Agriculture and Food Systems

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The Agriculture Program provides facilitative leadership to both the public and private sectors to support the sustainable development of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and other natural resources. Activities include financial support and coordination of agricultural research, education, and marketing programs; data collection, compilation and dissemination to County policymakers and other interested parties; management of collaborative research and development projects; advocacy for local farmers and commodity groups at State and Federal levels.

Emergency Food Resources

Mahalo to the Hawaiʻi Island Food Alliance for compiling these resources.

STATE OF HAWAIʻI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Benefit. Governor Green’s Executive Order provides a one-time credit of $250 per person for current SNAP beneficiaries, regardless of their current benefit level. The benefit is expected to be put on beneficiaries’ EBT card by mid-November.

INFORMATION ABOUT IMPACTS ON SNAP BENEFITS AMID THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN. The Hawai’i Department of Human Services (DHS) continues to closely monitor the federal shutdown and its impact on SNAP, and provides updates on their website, including a helpful list of Frequently Asked Questions.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAWAIʻI

Hawaiʻi Relief Program. The Hawaiʻi Relief Program will provide up to four months of TANF support for housing and utility payments for eligible families (households with dependent children under 18 or someone in their third trimester of pregnancy) experiencing financial hardship. Individuals do not need to be on SNAP to apply for the Hawaiʻi Relief Program. Applications are now open. Learn more and apply HERE

VIBRANT HAWAIʻI

Aloha in Action - Register Today. Through Aloha In Action, Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s island wide emergency response effort, 12 community food distribution sites are being activated to ensure residents continue to have access to essential food resources. Registration for the distributions are open. This project prioritizes households whose SNAP benefits have been paused and federal employees impacted by the government shutdown. Proof of eligibility is required.

THE FOOD BASKET

ʻOhana Drops. The Food Basket ‘Ohana Drops will take place around the island throughout November. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Federal Workers. The Food Basket (TFB) has food resources available for federal employees in need of food assistance. TFB Kona and Hilo warehouses are holding food distributions for federal employees who are working as well as those who are furloughed. Please show your federal ID.

Hilo Warehouse, Monday - Friday 8:00 - 3:30
Kona Warehouse, Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Find Food Now. Island-wide Resource of Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens, and Emergency Food Distributions.

Bus Routes to Pantry Locations. Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit Agency created a directory of bus routes to The Food Basket partner agencies Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen locations.

Kōkua Harvest. Join a harvest, invite Kōkua Harvest to glean the abundance from your trees or harvest yourself and donate fresh produce at The Food Basket Hilo and Kona warehouse locations.

HAWAIʻI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

School Meals. The Hawaiʻi Department of Education is urging families impacted by recent economic changes to apply for free or reduced-price school meals.

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS

OHA Emergency Relief Funds. Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) has approved a $6.1 Million for emergency relief to protect Native Hawaiian families amid the federal shutdown. More details will be announced in early November.

HAWAIʻI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program announces that WIC clinics across the state will remain open and fully operational, providing essential nutrition services and food benefits to qualifying families. All scheduled appointments, nutrition education and benefit issuance services are proceeding as normal.

HAWAIʻI STATE SENATE

Senate Health and Human Services Briefing. The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on October 28 regarding the impact of the current Federal Government Shutdown on SNAP in Hawai’i as well as the WIC program and impacts to Hawaiʻi Foodbank.

Hawaiʻi County, Food Basket Announce Grant Program to Strengthen Food Security

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development, in collaboration with The Food Basket, is launching a $500,000 grant program to support projects that strengthen community food security and economic resilience across Hawai‘i Island.

The initiative, part of the County’s Improving Community Food Security Program, will provide funding to nonprofits and fiscally sponsored households to expand food storage and distribution capacity, purchase essential equipment, and enhance programs that directly support long-term food security.

“This program represents our commitment to investing in Hawaiʻi Island’s food security and resilience,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “By supporting community-based solutions, we can build more resilient food systems that serves everyone.”

Funding originates from the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), a federal program designed to address the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

A total of $50,000 will be allocated to each of Hawai‘i Island’s nine districts – North Kohala, South Kohala, Hāmākua, North Hilo, South Hilo, Puna, Ka‘ū, North Kona, and South Kona – with an additional $50,000 available in a general pool for high-scoring applicants countywide. Grants will be awarded up to $25,000 per organization, with additional funds available for collaborative partnerships.

Priority will be given to projects that increase cold, dry, or freezer storage, as well as equipment and supplies that expand the capacity and resilience of existing food security programs and services.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. Grant funds will be distributed by Dec. 1, 2025, and must be spent by June 30, 2026.

To apply, visit: www.hawaiifoodbasket.org/foodsecurityproject.

“The Food Basket is honored to collaborate with the County of Hawaiʻi to increase local food production,” said Kristin Frost Albrecht, The Food Basket Executive Director. “Funding for projects that strengthen the local food system, promote agricultural innovation and improve economic resilience, helps us to further our steadfast mission of ending hunger on Hawaiʻi Island.”

This program is in addition to the $710,000 granted in June through the Mālama Da Farmer program to 32 local producers who demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture and expanding food production.

For more information about eligibility and application requirements, please contact:

Audrey Metzman, The Food Basket Community Food Security Project Coordinator at

audrey@hawaiifoodbasket.org or 808-933-6030.

Voluntary Compliance Order Issued for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Host Materials

Hawaiʻi County, HDOA Ask Residents to Help Stop the Spread

Click here to read and download Frequently Asked Questions

The County of Hawaiʻi, in coordination with the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA), is issuing a three-month voluntary compliance order for parts of West Hawaiʻi to stop the movement of host materials for the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB).

The voluntary order is effective July 1 through Sept. 30 and applies to an area where CRB detections have occurred in the last six months. Borders of the compliance area include Waikoloa Road, Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 190) from Waikoloa Road to Palani Road in Kailua-Kona, and along the coastline from Palani Road to Waikoloa Road.

“The coconut rhinoceros beetle poses a serious threat to our island’s agriculture, and we are asking for your kōkua to stop the spread before it gets out of hand,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Early intervention and cooperation are key to preventing long-term damage and protecting our island from this destructive invasive species.”

To stop the spread of CRB, residents and business operators in this area are asked not to transport CRB host materials that include:

Decomposing plant material such as compost, wood or tree chips, and mulch.
Plant propagation material.
Other items, such as landscaping material, that are comprised of decomposing organic plant material.
All live palm plants in the genera Cocos (Coconut palm), Livistona (Fountain palm or Chinese fan palm), Phoenix (Date palm, Canary Island date palm), Pritchardia (Loulu), Roystonea (Royal palm), and Washingtonia (California fan palm, Mexican fan palm) — except unsprouted seeds of these palms.

Residents and business operators within the compliance area who need to get rid of green waste should take the material to proper disposal sites located at the West Hawaiʻi Organics Facility at 71-1111 Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway and Kealakehe Transfer Station at 74-598 Hale Makai Place. These facilities, located within the compliance area, heat compost piles to at least 131 degrees to kill CRB larvae.

Host materials, such as decomposing plant material, can contain CRB eggs, larvae, and adults. Moving such infested materials outside the compliance area could unintentionally spread CRB far beyond its current range, complicating eradication efforts and hindering control measures.

CRB primarily targets coconut and other palm species. However, it will feed on other important crops such as ʻulu, banana and kalo when the palm food sources are eliminated.

The voluntary compliance order is a precursor to a mandatory compliance structure that is being prepared by the HDOA.

"Controlling the movement of green waste to stop the spread of CRB is a call-to-action that all of us can do to protect Hawaiʻi Island," said Sharon Hurd, Chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture.

Best Management Practices for CRB Host Materials

Residents can take the following steps to minimize the risk of spreading CRB:

Inspect and Report

Inspect CRB host materials at least every 4 months, especially finished compost and nearby host palms, for signs of CRB or damage.
Examine incoming CRB host materials before accepting them to ensure they are not infested with CRB.
Collect any suspected CRB and report findings or visible CRB damage to HDOA at 808-643-PEST (7378) or the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) at 808-933-3340. Reports can also be made online at 643pest.org.
If you cannot inspect CRB host materials yourself, contact BIISC, CRB Response (808-679-5244), or HDOA for assistance.

Properly Manage Materials

Chip incoming CRB host materials within 48 hours.
Properly compost CRB host materials by heating piles to at least 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
Monitor finished materials at least every 4 months (visual during turnover). Once compost cools to around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be infested and is a good breeding material for CRB.
Do not stockpile or keep a mound of CRB host material. Routinely distribute around plants or thinly spread up to 4 inches in depth to enable it to dry completely.

Prevent the Spread

Utilize or process CRB host materials that are already on-site for end use, eliminating the need to move potentially infested materials.
Safeguard CRB host materials that have been properly composted or treated in completely sealed containers that prevent CRB entry. Containers made of metal, concrete or glass are acceptable. CRB can chew through many plastics.
Ensure CRB host materials are still at acceptable temperatures or are subjected to effective treatment before being transported off site.
Profume, a restricted use pesticide, is one option for treating certain CRB host materials, such as compost. Call HDOA for additional information about the use of this chemical.
If you receive CRB host materials, ensure it comes from a reputable source that follows CRB Best Management Practices. Ask suppliers to provide documentation of their CRB prevention efforts.

For questions about moving CRB host materials, please contact Glenn Sako, County Economic Development Specialist, at 808-961-8811.

Click to read news story.

HAWAI’I STATEWIDE COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

Click image to download plan.

This plan is a strategic resource designed to enhance understanding of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) identification, its impacts, and the management practices necessary to protect our islands.

Announcements

Agricultural Theft and Tresspass Reporting Form

Theft of agricultural crops, livestock, equipment, chemicals, fertilizers, materials and supplies severely impacts the livelihood of the local producers we depend on to provide jobs and food for our County. Unfortunately, the incidences of trespassing and theft are under-reported. This lack of statistical data reduces the legislative urgency for financial support to increase staffing and investment in anti-theft equipment that the police need to curb these invisible criminal activities.

The Department of Research and Development, in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Police Department and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, has produced a fillable form that a victim of agricultural theft/trespass can prepare and leave for the responding officer.

Recording of the April 8, 2024, Pre-Proposal Conference

https://www.zoomgov.com/rec/share/6-e_wciieSD5YEtX9F7C33u-bknxf0-no2rKnijCgb0n534TNk8IBkxeSFPNFLFT.skb4SJxNC9-4l1v8?startTime=1712602857000

On April 3^rd, the County of Hawai’i posted the following RFPs for Food Security and Agriculture Initiatives.

THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY:

ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH PUBLIC PURCHASE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

County of Hawaiʻi

State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
FOOD SECURITY AND AGRICULTURAL INITIATIVES PROGRAMS

RFP No. 4573

To Apply

Potential Applicants MUST register with Public Purchase.

Applications MUST be download and submitted on Public Purchase.

The Hawai’i County Department of Research and Development (County) is requesting proposals from qualified applicants to support the recovery from the COVID-19 impacts and foster increased economic resilience among small agricultural and value-added producers and increase food security among residents. Applicants must demonstrate that they can meet all the RFP requirements and complete all activities within the contract period.

This RFP includes six (6) critical needs related to food security, agriculture, and food systems within the County. The County is seeking proposals for the following critical needs initiatives/categories:

Improving Community Food Security (1 subrecipient/contractor)
Goal: Increase food security on Hawaiʻi Island through identifying and investing in community-level strategies.
Regional Agriculture and Food Systems Plan (1 subrecipient/contractor) Goal: Identify existing and proposed strategies that strengthen local agriculture and food systems, enable economic resilience, and foster cultural traditions, while addressing the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaiʻi County.
Certified Kitchens Infrastructure (Multiple grants)
Goal: Increase the economic viability and availability of commercial kitchens to residents, agricultural producers, value-added producers, and food-related businesses.
Certified Kitchens Cohort Technical Assistance (1 subrecipient/contractor)
Goal: Increase the availability and economic viability of commercial kitchens through comprehensive technical assistance, ensuring their sustained availability for community use.
Soil Amendment Development Program (Multiple grants)
Goal: Increase the availability of high-quality soil amendments for producers that support the diversion of organic waste from the landfill.
Local Food Producer Expansion Grant Program (1 or multiple subrecipient/contractors) Goal: Increase local food production by supporting small to medium producers to scale.

Submission of Questions

Applicants shall submit all questions via Public Purchase. All questions will receive a response through the Public Purchase platform.

Pre-Proposal Conference

A virtual pre-proposal conference will be scheduled for April 8, 2024, at 9:00 am – 11:00 am HST. Prospective applicants are not required but are strongly encouraged to attend. This pre-proposal conference provides an opportunity for interested entities to submit questions regarding the requirements set forth in this RFP. In order to make the meeting more effective for all participants, attendees should read this RFP thoroughly prior to the meeting. Please note that not all items or questions brought up during the conference will necessarily be released in an addendum. Substantial clarifications or changes required as a result of the meeting will be issued in the form of a posted addendum to the RFP on the Public Purchase website.

Zoom Meeting

Join on your computer or mobile app:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1606115963?pwd=NHdPSFJOZFpsR3RiRDI5eHpCNGEwQT09

Or call in (audio only):
+1 669 254 5252 US

Meeting ID: 160 611 5963
Passcode: 176617

COUNTY ANNOUNCES 2022 BLOOMBERG AMERICAN HEALTH INITIATIVE FELLOW

Sarah Freeman

Hawaiʻi County announces that Sarah Freeman, a Food Systems Specialist with the Department of Research and Development, has been accepted into the 2022 Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Freeman is one of fifty people awarded a full scholarship as a Bloomberg Fellow to pursue a Master of Public Health. The Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellowship aims to create experts to combat the nation's five most critical health challenges: addiction and overdose, adolescent health, environmental challenges, obesity and the food system, and violence.

Freeman has a Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Resource Studies from UC Berkeley, concentrating on urban agriculture, conflict resolution, and city repair. As a Food System Specialist, she focuses on improving Hawaiʻi's food systems by working with government and community-initiated projects to foster a sustainable and thriving Hawaiʻi Island. "We are proud to support Sarah through this incredible opportunity in hopes that she will return home with added skillsets to better serve our community," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Her excellent work for the County as a collaborative organizer in food systems made her the perfect candidate for the Bloomberg Fellowship. We look forward to her return and wish her the best throughout her fellowship. Food security is a key component of a sustainable community, and we will remain committed to bolstering production islandwide."

Of the five crucial health challenges facing the nation, Freeman will be focusing on the obesity and food system challenges throughout her Master's program. Freeman will continue to be supported by the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development through her studies and will continue to help the community after she receives her degree. In addition, the skills and tools she will gain from her Master of Public Health and focus on obesity and the food system will aid her continued work as a Food System Specialist for the County of Hawaiʻi.

Interim Rule Restricts Movement of Coffee from Maui and Hawaiʻi Island

Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) has infested Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. The Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture Chairperson has issued an interim rule restricting the movement of coffee and other CLR carriers from Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. The interim rules goes into effect on Friday, November 20, 2020. Please see the attached news release for more information. For additional detail about the restrictions, the interim rule may be found at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Final-Interim-Rule-20-1-Nov.20.2020.pdf

Hawaii to Receive $1.9 Million for Small-Scale Agriculture

Posted on October 21, 2020

HONOLULU – The State of Hawai`i has been awarded $1.9 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the quality and quantity of locally grown foods in food-insecure communities that import a significant amount of food. The funds will provide grants to qualifying communities over a three-year period.

“This grant program will help support small-scale farming, ranching and agricultural operations so farmers can increase food production in their communities,” said Gov. Ige. “If we can boost food production in more remote areas where there is a greater need, Hawai`i agriculture and entire communities will be strengthened.”

The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) applied for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program in August 2020 and was awarded a total of $1,938,556.80. The award was announced yesterday. The grant program is not connected to the CARES Act and was established under the 2018 Farm Bill to provide support for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations to help produce food in areas that are food insecure.

In applying for the USDA grant, HDOA used data from the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to demonstrate the need in each county. The total grant amount will be distributed accordingly, to each county. The total amount allocated to Hawaii County is estimated at $419,115.98.

Those eligible for the grants include Hawai`i-based individuals and organizations, commodity associations, agricultural cooperatives, producer groups, and other non-profit organizations related to agriculture.

Individuals (farmers, ranchers, producers, home gardeners, hunters) may apply for a maximum $5,000 per year for a maximum three years.
Organizations – Maximum $10,000 per year for a maximum of three years and must provide a 10 percent cash match.

A statewide Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued in early November 2020 and posted on the Hawai‘i State Procurement website. A panel in each county will be appointed to review and approve eligible proposals.

Examples of the types of activities that may be funded under this grant include:

Small-Scale Gardening – purchase tools or equipment, soil, seeds, plants, canning equipment, refrigeration, composting equipment, towers, hydroponic and aeroponic farming.
Small-Scale Herding and Livestock Operations – purchase animals, buy, erect or repair fencing for livestock, activities or supplies associated with setting up or equipping a slaughter and processing facility, including purchasing mobile slaughterhouses.
Expanding Access to Food and Knowledge of Food Security – create or expand avenues for the sale of food commodities – includes paying for shipping of purchased items related to growing or raising food for local consumption.

HDOA’s Market Development Branch will be scheduling webinars in the near future to guide interested parties through the application process. The webinar schedule will be posted at: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/md/

Commercial Use of Native Hawaiian Plants

College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension has published a new publication on commercial use of native plants. The publication covers laws and requirements for the propagation and sale of threatened and endangered Hawaiian Plant Species. To view the publication, go to College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources website.

Animal Disease Control

African Swine Fever
African Swine Fever (ASF) is caused by a virus that is not present in Hawaiʻi or North America. The ASF can cause death losses in pigs as high as 100%. Originating in Africa in the 1920s the ASF has spread to Europe, Asia, Brazil, and the Caribbean and recently has rapidly spread to and through China, Vietnam, Korea and the Philippines. The virus that causes ASF is very hardy and can remain viable in carrier pigs, pork products, pig carcasses, contaminated feed products, vehicles, equipment, foot wear and clothing that become contaminated. China's National Bureau of Statistics reported at least 129 outbreaks, and has estimated about one million exposed animals have been exterminated. The interruption in production has reduced the China's overall hog population by 40 million. Symptoms in animals include high fever, weakness, skin lesions, diarrhea, vomiting and difficulty breathing. Death can occur within a week of infection. ASF does not infect or cause disease in humans.

Information for Producers

Agricultural Theft and Trespass Reporting Form

2021 AgriBusiness Guidebook

Starting an Agri-Tourism Operation - Are you interested in starting or enhancing your agri-tourism business? The Hawaii AgriBusiness Guidebook: Starting an Agri-Tourism Operation can help you get started! The guidebook was designed to provide aspiring agri-tourism businesses an overview of essential training information, as well as share helpful tips for farmers.

USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

NOAA Fisheries

Guide to Federal Aquaculture Grant Services

Drought-stricken farmers and ranchers have more time to replace livestock

Hawai‘i County farmers and ranchers who were forced to sell livestock due to drought may have an additional year to replace the livestock and defer tax on any gains from the forced sales, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

The relief generally applies to capital gains realized by eligible farmers and ranchers on sales of livestock held for draft, dairy or breeding purposes. Sales of other livestock, such as those raised for slaughter or held for sporting purposes, or poultry, are not eligible.

To qualify, the sales must be solely due to drought, flooding or other severe weather causing the region to be designated as eligible for federal assistance. Livestock generally must be replaced within a four-year period, instead of the usual two-year period. The IRS is also authorized to further extend this replacement period if the drought continues.

The one-year extension, announced in the notice, gives eligible farmers and ranchers until the end of the tax year after the first drought-free year to replace the sold livestock. Details, including an example of how this provision works, can be found in Notice 2006-82 PDF, available on IRS.gov.

More information on reporting drought sales and other farm-related tax issues can be found in Publication 225, Farmer's Tax Guide, available on IRS.gov.

Hawaii County producers should work with their tax advisers to determine their appropriate course of action.

Young Brothers 2020 Rate Increase

On August 17, 2020 the Public Utilities Commission approved a temporary, across-the-board rate increase of approximately 46%. The Refrigerated Loose Cargo Cost Comparison with Island Product Discount outlines the change in prices to ship refrigerated loose boxes of locally grown agricultural product that qualify for Young Brothers' 30% Island Agricultural Discount.

Ag Theft

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture advises, “Proof of ownership is the first step in establishing a paper trail to help deter agricultural theft.” Please review and utilize the following documents to protect your business, reduce the market for stolen items and to support Hawaiʻi’s agriculture.

Information and Opportunities

County of Hawaiʻi Agricultural Use Dedication Information

CTAHR Farm Food Safety: Good Agricultural Practices
USDA Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches, and Communities - A Guide to Federa lPrograms for Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Entrepreneurship, Conservation, Food Systems, and Community Development

USDA Small Farm Funding Resources

Hawaiʻi Island Food Producers Fund: a peer-to-peer online lending program for Hawaiʻi Island farmers and Hawai‘i Island food processors utilizing at least one Hawaiʻi Island-grown ingredient. This microloan program established by The Kohala Center uses the Kiva Zip platform. For more information please visit The Kohala Center’s Kiva Zip Loan website

Farmer Training

GoFarm Hawaiʻi Farmer Training

GoFarm Hawaiʻi offers hands-on farmer training in Alae, Hawaiʻi. The program covers all of the listed topics along with business classes such as Production Planning, Cost of Production, Cash Flow, and Marketing (it is no longer a series of workshops but a full 8 month program):

Soil nutrients and plant health management
Propagation
Variety selection
Farm equipment
Irrigation
Pest control (pathogens, insects, nematodes, and weeds)
Post-harvest storage and handling
Food safety

For more information, contact info@gofarmhawaii.org, call (808) 956-3530 or visit gofarmhawaii.org.

Pest Information

Ant Management Clinic

Hawaiʻi Ant Lab works with residents, agriculture, the green industry and plant nurseries to provide solutions for the many impacts caused by invasive ants. For more information, please visit Hawaiʻi Ant Lab's website or call (808) 315-5656 East Hawaiʻi or (808) 209-9014 West Hawaiʻi.

Fact Sheet Booklet for Little Fire Ant (LFA)

Rat Lungworm Disease

Rat lungworm is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It’s caused by a parasitic nematode that only found in rodents. Rodents pass the larvae on in their feces, and other animals (including slugs or snails) can become infected. For more information, see the following website.

State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture Rat Lungworm Disease Information
State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Health Disease Outbreak Control Division
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Rat Lungworm Information
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Rat Lungworm Video

Be Vigilant! Avocado Lace Bug

A new pest of avocado has been identified on Oahu, Hawaiʻi. Pseudacysta perseae (Hemiptera: Tingidae), avocado lace bug was recently recorded by the State after being first detected in Pearl City in December 2019. It has also been found in the Waialua Area. See the quick facts and field survey photos.

Symptoms and Damage to look for:

Yellow blotching and chlorosis, scorching on leaves.
Early leaf drop.
Undersides of leaves with black feces and eggs.
Adults and nymphs on the undersides of leaves.

Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus Fact Sheet

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is a virus of the tomatoes and peppers. The virus is easily spread when infected material makes contact with equipment, people, and other host plants. Symptoms are similar to those caused by other tobamoviruses including Tobacco mosaic virus and Tomato mosaic virus. On pepper, it causes bubbling and mosaic patterns on leaves, while on tomato foliage it causes mosaic patterns and a "fern leaf" symptom. Infected fruits of both hosts are smaller, discolored, and may have rough, dead patches on the surface. To see photos and for more information, please attached fact sheet.

Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) Pesticide Subsidy Program

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) established the CBB Pesticide Subsidy Program to assist Hawaiʻi coffee farmers with the cost of pesticides containing the fungus known to control CBB. Applications are accepted until 6/30/2021 for purchases made from 7/1/2019 through 6/30/2020. Reimbursement is available for up to 50% of out-of-pocket costs for Beauveria bassiana products and depending on number of applicants and available funds, up to a maximum of $600 per acre and $6,000 per farm. Any applications received or postmarked after 6/30/2021 will not be eligible for reimbursement. To apply and for more information, please see the following website.

State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture CBB Pesticide Subsidy Program
State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture Coffee Berry Borer Information

Little Fire Ant Management Clinics

Each month Hawaiʻi Ant Lab conducts a full-day clinic for residents and other interested persons. This workshop covers ant management basics from theory to practice and includes sessions on pesticides safety, mixing and using gel baits. Space is limited to twenty (20) participants each workshop. For more information and to register, go to Hawaiʻi Ant Lab

Big Island Invasive Species Committee Little Fire Ant Community Support Program

The Big Island Invasive Species Committee Little Fire Ant community support program is intended to help community members work together to address the impacts of the little fire ants on our island. To join or for more information, please visit Big Island Invasive Species Committee website.

Kohala Coqui Coalition

Help Keep Kohala Coqui Free! The Kohala residents has banded together to eradicate the coqui from their community. Please kōkua and see how to rid the coqui from around your house from the attached video.

Bagrada Hilaris

Pest Advisory from the Department of Agriculture Bagrada hilaris

Reports and Publications

Roots Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Guide for Hawaii Growers: This guide is a part of the Hawai’i Roots Food Safety Outreach Project. The Roots Program is the food arm of Kokua Kalihi Valley, a community health center that serves residents of Kalihi Valley.
Hawaii Food Systems, Hawaii Department of Agriculture: The Hawaii Food System Metrics project is intended to help improve local food production via data-driven policy changes and business analytics for farmers and others in the supply chain.
Food Insecurity in Hawaiʻi Using a Population-Based Sample: Data Brief, a June 2020 study by the University of Hawaiʻi Office of Public Health Studies, funded by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health.
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) 2019 Hawaiʻi Farm Technology Use Report
UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) By-Product used as Animal Feed
- Publication LM-34

County of Hawaiʻi Agriculture Development Plan
Hawaiʻi County Food Self Sufficiency Baseline Study 2012
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture’s Top 10 Import Reports
Hawaiʻi Floriculture and Nursery Products Annual Summary
USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture
- USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture - Hawaiʻi County Profile
- USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture - Volume 1. Chapter 2: County Level Data
- USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture - County Summary Highlights
- USDA 2012 Census of Agriculture - Census of Aquaculture (2013)
- USDA 2012 Census of Agriculture - Census of Horticultural Specialties (2014)
- USDA 2012 Census of Agriculture - Certified Organic Survey (2016)
- Certified Organic Survey - State of Hawaiʻi Survey

Hawaii County, HI Research & Development

Contact