Help combat spread of little fire ants, support funding for Hawaiʻi Ant Lab

Mahalo nui to everyone that supported the invasive species omnibus bills (SB3237/HB2758) this session—these measures moved as far as they did because of your support. All is not lost, there is one measure left that can help combat little fire ants, HB2644 HD2 SD1, and it needs your help.

The spread of little fire ants (LFA) in Hawaiʻi poses a significant threat to our environment, culture, public health, economy, and overall quality of life. Support for funding the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab is crucial to mitigating this “silent crisis” before it is too late.

Already established on Hawaiʻi Island and with populations recently detected on O‘ahu, Maui, and Kauaʻi, LFA inflict burning, lasting welts and potential anaphylaxis with their stings, and can also blind domestic house pets. In addition, LFA disrupt native ecosystems, impact agricultural productivity and food security, impede cultural practices, reduce outdoor recreational and economic opportunities, and contribute to the widespread use of potentially harmful pesticides across the landscape, among many other impacts.

The Hawaiʻi Ant Lab is a program of the University of Hawai‘i Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit and is dedicated to increasing knowledge about LFAt biology, management, and eradication. HB2644 HD2 SD1 appropriates funds to support the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab in mitigating the impacts of LFA, and is particularly critical in light of the continual new detections of LFA on O‘ahu and throughout our islands.

This measure is one of the last standing bills this legislative session that addresses our “silent crisis” of invasive pests. HB2644 HD2 SD1 is being heard in conference committee next Monday, April 22.

Please take a moment to email the legislators in the conference committee, using this form, and urge them to pass this important measure.