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For Immediate
Release: August 26, 2005
RESIDENTS REMINDED
ABOUT PROPER USE OF HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) reminds residents, particularly on the Big Island, that there are specific directions that must be followed when using hydrated lime to control coqui frog infestations. HDOA has received several reports that some residents are illegally applying the dust form of the chemical, a practice that is hazardous to humans and animals. The dust form is only allowed for agricultural operations, which can restrict access to the treated area for at least 48 hours after treatment. Residents are only allowed to use a three percent solution in a liquid form to spray on foliage or to drench the soil. There has also been a report that dangerous misinformation has been posted anonymously in Pahoa that promote the use of leaf blowers to shoot hydrated lime dust across a wide area – a practice that is not only extremely dangerous, but illegal. "We cannot emphasize enough the proper use of hydrated lime," said Sandra Lee Kunimoto, Chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. “If misused, this chemical may cause irreversible eye damage and skin burns and is harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin and may be fatal if inhaled.” "The Pesticides Branch has made it a priority to investigate reported misuse of hydrated lime," said Robert Boesch, manager of HDOA's Pesticides Branch. "All pesticide dealers are also required by law to provide the label instructions to all customers purchasing the product for coqui control.”
HDOA's Pesticides
Branch has the enforcement authority for both state and EPA laws. Fines
for violations of state and federal Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) rules for hydrated lime range between $1,000 to $5,000 per
offense. Suspected improper use of a pesticide should be reported to
HDOA at: Questions regarding the proper use of all pesticides may also be directed to those phone numbers. Label instructions and forms are available on the HDOA website at: http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/pi_pest_forms.htm On April 26, 2005, the EPA approved an emergency exemption requested by HDOA to allow the use of hydrated lime, also known as calcium hydroxide (CA(OH)2), to control coqui and greenhouse frog infestations in Hawaii. In granting the exemption, EPA requires that HDOA create a product label detailing the conditions under which hydrated lime may be used, which include the following:
The Pesticides Branch held statewide workshops on proper use of hydrated lime in May and June. ### For more information, contact:
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