Posted on: Friday, May 27, 2005
Training offered on use of chemical on coqui
Advertiser Staff
The Pesticides Branch of the state Department of Agriculture will hold training sessions for residents and nurseries to teach the proper use of hydrated lime to control coqui frog infestations.
There have been reports that some are not following the label directions and are applying the dust form of the chemical.
The dust form is allowed only for agricultural operations that can restrict access to the treated area for at least 48 hours after treatment.
Residents are allowed to spray only a 3 percent solution on foliage or soil.
Improper use of the chemical can cause irreversible eye damage and skin burns and can be fatal if inhaled.
It is a violation of state and federal laws to use the dust form. Fines of $1,000 to $5,000 can be imposed.
Training sessions will be held at University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture Research Stations at the following times and locations:
• Hilo: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday or 9 a.m. to noon June 16, CTAHR Komohana Agricultural Complex, 875 Komohana St. • Kona: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday or 9 a.m. to noon June 30, CTAHR Kona Research Station, 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway. • Maui: 9 a.m. to noon June 8, Maui HDOA Office, 635 Mua St., Kahului. • O'ahu: 9 a.m. to noon June 6, CTAHR Pearl City Urban Garden Center, 962 2nd St. • Kaua'i: 9 a.m. to noon June 15, Kaua'i HDOA Office, 4398A Pua Loke St., Lihu'e. Suspected improper use of a pesticide should be reported:
• O'ahu: 973-9401. • Big Island: 974-4140. • Maui County: 873-3555. • Kaua'i: 274-3069. Coqui are considered a severe nuisance because of their mating chirps, which are known to reach 90 to 100 decibels, and scientists fear the creatures are competing with native birds for insect prey.
