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Mililani residents with concerns about the spread of little fire ants in the community will have an opportunity to discuss the issues at a meeting on Monday.
Representatives from the state Department of Agriculture, state Department of Land and Natural Resources, state Department of Health and the Invasive Special Council have been invited to share information.
The agriculture department last week confirmed that at least eight homes on Auina Street in Mililani Mauka are infested with little fire ants, which have also spread to a nearby gulch.
“We wanted to take swift action and bring our community together,” said Sen. Michelle Kidani. “The best way for us to control the spread of the little fire ants is to educate the public on how to detect and treat infestations.”
Little fire ants in Hawaii were first found on Hawaii island in 1999, and were discovered on Maui and Oahu in December. Six acres in Waimanalo have been treated for an infestation there.
“We also want to give the community an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns,” said Sen. Donavan Dela Cruz. “With this being residential areas, it’s a serious discovery, and surely triggers a lot of fear and questions in people. The meeting is intended to bring awareness and set a community effort in motion to help the state combat Little Fire Ants.”
The meeting is from 7-9 p.m. at Mililani Mauka Elementary School Cafeteria. Fore more information, call Dela Cruz at 586-6090 or Kidani at 586-7100.
