Latest news with #ErinBishop
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New technology introduced in fight against invasive species
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new type of technology is being introduced in the long fight against Little Fire Ants (LFA). Lanikai Pillbox Trail to temporarily close for Little Fire Ant treatment May is invasive species awareness month, and the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee has been busy implementing new technology to aid in the fight against LFA eradication with the use of drones. WakeUp2Day's Chris Latronic went live in Kahaluʻu to learn more. He met with Erin Bishop, the Outreach Coordinator for the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee & Timo Sullivan of Aloha Aina Drone Company to witness their current engagement of an LFA infestation area using a heavy-duty aerial drone. The Ka'iwa Ridge Trail, popularly known as the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, was recently closed and was determined that an aerial approach would be the best option to treat the tricky ridge terrain with Aloha 'Āina Drones selected to support the project. Drones are being used to deliver growth-inhibiting treatments to areas that are difficult to access by foot or by traditional methods that would normally take excessive personal time and effort. Check out more news from around Hawaii 'Drone technology is advancing our efforts to move this site from an active infestation to eradication,' said Erin Bishop. 'Drones offer a faster, safer and more cost-effective way to treat large, steep areas.' As of April 2025, there have been over 80 LFA detections on island. Bishop added, 'We're thrilled to move forward with this innovative approach — without it, the threat of LFA spreading into surrounding residential and recreational areas would remain. This marks a major step forward in protecting our communities and environment.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The goal is to move these sites from active infestations to eradication. The project also includes long-term monitoring to ensure that LFA populations do not rebound after treatment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
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. Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens proposes new admission fees 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. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You 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. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news '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. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
