Lanikai Pillbox Trail to temporarily close for Little Fire Ant treatment
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The popular Ka'iwa Ridge Trail, better known as the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, will be closed from 6 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, as crews carry out the first round of treatment to combat Little Fire Ants (LFA) in the area.
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Although the invasive ants haven't been found directly on the trail, recent surveys detected them on the eastern slope of the ridge. Several state and local agencies — including the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC), and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture — are teaming up to tackle the issue before it spreads.
To reach the steep terrain, the team is using drones provided by Aloha ʻĀina Drones to apply the treatment from the air.
'Drone technology is advancing our efforts to move this site from an active infestation to eradication,' said Erin Bishop, outreach coordinator for OISC. 'It's a faster, safer, and more cost-effective way to cover these large, rugged areas.'
Trail stewards from DOFAW's Nā Ala Hele program will be stationed at the entrance to inform hikers and encourage them to return after the trail reopens at 10 a.m.
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This is just the first in a series of eight scheduled treatments planned over the next nine months. Each treatment will involve a short morning closure. Backup dates are scheduled in case of weather delays. Future closures are set for:
June 18 (backup: June 20)
July 30 (backup: Aug. 1)
Sept. 10 (backup: Sept. 12)
Oct. 22 (backup: Oct. 24)
Dec. 3 (backup: Dec. 5)
Jan. 14, 2026 (backup: Jan. 16)
Feb. 25, 2026 (backup: Feb. 27)
As of April, more than 80 Little Fire Ant infestations have been identified across Oahu. Crews have already successfully treated outbreaks in communities like Mililani-Mauka, Kāneʻohe, Kailua, and Mānoa, thanks to a coordinated effort between public agencies and nonprofits such as Hui o Ko'olaupoko and the KEY Project.
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'We're thrilled to move forward with this innovative approach with the support of DOFAW,' Bishop said. 'Without it, the threat of LFA spreading into nearby neighborhoods and recreational areas would remain. This is a big step forward in protecting our communities and natural environment.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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