HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0261.007 2000-2002 1 r~
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it s a smail iight ~ti~roavn- to dark-caiored firog measuring:
yap to ~-inches Zti~ith variaaie patterns ~nciuding a fight:
sxripe c^w^ ;ham ~t4~~ie of itS bac~. dative to Puerto
Rico, t~~ re:~ain i~Tc,~en wring ~ne clay and
immerge into: fnv ¢rees ai night calling ~o~kee to
attract ierr%~ies. C'emaies ia~~ i%s eggs among leaf litter,
~nich ~~at:;i~ ,~tc~ iuveniie frogs wireks; there is
no taa;~oie stage...
Ti,e coating caE the n~aie coe~~t is simiiar to a two-
~,ote ~~r~}-nice c~sir~ or wt~vistl~:, wh€th starts at dusk-and
:nay cocetir;ue ~:t;roughou~-The night.
the Nawa> 'eaartment Agriculture needs .your
coo~err tion F~ Qt~ing co~u~ your r4aigl~horhood.
you sear ~ ^:r~~sike call or ~~~~histle during ~~ening
hours< ~?nd ti'A c~~~~Uj by using a fashiig~-3 to iacate the
traC, ~gture ~~~~iund (the cog~~; is non-toxic; ~r :use a
ar witk~~ iia to c^r~tain the anima€;. #~o nit transport the-
: co~tai t, ors the urea. jai' the I~e~artmen, s i
; mmvai~fely at:
.
,s
Comrn. No.
File No.
Ref. ~'o:~~
Ref. Date S~~ ~ 6 1 .t)
Why should enre be concerned over the coqui?
There are no natural enemies to control the coqui in Hawaii.
Populations may exceed 10,000 frogs per acre, which
consumes over 50,000 insects each night. As such, the
coqui may likely compete with Hawaii's native birds that
eat insects and also endanger native insect populations.
The shrieking courtship noise has been a major nuisance
to many Hawaii residents and visitors, who are not able to
sleep due to the noise level. At a distance of one foot, the
loud, piercing calls (90-100 decibels) are comparable to
the noise produced by a lawn mower, table saw, or
helicopter.
How has the coqui spread in Hawaii?
Since the coqui remains hidden during the day, the
movement of household potted plants has been associated
with its spread. There have also been a few reports that
coqui frogs have been purposely released in certain areas.
What are the consequences if caught with the
coqui?
Any person or organization who intentionally transports,
harbors or imports with the intent to propagate, sell, or release
the coqui is in violation of State law and may be charged with a
class C felony and subject to a minimum fine of $50,000,
and maximum fine of $200,000, plus 3 years in jail.
Please report any coqui sightings or information on
individuals that may be spreading this pest..,.
I~
For more information via the Internet, go to
www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa!
Plant Industry division
Hawaii department of Agriculture
1428 S. Ming Street
Honolulu, Hav~eaii 96814
~e~artment _ ~ ~ a
of~ricultur~ ! ~ ,11'~ ~ ~ ~
/I ST/~TE OF HAWAII
~®qui F`r®~ Action Plan
I~ledia/~®mrnunity outreach Plan
Printed Materials
A) Rack Cards - 3 314" x ~-112°` (four color front/blw back)
50,000
a. easy size to handle for garden shops. existing racks.
b. People are more likely to pick up and actually read if
simple and .short.
c. Cost effective.
d. Can fit in a legal size envelope for mailing.
Distribution:
• Community Meetings/Public events/schools
• Gardenlpet sh®ps, nurseries, industry organizations
• Nature Conservancy/environmental groups
• Involved agencies/invasive species Committees
Matching Posters (11x 14) - 5,000
Distribution:
• Post in Garden shops, flower shops
• Post in stores, shops, businesses, schools, etc.
• Posters can be red-used down to flyer size if needed.
Media blitz (Radio, Newspapers,l°V, Websites)
timeline
a. ®ctober -November (two months)
b. January -March (three months)
IVledia Elitz -target audience are homeowners, businesses
a. radi®-effective, cheaper than newspaper ads
i. Neighbor Island radio
1. dig Island:
1°C~I(~II~CHLO AAII (I~il®~ Kona)
KPIJ~ - ll~ynah Bird Show (IUlelvin ~Uledeiros)
2. 1141aui Nadi®:
l°CN~I andior KP~A
3. Kauai radio
K®N(a
ii. ®ahu - KSSK - 2 month radi® campaign
KSSK is excited about the possibility of participating in this
campaign, especiai9y using Perry and Price. Offering matching
number of PSAs, Fianohano Room, etc. KSSK demographics
capture the target group of homeowners.
b. television News -FREE
i. I~lornin~ News Shows
ii. Evening iVews shows -generate new angles on
coqui.
c. Newspaper - l~ia~ be too expensive t® do ads in daily
newspapers. Suggest- IVIdVl/eek only for more -bang for
the buck.
i. dailies -generate news stories wlreporters- FREE.
Hit garden columns, environmental reporters.
if news on coqui slows, then consider eds.
ii. Community gapers - Ka Nupepa, etc. - FLEE
iii. Midweek -target homeowner -goes to everyone,
multiple readers, stays in the home for one week.
(20,000 homes)
iv. ®ther Publications -generate FREE news.
1. Community Newsletters -Community
Associations
Industry/Trade magazines & newsletters -
I-lawaii Landscape, Hawaii Agriculture, Farm
bureau
3. Eusiness -Hawaii business, PAN, etc.
a. Public Access Programs -Free
a. ~lelo - PSAs
b. Cig Island cable
c. Akaku -Maui cable
d. Kauai cable
* Some county mayors have scheduled ~rveekly programs to
talk about county issues.
C} Media went -Kick ®ff Campaign
a. Creating a Media Event.
Possible venues -shopping center, Tamarind Park
(lunchhour)
b. ®isplay coquis
c. ®istribute educational material
d. Answer questions from the public
e. Coqui hunt at night will give new story for late news.
f. Kick-off should include all state and federal agencies
involved.
D) Community Meetings
a. lJtilize existing meetings within communities to brief
leaders. Lions, Comrnu-pity ~ business associations
b. ~stabiish Speakers bureau
Qther Community Invents
a. Look for opportunities at fairs, community events,
shopping center promotional events.
Hotline Number -Important to evaluate community outreach
e4) HD®A i~'est Hotline - 536-i~Sl~ (7373)
Neighbor islands use toil-free numbers:
dig island - 974-4000 ext. fi737fi
Maui - 9-2400- ext. 67376
Kauai - 274-3141 ext. 67376
Molokai ~ Lanai -1-600-4fi6-4644 ext. 6737
~ ierog Incident Report Form under development to
standardize information collected.
Sponsorships/p'rivate I~artnerships -Consider partnerships with
private industrylenvironmental organizations:
Home Cepot, ~dVaiMart, Loaves, Nature Conservancy, Sierra
Clubs
C) Many retailers have routine newspaper ads that we could
encourage them to include informational material on coqui.
Good neighbor promotions.
C) lJtilities, banks could also include info on coqui in their
newsletters and bilistuffers.
Cost ~stirrrates fora 6 - ~ week campaign:
back Cards - 50,000 $ 2,000
Posters - 5,000 $ 1,250
Radio e4ds ($10,000 Maui, Kauai & BI/$10,000 Oahu) $ 20,000
optional
Maui/dig Island/Kauai print ads (expensive due to color) $ 10,000
Midweek e4d 4 runs (color) 9 000
T'~TA~ $ 42,250
For reference:
estimate for rack cards:
10,000.....$1,099.00
25,000.....$1,32.00
50,000.....$1,919.00*
* suggested run
estimates for posters:
5,000 $1,240*
10,000 $1,503
15,000 $1,771
* suggested run
O~ ti~__
Jb i
JAMES J. NAKATANI
BENJAMIN J. CAYETANO ~~t ~ '
~ Cna rDe~c _
Governor - _
is Ic z
'sj,`. LETITIA N. UYEHARA
State of Hawaii n~a"'^~ a°''e"
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE o ~ ~
1428 South King Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814-2512 Gax ~eos~~~_-y~,;
June 12, 2001 '
Proposed
Pian for Controlling the Spread of Caribbean Tree Frogs
Caribbean tree frogs have infested the Big Island and Maui and have been detected on
Oahu and Kauai. This plan is intended to develop measures to stop the spread of the
Caribbean tree frogs and to begin a control program.
OEJECTIVE: To develop effective controls for the Caribbean frogs and apply the
control measures in a manner that minimizes envirorunental contamination.
16ACKGROUND: Caribbean tree frogs were introduced to the Big Island less than 10
years ago. They have a loud call that annoys most people. Other effects are predation
on native insects and spiders, competition with native birds for insects, potential increase
in mongoose and rat populations as frogs serve as an unlimited food source, and
restrictions on the sale and distribution of nursery plants from infested areas.
Research on controlling the tree frogs began about two years ago by the USDA, National
Wildlife Research Center, Hawaii Field Stations, Milo, Dr. Earl Campbell conducted
studies to determine which substances might be used to control the frogs. Different
pesticides and pharmaceutical substances were tested. Caffeine and resmethrin (a
synthetic pyrethroid) showed success in killing frogs in laboratory trials. Field trials
showed that a 2% caffeine solution was effective in controlling frogs in dense foliage.
The resmethrin concentration (7.1 tested and shown effective as a frog toxicant may
not be available for broad scale use.
Caffeine has some effects that need to be evaluated. It has been reported that caffeine
alone in plants results in chromosome disturbances in root tips of Allium ceps at
concentrations as low as 0.02-0.4% [Kihlman and Levan, Hereditas, 35 (1949} 109-111 j.
Structural chromosome changes including fragmentation, sister-chromatid reunion, and
reciprocal translocations were found in over 30% of mitoses after 24 hours in 0. l
caffeine followed by a period of water.
Caffeine is also reported to be in the environment from wide spread use and consumption
of food and beaverage products containing this compound. The direct application of a
2% caffeine solution may increase risk of contamination of surface and ground water.
CONTROL PLANS
CONTROL WITH SUBSTANCES
Experimental work on caffeine and other substances to control frogs will be continued.
Work is limited to 10 acres without the approval of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Experimental sites will be selected based on risk of frogs spreading from the
site, cooperatiotl of the land manager, and the chances for chemical control being
successful at the site.
An emergency exemption is being sought from the U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency to treat up to 2,000 acres with caffeine to control frogs. This application teas
sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on June 1, ?001.
In its review of emergency exemption applications, the U.S. Environmental Agencv will
identify data needed to support continued use, if authorized. Research programs will be
targeted to generating additional data on caffeine and to evaluate other substances and
mixtures of substances that maybe used to control frogs.
HEAT TREATMENT
I~Ieating potted plants to a temperature of 42 degrees Celsius for 3 minutes has also
controlled frogs.
Caffeine and heat treatment are the only two options that may control frogs without
lasting environmental consequences. And even these options are not risk free.
®ther alternatives need to be investigated such as sterilants and habitat modification.
IZESEAItCI~I ACTIVITIES
Experimental work must continue to develop the most effective control strategies.
Research concerning additives to the caffeine to enhance delivery and effectiveness must
be conducted. Research is also needed on toxicants to increase egg mortality.
Inhospitable environments must be identified. Measures such as burning windrows and
replacing them with alternative plants that the frogs do not favor must be investigated.
Guidelines will be developed for reducing risk of transport of frogs from infested sites.
ACTION PLAN
Dedicated and motivated control staff are required. The Department of Agriculture,
Pesticides Program is providing and will continue to provide technical and financial
support for administering the emergency programs and conducting research. The
Department of Land and Natural Resources is providing technical support to assist in the
research, and may potentially be the line agency controlling frogs in State managed lands.
2
Private sector support is needed to stem the spread of frogs and initiate control measures
on private lands. Nurseries, hotel grounds and residences are the areas most likel~~ to
require measures to stem the spread of frogs.
1. Meet with Pesticides Advisory Committee on Emergency Exemption and Control
Plan (June 7, 2001).
2. Meet with ad hoc work group (DLNR, Nursery Association, I-lav~~aii Pest Control
Association, hotel representative, USDA, Wildlife Research Center representati~~e.
Department of Agriculture, Mayor of Hawaii and Maui representatives) to identif~~
experimental areas. Define work groups for control, research and administration
coordination. Determine applicators. Secure caffeine to treat areas. Identify
protocols and substances to be tested. Develop test reporting forms and protocols.
Identify specialized application and monitoring equipment needed to conduct tests
and implement control programs. Identify recommended interim control measures
for letter to land owners (TARGET DATE: June 15, 2001)
3. Notify landowners of areas that have Caribbean tree frogs of their presence and
request that actions be taken to stem their spread. (TARGET DATE: June 2001).
Some suggested actions are as follows:
' • Plants to be moved within the State must be inspected for frogs. It is suggested
that for nurseries that shipping containers be located in an area and manner
inhospitable to frogs. These containers should be inspected shortly after sunset,
when frogs emerge and begin calling. If calls are heard, spray container with 2%
caffeine solution and re-inspect.
• Keep populations to a minimum be eliminating habitat (bum windrows and
replace with plants that frogs do not favor).
4. Initiate additional research to refine control strategies. (TARGET DATE: August 15,
2001).
5. Reconvene Advisory Committee and ad hoc work group to assess progresses and
make adjustments if necessary. (TARGET DATE: October 15, 2001).
It is suggested that the ad hoc work group meet at 90-day intervals with the coordinators
for control, research and coordination providing reports to the ad hoc chair two weeks
before the meeting. The work group (team) would then be charged with the task of
identifying control strategies, communicating recommended control strategies and
identifying resources and clearances and responsible parties to chase the necessary
resources and clearances.
Control Strategy for 1Elighly Infested Areas:
Areas supporting large densities of frogs are to be identified for treatment by state and
county crews and supporting community groups.
Sites will be public lands; private property may be targeted as well if frog populations
pose a high risk of spread or present a serious nuisance problem for residents in the
immediate area.
3
Sites will be prioritized and selected based on available access, proximity to sensiti~~e
areas, state, county and land owner approvals, and resources available.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Plant Industry Division will be the lead a~enc~~
and will coordinate with State and County Officials and supporting groups to initiate a
treatment plan.
Targeted areas will be delimited by survey crews, all persons within the boundaries of the
treated area will be alerted in writing that a treatment for frog control will be initiated on
a specified day and that treatment will be on-going for a specified period of time. Since
frogs are active during evening hours, it is anticipated that all treatments will be at night.
Area to be treated will be only as large as can be effectively treated in a single evening.
State Pesticide Officials will be on the planning team; State and County Council legal
staff will review each treatment "strike" to be initiated to assure compliance with state,
county, and federal guidelines.
A treatment team will be established headed by the Plant Industry Division
Administrator. Other members of the team will include representatives from the Mavor's
Office; HDOA Pesticides Branch; Land and Natural Resources; State Department of
Health; and supporting community groups.
The initial effort will be to determine the following:
1. Opportunity for success to knock down significant populations of frogs in a
targeted area.
2. Community support or opposition that can be anticipated in such efforts.
3. Resources required to treat targeted areas; chemical, man-power, equipment,
planning requirements.
4. Evaluation after treatment for frog kill, secondary effects, actions needed to
improve eff ciency and effectiveness of kill.
. Control strategies for low infested areas will be developed.
Costs will be evaluated and funding will sought to maintain program.
a
PROPOSED AGENDA
MEETING WITH GROWERS ON CARIBBEAN FROG PEST PROBLEM
June 15, 2001
2-4 p.rn.
Komohana Agricultural Complex
Lyle Wong 10 min. Welcome
Introductions
Purpose
Earl Campbell 15 Biology
Distribution in Hawaii
Problem
Domingo Cravalho 15 Plant (auarantine Concerns
US®A - Nonactional
CDFAlFWS ®iow risk
Hawaii -movement of pest interisland
Earl Campbell 10 Chemical studies
Bob Boesch 10 Section 18 Proposal for Caffeine
Lyle Wong 10 Proposed Control Ptan
Mindy Clark 15 Industry initiatives, planning and action
Duane Nelson 10 Invasive Species Committee support.
Randy Bartlett
Discussion 30
Frog protocol
Inst~ection
- At night, listen and follow croaking sound to find males. Usually on the trunks
or leaves of plants, usually right side up. Found at any height on plants.
probably not on side of buildings.
- ®uring the day, look under suitable habitats, such as wet tarps on ground, wet
empty plastic bags, under large pots stacked on the ground, inside hollow
tiles, under wet rolls of shade cloth, under damp debris, etc.
- eggs of larger frog are glassy-brown about'/. inch in diameter. cluster of
10-12 eggs may be 1" in diameter.
Sanitation
- Keep nursery generally clean by removing off the ground any tarps, pieces of
plastic, pots, and anything else that may be used by frogs to hide during the
day.
- remove any receptacles that may hold free-standing water in the nursery.
Frogs tend to wash off any pesticides.
- ®o not leave lights on at night. Lights attract insects which attracts frogs
because of food.
- If nursery has netting on sides, seal the bottom to the ground to prevent frogs
from entering. Also, seal the doorways.
Nloaiifyin~ Habitats
- remove vegetation around the nursery and keep area as dry as possible.
- Staging areas that are free of plants may be good to conduct inspections of
plants by the owner or by pQ personnel.
- Non-Certified Nurseries that grow plants on the ground may be the highest
risk for moving frogs to other islands on contaminated plants.
Chemical
- Are growers using anything that kills the frogs? Any irritant? Any thing that
makes them more active or vulnerable? (i.e., weak solution of permethrin kills
insects and repels frogs - website, or ~erotol "works" -how?).
PROPOSED AGENDA
MEETING WITH GROWERS ON CARIBBEAN FROG PEST PROBLEM
June 15, 2001
2 4 p.m.
Komohana Agricultural Complex
Lyle Wong 10 min. Welcome
Introductions
Purpose
Earl Campbell 15 Biology
Distribution in Hawaii
Problem
Domingo Cravalho 15 Plant C2uarantine Concerns
USDA ~ Nonactional
CDFAfFWS _ low risk
Hawaii -movement of pest interisland
Earl Campbell 10 Chemical studies
Bob Boesch 10 Section 18 Proposal for Caffeine
Lyle Wong 10 Proposed Control Plan
Mindy Clark 15 Industry initiatives, planning and action
Duane Nelson 10 Invasive Species Committee support.
Randy Bartlett
Discussion 30
7y
4' Ullited States Departl~ent ®f the Interior
~sH ArrD ®VII~DI~E s~RV1C~
$ „ . ~ Pacific lalatuls.gi~
300 Ala Moans Bcttlavsrd, Rood 3-IZZ
B~ 50088
Ii~olvty, F~svvaii 96850
~ ReplyRefer °To: ~.S JUN ~ 2~Q)
Pe ttcide Sa ~ t ~at-R"' brand gax ~srP!~44at~1
memo 7671 r of ~a~ •
~ FeosR
Pesticides 13ranch
Hawaii Dep of Agriculture
1481 South St, Ste. 431 P"°°'~ r
Honohalu, Hawaii 96814
Re: erect Species Act Section 7 Con~ence for Section 18 (~R.A) emergency
Eaceaz~ption for caffeine to reduce populations of introduced Eleutheroclactyiacs frogs in
Hawaii
Dear 1Vis. ®naga;
The U.S. Dish ~d a Service (Service) has received your May 1, 2001, letter requesting
confirmation that an informal consultation under section '7 of tl~ Endangered Species Act (Act)
was not necessary for the above referenced pesticide use. In finer phone conversations between
yourself and our biologist, I~a~e Swift, it was that your request is actually for our
concurrence with your that them ' and use of caffeine for the control of
introdta,ced EleutherodoeYylacsfmgs is not hlcely to adversely erect any end~gered or threatened
species. Yon also provided do 'on that the Hawaii De t of Agriculture is the non-
Fedeaal five of the l~vira Protection Agency for tt~e purposes of section 7
consultation under the Species Act for this proposed action, In ev your
request, we reviewed the draft report on Lhe laboratory and field efficacy trials authored by Earl
Ca~t~Il (USDA-APFfIS-®VS-National a Research Center).
T~ propo~d action involves the directed spray application of a dinate caffeine solution for
controlling ~ Eiea~htro~ctylus frogs ffi floriculture and nursery crops, residential areas,
parks, howl and resort areas, and forest habitats throughout tb~ state of Hawaii. These frogs have
deano~ratcd an abilrtY ~ ~P~Y and can reach a ly high densities (21,000
frogs/ha). Tay are predicted to cause mayor ecological and economic damage should they
become established in Hawaii. 'The Mention of the proposed registration is for short-term use
leading to eradication in affected areas. A dalute caffeine solution would be applied with alow-
pressure power-drsven motorised sprayer onto infested vegetation. Application. would be done ~
the evg when frogs are active and calling.
The endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Iausgur~,s cinereus seroaotecs) may be preset at a few sites,
such as Iaava fires and Kalopa State Parks on the island of Hawaii, but the application x®ethod is
not likely to expose bats to caffeine. I~owever, since non-target mortality to snails and slugs was
noted during field trials, the proposed label language specifically excludes application `in habitats
of the endangered Oahu Tree Snails' (Achatinella spp). Caffeine has been irt~licated to induce
chromosome breakage in fe'uit flies, higher plants and a vatyety of micro-organ;c,v,c. If caffeine
application is proposed for any habitats ~contain~g threatened and endangered plants,
invertebrates, or any species proposed for listing, the Idawag State Department of Agriculture
should re-initiate consultation at that tip. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended that any
native plants and invertebrates with application areas be monitored for symptoms of toxicity. A
test application should be conducted before large scale application in native f€awaiian ecosystems.
Tfae Service is particularly concerned that tmquarantined inter-island and infra-island shipments of
infested plant Yna?terial are rapidly spreading frogs to new areas, greatly increasing the risk that
_ they could beeo~ established where they could cause the decline or extinction of listed species.
The Service urges the Iiawaii State Department of Agriculture to use caffeine application as part
of an ffitegrated pest management programs which baits the spread of frogs from infested areas, as
well as controlling and reducing established populations.
No adverse impacts to federally listed species ~ expected to result~froffi the proposed
regists-ation. In view of this, the Service concurs with your de tion that the proposed
actions are not likely to adversely affect federally listed species: Based on this determination, we
believe that the requirements of section 7 of the Act have been satisfied. i~owever, obligations
under section 7 of the Act must be reconsidered if (1)-new information reveals itxtpacts of this
defined action that may affect listed species or critical habitat ffi ~a per which was not
previously considered in-this assessment; (2) this action is subsequently modified ffi a manner noc
considered in this assessiiaent; or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat do ~ ed that may
be affected by the identified action.
We appreciate and suppore your efforts to protect ender~gered aid threatened species and to
minimize project-related iffipacts to fish and wrldlife resources If you have questions or
comments, please contact Fish and Wildlifie biologist Katie Swift by telephone at (808) 541-3441
or by facsimile ' lion at ($OS) 541-3470.
Sfficerely,
Paul Denson
Field Supervisor
Ecological Services
cc: Earl Campbell, N~VRC
Allan Demurest, El'A Region 9
Paul Co>ix°y, DOFAW
2
.r® .
1 P~
' Ulnited Stites I~epar~ent of the Interior
a
m6
DISH AND I SHI2VIC'Tr
~ ~ ,®®e ~ Pacific Islands.Ecaregion
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3-122
B®x 50088
~lonolulu, l°dawaii .96850
7a ReplyRefer °Ta: ~S
. JUN 7.2001
Avis Cnaga ~
Pesticide S ecialist P®st-14'" brand fax transrflattal'~memo 74?1 °f ~age$ ?
p Fnm
PeS$1CrdeS branch
Hawaii Dep of Agriculture c°. c°.
1481 Bootle Ding St., Ste. 431 n®~~ P''°'°®"
Honolulu, ;°Iawaii 96814 max"
Re: Endangered Species Act Section 7 Concurrence for Section 18 (FI>?RA) Emergency
E~elaaption for caffeffie to educe populations of introduced Eleactherodcactylus frogs ~
Hawaii
Dear Ms. ®naga:
The U.S. l:~rsh ~d ®Vrldlife Service (Service) has received your May 1, 2001, letter requesting
confirmation that inforn7al consultation under section 7 of tt~e Endangered Species Act (Act)
was not necessary for the above referenced pesticide use. In further phone conversations between
yourself ~d our biologist, Katie Swift, it was clarified that your request is actually for our
concurrence with your that the registration and use of caffeine for the control of
introduced ~leastherodcactylras frogs is not likely to adversely affect any endangered or threatened
species. You also provided docuffientation that the Hawau Department of Agriculture is the non-
Federal representative of the Enviro tai Proteceion Agency for rile purposes of section 7
consultation under the Endangered Species Act for this proposed action. In evahaatffig your
request, we reviewed the draft report on the laboratory and field efficacy trials authored by Earl
Campbell (USI)A-APHIS-WS-National VV1ldlife Research Center).
The proposed action involves the directed spray application of a dilute caffeine solution for
controllhag introduced Eleutherod~ctylus frogs ~ #loriculture and nursery crops, residential areas,
pants, hotel and resort areas, and forest habitats throughout flee state of Hawaii. Tl~aese frogs have
demonstrated an ability to spread rapidly and -can reach extremely high densities (21,000
frogs/ha). They errs predicted to cause major ecological and economic damage should they
becorgae established in Hawaii, Tl~ ffitention of the proposed registration is for short-terffi use
leading to eradication ~ affected areas. A dilute caffeine solution would be applied with alow-
pressure power-driven ffiototized sprayer onto infested vegetation. Application would be done iIr
the evening when frogs are active and calling.
The endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (I,asiurass cinereus ser?aotacs) may be present at a few sites,
such as Lava fires and Kalopa State parks on the island of Hawaii, but the application method is
_ _
Program Costs
Chemical Costs:
Caffeine:
Delivered, $3.20/1b
Rate:
200 lbs./acre
6 applications per year
2000 acres (Section 18 application)
6 x 200 x 2000 = 2,400,000 pounds
@ $3.20/1b $7,680,000
Notification:
Cer~ifted rnai! @$3.8411etter
2,000 notices, $7,680
Materials and Supplies
Est. $100,000
Labor:
Supervisor @ $36,000/yr
Laborers @ $23,000 x 10 m $230,000
1
Interim Plan:
State experimental Use Permit
10 acres, maximum
Chemical costs:
$25,000 for 3 treatment rounds
Supplies:
$5,000
Labor: I'iDOA Program staff
~ro~rarn Costs
Chemical Costs:
Caffeine:
Delivered, $3.20/lb
Rate:
200 Ibs.lacre
6 applications per year
2000 acres (Section 18 application)
6 x 200 x 2000 ®2,00,000 pounds
@ $3.20/!b $7,680,000
Notification:
Certified mail @$3.8411etter
2,000 notices, $7,680
Materials and Supplies
Est. $100,000
Labor:
Supervisor ~a $36,000lyr
Laborers ~ $23,000 x 10 ~ $230,000
1
August 28, 2001
To: All ~urrowing/Reniform Nematode Certified Growers
Ali Orchid Cer~fied Growers
All Nursery Growers Associations
All ®rchid and bromeliad Societies
All Landscape Companies
From: Lyle 1410ong, AdrYainistrator
plant Industry Administrator
Sub)ect: Stopping the Spread of ~tc~uthen~aetylus Frogs in Hawaii
T'he male co~ui frog produces a loud, piercing mating ca11 that is disturbing to
many in infested communities (for more-:frog information, visit the .hear.oral
website). In the past few months, the coqui frog (~leutl~roe~actylus coclur? and
' the greenhouse frog plani~®stris) hav® continued to spread on the islands of
Hawaii, fulaui, Qahu and Kauai. Based on these new infestations, one of th®
primary means of spread appears to be the movement of plant materials from
infested nurseries to garden shop retailers to customers throughout the State.
The spread of these frogs throughout the State can be substantially redaaced if all
growers take the time to eliminate any frogs from their plants before sale, and if
all retailers sell only frog-free plant materials.
The department is coordinating the research and implementation of control
activities arraong federal, state, and county agencies, and will be addressing the
co~atrol of frogs in public areas. Those who grow plants for sale also need to
address this community-wide problem in their own nurseries and production
areas. [don't wait until you hear a frog to do something. ®nly the adult male
calls. Yoga may have eggs, juveniles, andfor females in your plahtings if your
nursery is located in afrog-infested area.
Mere are some specific things that can be done right now if you are in or near an
infestation of frogs:
1. Cover all production areas with shade cloth to prevent frogs from entering
and becoming established. Insure that ail large openings (i.e., lower
portion of shade houses, entries, etc.) are also sealed with shade cloth as
they present easy access to frogs at night when they are most active.
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2. If all production areas cannot be comple#ely covered, insure that all plants
are at least finished in a frog-free area (i.e., packing house) a few days
before shipping where the plants can receive pesticide treatments for the
adults and juveniles before being sold, or moved out the area. There is no
known treatment for the egg stage at this time.
3. Treat all plants before selling or moving to another area by:
a. Hot Water. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
DOFAW in collaboration with the University of Hawaii - CTAHI~ in
Hilo has developed shot=water treatment for forest seedlings at 45
degrees C (113 degrees F) for 3 minutes. University research has
demonstrated that ~9 degrees C (-120 degrees F) for 0.5 to 10
minutes will control an#s, aphids, mealybugs, scale insects,
whiteflies, and most parasitic rsematodes. Hot water may damage
the foliage and flowers of certain plants, and tests must be
conducted before applying hot water to potted plants.
b. Caffeine. USDA -Wildlife Services has found caffeine to be
effective in killing frogs at 2%. Instructions on its use and
availability wiU be distributed-after approval is given by the SPA.
Caffeine will be a restricted-Use O~esticide and-all applicators will
need to be licensed accordingly. if you do not have a R~stribted-
Use license, see your Cooperative extension Seneice for classes to
prepare you to take-the exam. 1"he exam is administered by the
Pesticide Sranch of the Hawaii ®epartment of Agriculture.
c. Pyronyl Crop Spray. When sprayed at the maximum allowable
dosage of 2~ ounces per 100 gallons of water, this. product does
not kill frogs. It does, however,. agitate the frogs (causes them to
leave their shelter about 30-~45 minutes after treatment), and
temporarily debilitates the frogs (causes sweating, te+vitching~, and
convulsions). Frogs will recover in a few hours if exposed to high
moisture (i.e., rainfall or irrigation). Therefore, the best way to
apply this material is during early morning at dawn (while frogs are
still seeking shelters on a dear sunny day. Do not irrigate for ~4
hours after treatment. The-hot sun will desiccate and kifl frogs.
Frogs that leave the spray area. (Pyronyl Crop Spray has a 1 ~-hour
re-entry period) can be hand-picked from off the ground and put
into a container of ho# water, salt water or detergent water to drown
them. Use a lid to prevent-frogs from jumping out of the container.
4. Secure plants in frog-free areas in frog-fr®e containers before shipping to
retailers.
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5. if frogs are found at the retail outlet, growers should make every effort to
assist the retailer in inspecting for and getting rid of all frogs in the area.
I ask a{I of you to help stem the tide of this newest of invaders to our islands. It is
a problem that will not go away soon. ®nly with all of your kokua will we be able
to help resolve this problem with the Beast amount of impact to your industry.
if you have any questions, please call the Plant G2uarantine Office nearest you at
Kilo (ph. g74-4140), Kahului (ph. 673-3555), Flonolulu (ph. 566-0344), or ~.ihue
(ph. 274-306J).
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Coqui Action Plan ~ ~
! i (-t j ~ r~ ~ ~
I2EPOIaTING FIaOG INCIDENTS
(Residential /Business -retail, growers, landscapers, maintenance)
I. Frog found (captured):
1. Secure frog in a container (plastic bag, jar, cage, etc.).
2. Call PEST IIOTLINE:
Oahu - 586-PEST (7378)
Big Island - 974-4000 ext. 67378
Maui - 984-2400 ext. 67378
Kauai - 274-3141 ext. 67378
Molokai & Lanai - 1-800-468-4644 ext.67378
3. Hold frog for pick-up or deliver to nearest IIDOA office.
4. Provide the following information:
Name
Address
Phone Number
Date and time frog found
Address and description of area frog found
Additional information as needed
5. Allow IIDOA personnel to conduct follow-up inspections.
6. Continue to monitor area for additional frogs as outlined in Section II.
II. Frog heard or sighted, then capture:
1. Listen for two-note chirp or whistle, usually night hours (go to website
www.hear.or AlienSpeciesInHawaii/species/frogs/index.html#peoplepro
blems for example).
2. Pinpoint source of noise.
3. Spotlight the frog with a light source, i.e., flashlight.
4. Capture frog by hand (non-toxic) or use a net or container to cover and
contain.
5. Follow steps in Section I to report the frog.
Coqui Action Plan
III. Frog heard or sighted, but not captured:
1. Listen for two-note chirp or whistle, usually night hours (go to website
www.hear. orgi/AlienSpeciesInHawaii/species/fro ~s/index.html#peoplepro
blems for example).
2. Call PEST IIOTLINE:
Oahu - 586-PEST (7378)
lgig Island - 974-4000 ext. 67378
Maui - 984-2400 ext. 67378
Kauai - 274-3141 ext. 67378
Molokai & Lanai- 1-800-468-4644 ext.67378
3. Provide the following information:
Name
Address
Phone Number
Date and time frog heard or sighted
Address and description of area frog heard or sighted
Additional information as needed
4. Allow IIDOA personnel to conduct follow-up inspections and captures,
or treatment applications.
5. Continue to monitor and follow steps in Section II to capture the frog.
Cogui Action Plan Plant Quarantine Branch
701 Ilalo Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-5524
FROG INCI®ENT R~I~ORI~
BASIC INFORMATION:
Report Date: Time: (AM / PM) Inspector:
Date /Time /Day of Incident: / /
Location of Incident:
[ ]WITNESS [ ]REPORTING PERSON [ ]FIN®ER
Name:
Last First M.I.
[ ]Juvenile
Parent /Guardian Name:
Home Address:
Contact Number: (Home) (Work) (Other)
ANIMAL DESCRIPTION:
Color: [ ]Light Brown [ ]Brown [ ]Dark Brown [ ]Black [ ]Other
Pattern: [ ]None [ ]Mottled (Dark) [ jMid-dorsal Stripe [ ]Other
Size: [ ] %2 inch [ ] 1 inch [ ] 1 '/2 inch [ ] 2 inch [ ]Other
Sound: [ ]None [ ]Two-note [ ]Single-note [ ]Multiple chirp or whistle
Volume: [ ]Faint [ ]Soft [ ]Medium [ ]Loud [ ]Very Loud [ J Other
When Heard or Seen: [ ]Dawn [ ]Day (]Dusk [ ]Night [ ]Other
REMARKS:
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