with coffee leaf rust. “If you are visiting, working on, or touring coffee farms, make sure to decontaminate with at least 70% alcohol or a 10% bleach and water solution. If you think you have come into contact with coffee leaf rust, wash your clothing, footwear, and any other gear that may have been in contact with it. Use laundry detergent and hot water, and dry on high heat.” Fleming also encourages reporting suspect coffee leaf rust and following proper disposal procedures.

Although this new pest is daunting, people like Gerry have hope, “Farmers are resilient. We will find a way to adapt. It’s not game over.”

To learn more about coffee leaf rust and how to report it, visit this online resource created by Andrea Kawabata, Assistant Extension Agent with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources: www.hawaiicoffeeed.com/

*Update: As of July 21, 2021, coffee leaf rust has been detected on all major Hawaiian Islands.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on July 10, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

The Case of the Stinging Hitchhiker

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

In March of this year, a Lahaina couple reported a stinging but slow-moving, tiny ant- armed with a large stinger that left itchy, red welts. Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) little fire ant crew leader, Monte Tudor-Long, responded to their report, concerned that the couple had uncovered a new little fire ant infestation. MISC regularly responds to stinging ant reports from members of the public in an effort to prevent the spread of little fire ants (LFA). After samples of the stinging insects were collected and examined, Monte was shocked to find that this was not an ant at all.

The Maui Invasive Species Committee regularly responds to reports of stinging ants in order to rapidly contain and control new little fire ant populations. If you get a sting, give MISC a ring at (808) 573-MISC and learn how to test for LFA here. Photo: Maui Invasive Species Committee

Hawaiʻi has no native ants. About 60 ants have become established in our islands since humans arrived. One of the most damaging is the little fire ant, which accidentally arrived to Hawaii Island in the late 1990s, hitchhiking on imported nursery plants. LFA eventually spread to other islands, including Maui, where they were first discovered on an organic farm in 2009. In Hawaii, these invasive ants create multiple super colonies that cover the trees and the ground, quickly outcompeting other insects in the area. In homes and communities, encounters with LFA have left painful welts on humans and have blinded pets and livestock from repeated stings to their eyes.

LFA are considered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species and are currently being targeted for removal in Maui County.

When Tudor-Long collected several common ants from the Lahaina report, he expected to also find LFA based on the couple’s experience and the red welts they showed him. After viewing them under a microscope, the suspect little fire ant was ruled out from being LFA because its features didn’t match up to one – in fact, its features didn’t match any ant known to be in Hawaii. Upon reaching out to experts to identify this “mystery ant,” it was revealed that it was actually a tiny wasp!

Microscopic images of a little fire ant (left) and wasp (right) show similarities in their appearance (both are armed with stingers that inflict painful stings), however, they are completely different species. If you think you have been stung by little fire ants, report it right away to www.643pest.org. Photo: Maui Invasive Species Committee

Cephalonomia gallicola is a flightless wasp that arrived in Hawai’i around 1930, hitchhiking in beetle-infested cardboard from India. It typically preys on woodboring and tobacco beetles, which make their homes in everything from shipping materials, furniture, and kitchen cupboards. Parasitic wasps like this one are known to infest sofas and other furniture, particularly second-hand furniture, for this buffet of beetles. This is also where they typically encounter and sting unsuspecting humans.

The Lahaina couple identified the primary source of stings from a recently purchased, second-hand couch- the same location Tudor-Long collected the wasp. Although different treatments are available, the couple opted to dispose of their couch and rid their home of this uninvited guest.

Although cases like this stinging, flightless parasitic wasp may not be common, it is a good example of how pests arrive in Hawaii. On average, one new species arrives in the Hawaiian Islands every three days, usually as an accidental hitchhiker. Although they may not become invasive or established in the wild, reporting unusual and different-looking species right away helps officials respond and identify new potential threats. If you see a strange new plant, insect, or animal, or get stung by a suspect ant, report it to www.643pest.org.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on June 12, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Read more Kiaʻi Moku articles.

Press Release: New invasive little fire ant population discovered in Huelo

Posted on June 3, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

PRESS RELEASE

Date: June 3, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subject: New invasive little fire ant population discovered in Huelo
Contact: Serena Fukushima, Public Relations and Educational Specialist
Maui Invasive Species Committee
PH: (808) 344-2756
Email: miscpr@hawaii.edu

In early May, the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) received a voicemail from a husband and wife describing stinging ants encountered on the property where they live in Huelo. They explained that tenants on the property doing yardwork experienced stings on their torsos by tiny ants. MISC and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture surveyed the property and positively identified little fire ants (LFA). The MISC little fire ant team thoroughly mapped the infestation and treatments have already begun. MISC is working with the landowner and tenants on determining where the source of this new little fire ant infestation came from. Despite the proximity of this site to another infestation in Huelo, these sites do not appear to be related.

“If the community continues to be our eyes and ears by reporting suspect ants, we can stop the little fire ant from becoming established on Maui,” says Adam Radford, Manager of the Maui Invasive Species Committee. “reporting is critical to finding these invasive ant populations and eliminating them, so getting into the habit of contacting MISC when you get stung by a suspect ant is a great way to protect our island from these invasive species. If you get a sting, give us a ring!”

Community efforts have led to the detection of 12 of 18 known infestations of little fire ants on Maui. Once detected, each infestation is treated for approximately one year, then monitored. There are only six sites, including this one, where little ants are still present and under active control.

On Maui, funding from the County of Maui and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supports little fire ant control efforts. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture inspects incoming plant material for invasive pests, preventing additional infestations, and assists MISC with survey and control efforts.

Little fire ants have become widespread on Hawaii Island. Animals often leave the areas where ants are established, as do hikers, farmers, and hunters. When little fire ants invade yards and homes, pets can be blinded, and residents choose to move.

Community efforts are essential to keeping invasive ants from becoming widespread. MISC recommends collecting ants in your yard for identification at least once per year, and every time new materials such as mulch or nursery plants are purchased. It only takes a few minutes to test for LFA:

Smear a tiny bit of peanut butter (or mayonnaise if peanut allergies are a concern) on several thin strips of cardboard, and place them in shady places in your yard. After 45 minutes, collect the samples with ants, place them in a plastic bag labeled with your name, address, and contact information, and freeze for 24 hours to kill the ants. Mail them to your local Invasive Species Committee. On Maui, please send them to MISC, P.O. Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768.

Visit stoptheant.org to find out more information on collecting ant samples and the status of LFA on Maui and throughout the state. Contact MISC with concerns, questions, or reports at 808-573-6472 or miscants@hawaii.edu. Reports can also be submitted through 643PEST.org.

Coqui Community Engagement Questionnaire Results

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Susan Frett 2 Comments

Mahalo to everyone who responded to our Community Engagement Questionnaire that MISC sent out in April. We have heard a lot of great feedback and ideas from the community.

The goal of the questionnaire was two-fold: first, to determine how we could assist people during the stay at home order and secondly, to gather feedback to improve the coqui program in the future.

Thanks to one respondent, we learned of and are responding to a new pocket of frogs near the reservoir off Kokomo in Haʻikū. Recently she sent this update: “I woke up at 3 am and took a moment to listen outside. I didn’t hear any coqui! I will listen again this evening. Mahalo to you & the crew!” This report highlights our need for community members across Maui to be our ears on the ground. Mahalo for letting us know about these frogs!

As the weather continues to warm into the summer months the frogs will be more vocal. Please let us know what you are hearing especially if you hear them in a new area. We cannot always respond to reports right away but do prioritize responding to reports of frogs in new areas. Please report if you hear frogs where you haven’t heard them before. As one respondent said: “This neighborhood does not have coqui frogs YET. If I were to hear one or more I would immediately inform my neighbors and urge ACTION!” Thanks for your enthusiasm! Don’t forget to report it to MISC too!

Report coqui frogs using the MISC Coqui Report form.

Sixty-seven people responded to the questionnaire, 36 from the four existing neighborhood groups that have organized spray weeks and 31 from the wider Maui community. Between April 17th and May 9th, 633 pounds of citric were delivered to 17 separate locations in East Maui to people working to control coqui in their own yards. We will continue to deliver small (1.28 lb) and large (50 lb) bags for as long as our baseyard is closed to the public. Get in touch via the coqui report form to request citric if needed.

A frequent response to the questionnaire was a variation on the theme “Bring the Big Sprayers” with people requesting everything from borrowing one of our 100-gallon sprayer tanks to the crew treating the gulches again. We will have the 100-gallon sprayers available again once our baseyard is open to the public. The crew has been out Monday – Thursday doing work on outlying populations and new pockets to keep those from getting out of control.

Some of the responses were really cool suggestions for educational campaigns. Ideas included reaching out to landscaping companies, translating our information into the languages most often spoken by those in the local landscape industry, sharing coqui related research, alternatives to citric acid as a control method, and continuing to do outreach to other areas of Maui about the risks posed if coqui continue to spread.

Additionally people requested help with green waste removal, training on how to properly use citric acid, and information about what sprayers are most useful for personal use. Six respondents asked for help with neighbors, varying from developing new neighborhood coqui control groups to motivating people who don’t currently control coqui on their properties.

As a result, MISC is developing new online resources, looking into options to support the disposal of green waste created by coqui habitat control work, researching additional options for our equipment loan program, developing new handouts about coqui control, and planning new training options to help get more people involved in the coqui control effort.

Coqui-Free Neighborhood Sign — Community Coqui Control Sign

Thank you again to everyone who responded to the questionnaire! The questionnaire is still accepting responses here. Additionally, please feel free to reach out to the Coqui Community Engagement Coordinator, Susan Frett at skfrett@hawaii.edu or 808-269-2728 with additional feedback or questions.

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