With detections of little fire ants increasing on Windward Oahu, the Hawaii Board of Agriculture Advisory Board approved a temporary rule to restrict the movement of plant materials infested with the insects, which cause extremely painful stings.
The rule restricts the movement of agricultural commodities infested with LFA, including plants, cut flowers, fruit, vegetables, green waste and soil, unless they undergo a treatment plant approved and witnessed by HDOA’s Plant Quarantine Branch.
Violators of the rule will be charged with a misdemeanor and fined between $100 to $10,000. Violators who commit a second offense within five years of a prior conviction will be fined between $500 to $25,000.
The rule will be in place for one year, while HDOA establishes a permanent rule for Oahu, according to a news release.
“The Department of Agriculture is moving forward from past policies to gain more enforcement authority to stop the spread of invasive pests,” said Sharon Hurd, the Hawaii Board of Agriculture Chairperson, in the release. “Our concern is always that the department has enough personnel and resources to adequately and fairly administer potential quarantine actions, such as those allowed by this interim rule.”
Before HDOA can establish similar rules for Kauai and Maui County, HDOA needs to increase staffing for inspection and treatment of LFA-infested plant materials.
Hurd said HDOA is optimistic that more resources will be made available this year to allow the department to eradicate and control invasive pests.
LFA measure about 1/16 of an inch, are a uniform pale orange color, and move slowly. They are easily dislodged when disturbed. LFA sting when they get under clothing, and their stings are painful, resulting in itchy welts that can last for weeks. Animals, like cats and dogs, stung around their eyes may lose their vision.
The tiny insects are native to South America and were first spotted in Hawaii 25 years ago. Since then, LFA have been detected throughout the state. HDOA is working with the Hawaii Ant Lab and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to control the species.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.