An interim rule has been established by the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture to restrict the movement of plants infested with little fire ants. The action comes after more reports of the invasive species of ants in windward O‘ahu.
The new draft of what is known as Chapter 4-72 had been included on an agenda for discussion by the department’s Advisory Committee on Plants and Animals for recommendation to the Board of Agriculture.
On Monday afternoon, the Advisory Committee on Plants and Animals recommended approval of an interim rule that restricts the movement of palm plants; decomposing plant material, such as compost, wood or tree chips; mulch; potting soil; and other landscaping products that may harbor CRB, from infested areas to non-infested areas.
Hawaii Department of Agriculture officials are implementing interim rules to restrict the movement of the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), after declaring the Island of Oahu infested with the pest.