Latest news with #SharonHurd
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
New digital agriculture form pilot program sees success
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The newly launched digital agriculture form for incoming travelers has been a success, with state officials looking to expand on it in the future. 'Akamai Arrival' takes off: Ag declaration form goes digital Launched on March 1, the 'Akamai Arrival' pilot program has ran for three months with increased engagement results. During this time, 74% of travelers who were offered the digital form actually completed it, compared to the old paper form, which averaged about 60% compliance. Officials said that the more people who complete the form, the better the state will be equipped to protect itself against invasive species or other biosecurity threats. The importance of the program is that it takes all of us. All of us have to participate so that we know better how to protect the state from incoming pests. Sharon Hurd, Hawaii Dept. of Ag Chair 'Akamai Arrival' is looking to add a plant and animal arrival form on the digital platform in the near future as well as expand to more flights. The digital form contains the same questions as their paper counterparts, which passengers can fill out on their laptops or mobile devices before their flight lands. 'The digital ag form offers convenience for travelers. It's accessible, pre-departure and pre-arrival,' says Lieutenant Governor Silvia Luke. 'It's available in six languages, making it easier for non-English speakers to comply.' Check out more news from around Hawaii The program is expected to run through the end of the year. For more information, visit the Akamai Arrival website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hawaii County, state, treating palms for coconut rhino beetles in Kona
COURTESY HDOA Workers conduct coconut rhinoceros beetles treatment on palm trees at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. COURTESY HDOA Workers conduct coconut rhinoceros beetles treatment on palm trees at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. Invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles have been detected in the Kona area, including near the airport, according to state officials. Hawaii County and the state Department of Agriculture say since January, they have been collaborating on efforts to combat the beetles, which is a serious pest and killer of palm trees. The beetles damage palms by boring into the crowns to feed on sap. Last week, crews completed the latest round of treatments on palms at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, where one adult beetle was found in a trap in March. More than 100 trees at airport grounds were treated, and there have so far been no further beetles detected there, officials said. They also treated dozens of trees at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii, where two adult beetles were also found in traps in March. 'The staff of the Department of Agriculture remains dedicated to stopping the further spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle, with emphasis in areas that are not known to be infested, ' said Sharon Hurd, Hawaii Board of Agriculture chair, in a news release. 'We truly appreciate the concern and assistance of Mayor Kimo Alameda and the county's public works crew in providing the resources to prevent CRB from taking hold on Hawaii Island. We also appreciate all the various agencies and organizations that work tirelessly in the fight against invasive species.' In January, the team treated trees in the Waikoloa area, where was found last fall in a trap during routine monitoring. There have so far been no further detections in Waikoloa. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. All treated trees have been tagged and surrounded with yellow tape, as coconuts from these trees should not be consumed. The coconut rhinoceros beetle was first detected on Oahu in 2013, and has since been found in many neighborhoods on the island as well as on Kauai, Maui and Hawaii island. Officials ask residents to be vigilant when purchasing mulch, compost and soil products, and to inspect bags for evidence of entry holes. An adult beetle is all black, about 2-inches long, with a single horn on its head. The grubs live in decomposing plant and animal waste. Visit the CRB Response website at to learn more. Residents can also report possible CRB infestation by calling the state's toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378 ). Questions regarding pesticide use may be addressed to HDOA's Pesticides Branch at 808-973-9402. 1 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Venomous 3-ft yellow-bellied sea snake found on Hilo beach
HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) — State officials in Hilo are sounding the alarm after a highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snake was found alive at Honolii Beach. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Crews from Hilo's Plant Quarantine Branch were notified of the snake on Feb. 4 after a resident found it pinned under a log. Lifeguards headed to the beach to collect the three-foot-long snake, which was contained in a five-gallon bucket. Tackling Oahu's invasive coqui frog population No injuries were reported from the incident, but the Hawaii PQB reminds beach and ocean goers that these snakes are extremely dangerous and should not be touched. We want to take this opportunity to inform the public to be wary of any snake-like reptile in or near the ocean. This type of sea snake can be more venomous than a cobra and potentially lethal to humans. Sharon Hurd, Hawaii Board of Agriculture chairperson The public can identify a sea snake from the bright yellow markings on its underside. Hawaiʻi ranks #3 for greatest increased debt across U.S. The Department of Agriculture said these snakes inhabit the Pacific Ocean and it is illegal to import or possess the species in Hawaii. Even though it's their appearances on land in Hawaii are rare, officials said strong winds or currents can cause them to wash up on the shoreline. Check out more news from around Hawaii If you spot a sea snake on shore, call the state's toll-free Pest Hotline at (808) 643-PEST (7378). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hawaii's growing pest crisis, is a stronger plan needed?
PALOLO VALLEY, Hawaii (KHON2) — Coqui frogs, coconut rhinoceros beetles and little fire ants are just some of the invasive species that the Hawaii Department of Agriculture has their hands full with in 2025. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Some even say a biosecurity chief position is needed. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture said working with the community to combat invasive species will be critical in 2025 since $10 million was approved for 2025. '[Ten million dollars] is more money than the Department of Agriculture has ever had dedicated to biosecurity efforts,' said HDOA chair Sharon Hurd. 'We're going to say, 'We have a statewide plan for public property, but for the private properties in the communities, maybe you guys can help us with this funding and decide what you're going to do for coconut rhinoceros beetles.' More than 900 CRB found in Hawaii's first-of-its-kind hunting tournament Coconut rhinoceros beetles are widespread on Oahu and has also been found on Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island. Invasive Species Committees on each county respond to reports, but some legislators hope to cut through red tape by establishing a chief of biosecurity. 'So that it becomes a priority so that someone actually owns the issue and can follow through,' said Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Donovan Dela Cruz. 'We need a much more tight strategic plan that we know can get implemented.' The manager of the Oahu Invasive Species Committee has some concerns about shifting roles, however. His crew just sprayed for coqui frogs on Feb. 7 in Palolo Valley. 'They're proposing to move it from the DLNR right now to the Department of Agriculture,' Nate Dube said. 'So when anything gets past the ports of entry and starts to establish, that's where Oahu Invasive Species Committee is able to come in and work with residents, work in their backyards.' Mulch mishap spurs corrective action in Oahu beetle battle Field specialists said their on-the-ground work would not be possible without the public and they urged folks to send in reports. 'If you see something, say something. So it's always good to call the pest hotline or contact either. HDOA, OISC whoever is involved, you know, just getting it to the right parties and being able to, you know, report a pest. If you see one,' said HDOA Acting Land Vertebrae Specialist Jessica Miura. Dela Cruz said it is time that there is a position that can be held to account for the continuing spread of invasive species since there are so many city, state and community agencies. 'I mean, it's gotten to the point where we have little fire and we have coconut rhinoceros beetle, we have coqui frog, and the list is continuing to grow,' Dela Cruz said. 'We are hoping for the day that farmers and ranchers can wake up and they can say, 'Okay, what do I farm today,' rather than, 'What invasive species do I have to treat for today?'' Hurd said. Check out more news from around Hawaii to create a biosecurity chief passed the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on Feb. 6. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DATA: How much have egg prices gone up?
HONOLULU (KHON2) — How much have egg prices actually gone up? The Department of Agriculture released new data revealing Honolulu retail egg prices between 2021 and December 2021, the price for a dozen locally produced eggs was an average of $6.91. Since then, customers have seen a 28.4% increase, paying $8.87 per carton in 2024. Avian Influenza causing nationwide egg shortage Eggs imported from the mainland have seen a 51.8% increase between 2021 and 2024. In 2021, mainland eggs sold for $5.50 compared to $8.35 in 2024. Between 2023 and 2024, local egg prices saw a 2.7% increase while mainland egg prices rose by 6.2%. Officials said the price increases can be mainly attributed to avian influenza, a disease that has killed millions of chickens nationwide, impacting egg production across the continental U.S. The increase in local production of eggs has been closing the price gap with imported mainland eggs. The avian influenza outbreak on the mainland is another example of why food security in Hawai'i is so important. Supporting local farmers and ranchers helps to ensure our food supply. Sharon Hurd, Hawai'i Board of Agriculture chairperson Hawaii saw its first two detections of HPAI in a backyard flock of birds in Central Oahu. Since then, no other detections have been confirmed. Officials also added that no Hawaii egg production facilities have been involved. Check out more news from around Hawaii The Hawaii Department of Agriculture said they will continue to work with the local poultry industry to avoid HPAI from infecting further animals. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
