Department of Agriculture

The state Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the University of Hawaiʻi recently signed a memorandum of understanding to handle major pests — namely little fire ants, coconut rhinoceros beetles and coqui frogs.

A “bad actor” accused of giving away plants infested with little fire ants has had its name cleared by the state Department of Agriculture — but that's done little to satisfy concerns that the department isn’t doing enough to stop invasive species. Meanwhile, the business is trying to recover from the hit to its reputation. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

State and federal agencies are preparing for the influx of plant or animal products arriving from different regions for the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture next month. DOA officials are working with festival organizers on possible replacements for invasive plants that can be used during the festival.

Agricultural declaration forms for passengers flying to Hawaiʻi could go digital due to a measure passed in this year's legislative session. State Sen. Glenn Wakai, who introduced the measure, said the paper forms don't really protect the state from invasive species. The state has been using paper forms since 1950. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

This week, state senators held a briefing to get an update on the nurseries that have been knowingly selling plant material infested with little fire ants, one of the most problematic invasive species in Hawaiʻi.

It’s the end of the state’s legislative session, and lawmakers have made it clear that invasive species are a top priority. The state Department of Agriculture is receiving substantial support for its invasive species programs and staff.

A measure to allocate nearly $20 million during the next fiscal year to the state Department of Agriculture for biosecurity measures is being described by some as a "landmark" bill. Nearly $3.2 million would fund 44 new department positions to support biosecurity.

Some important invasive species bills are close to making it through this legislative session. It’s clear that prevention of invasive species is a focus for state lawmakers this year.

Last week the Senate Committee on Ways and Means allocated the funding in House Bill 2619. That money would go toward more than 100 new and existing DOA positions related to the state’s management of invasive species.

Four months after live coconut rhinoceros beetles were found in Kīhei, the state Department of Agriculture says no other evidence of the invasive pest has been found.