NEWS BRIEFS

• Hawaii County has received a $50,000 grant to control little fire ants at specific park sites, courtesy the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. The County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation is one of four organizations selected under the HTA’s 2015 Natural Resources Program.
• A three-person team of little fire ant control technicians will be funded by the grant. The Department of Parks and Recreation will purchase bait and subsidize other expenses related to the ongoing treatment program.
• The Hawaii County Council voted to accept the grant last Friday in Hilo (video above).
• Little Fire Ants have invaded the County Building in Hilo, councilmember Dennis “Fresh” Onishi said during the meeting. Onishi stressed that the next county budget should include funds for the LFA fight.
• Hilo’s Kawamoto Swim Stadium will close on Thursday, February 5, so the facility can be treated for little fire ants. “Normal swim programs are scheduled to resume on Friday”, February 6, says the Dept. of Parks and Rec, “when the swimming pool is expected to be reopened at 9 a.m. for public recreational and adult swimming sessions. Additional temporary closures are expected every six weeks to accommodate follow-up treatments by the Department’s little fire ant control technicians.”