MEDIA RELEASE

The state Department of Agriculture is proposing to amend the list placement of a fungus, Beauveria bassiana GHA, from the List of Restricted Microorganisms (Part A) to the List of Nonrestricted Microorganisms under HDOA’s Microorganism Import Rules, chapter 4-71A, Hawaii Administrative Rules.

This will facilitate import for purposes such as microbial product registration intended for sale and distribution in Hawaii.

B. bassiana GHA is currently on the List of Restricted Microorganisms (Part A) by genus and, by virtue of that placement, is classified as a high-risk microorganism that may be imported by permit for purposes approved by the Board of Agriculture.

Based on scientific research that concluded with reasonable certainty B. bassiana GHA probably presents a minimal risk to the environment, HDOA recently reassessed the risk level of B. bassiana GHA and concluded it should appropriately be classified as a nonrestricted microorganism.

The proposed amendment will allow B. bassiana GHA, contained in pesticides, MycotrolO and BotanigardES, to be imported without permit but through product registration to allow sale and distribution in Hawaii, as authorized under the Microorganism Import Rules.

MycotrolO is a biopesticide listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), a nonprofit organization that reviews and determines products allowed for use in organic production, processing and handling.

Products listed by OMRI may be used on operations that are certified organic under the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program.

MycotrolO and BotanigardES are the only apparent chemical control options for coffee farms in the Kona district that are infested with Coffee Berry Borer beetle.

These proposed import list amendments will proceed through an expedited amendment process that provides for adoption through order proposed by the board subsequent to public notification and opportunity for public input. The governor also needs to give approval.

Approved amendments will be published in a daily or weekly publication(s) of statewide circulation and will go into effect 10 days following publication.

The proposed exact changes may be viewed at the Department of Agriculture’s website at: http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/Info/proposedrules/proposed-administrative-rules

A copy of the proposed order and proposed exact changes may be obtained for inspection or for pick-up after payment of costs for photocopying and preparing the copy at the following Plant Quarantine Offices:

* Oahu: 1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, HI 96819; PH: (808) 832-0566

* Kauai: 4398A Pua Loke Street, Lihue, HI 96766; PH: (808) 274-3071

* Maui: 635 Mua Street, Kahului, HI 96732; PH: (808) 873-3556

* Hawaii: 16E Lanikaula Street, Hilo, HI 96720; PH: (808) 974-4141

The Department of Agriculture is soliciting comments regarding the above-referenced proposed changes during the next 30 days.

Oral or written comments may be communicated to the Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB) at the Oahu address or phone number shown above, or by fax to (808) 832-0584, or email to Amy.N.Takahashi@hawaii.gov.