H AW AI I D EP AR T M ENT OF AG R I C U LT U RE
News Release
LINDA LINGLE
GOVERNOR
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SANDRA LEE KUNIMOTO, CHAIRPERSON
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Phone: (808) 973-9550
Fax: (808) 973-9613
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release: May 23, 2005
NR05-09 (revised May 24, 2005)
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO HOLD WORKSHOPS ON USE OF
HYDRATED LIME FOR COQUI CONTROL
HONOLULU - The Pesticides Branch of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will be
holding training sessions for residents and nurseries to emphasize the proper use of hydrated
lime to control coqui frog infestations. There have been reports that some residents are not
following the label directions when using the chemical and are applying the dust form of the
chemical. 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.
"It is extremely critical that hydrated lime be applied according to the label directions," said
Sandra Lee Kunimoto, Chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. "Hydrated lime is a
corrosive chemical that, if improperly used, may be hazardous to humans and animals."
- more -
HDOA Holding Training Session on Proper Use of Hydrated Lime for Coqui
Control
May 23, 2005
Page 2 of 4
Improper use of hydrated lime may cause irreversible damage to the eyes and skin burns. It is
harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin and may be fatal if inhaled.
"Pesticide dealers are required to have those purchasing hydrated lime complete an Applicator
Authorization Form and provide the user with label instructions," said Robert Boesch, manager
of HDOA's Pesticides Branch. "It is important for the public to know that it is a violation of state
and federal laws to use the dust form of hydrated lime in private yards and public property.
"Because of the significant hazards associated with hydrated lime, reports of misuse will be a
priority for investigation and enforcement action," Boesch added.
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:
Oahu -
973-9401
Big Island -
974-4140
Maui County - 873-3555
Kauai -
274-3069
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
- more -
HDOA Holding Training Session on Proper Use of Hydrated Lime for Coqui
Control
May 23, 2005
Page 3 of 4
HDOA's Pesticides Branch is scheduling training sessions at HDOA Offices and at University of
Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture (CTAHR) Research Stations at the following locations
and times:
Hilo
May 31 (Tuesday), 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon
CTAHR Komohana Agricultural Complex, 875 Komohana St., Hilo
June 16 (Thursday), 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
CTAHR Komohana Agricultural Complex, 875 Komohana St., Hilo
Kona
June 2 (Thursday). 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon
CTAHR Kona Research Station, 79-7381 Mamalahoa Hwy.
June 30 (Thursday), 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
CTAHR Kona Research Station, 79-7381 Mamalahoa Hwy
Maui
June 8 (Wednesday), 9:00 - 12 noon
Maui HDOA Office, 635 Mua St. Kahului
Oahu
June 6 (Monday), 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
CTAHR Pearl City Urban Garden Center, 962 2nd St.
Kauai
June 15 (Wednesday), 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Kauai HDOA Office, 4398A Pua Loke St., Lihue
A continuing training schedule is being developed.
On April 26, 2005, the EPA approved an emergency exemption requested by HDOA to allow the
use of calcium hydroxide (CA(OH)2), commonly known as hydrated lime, to control coqui and
greenhouse frog infestations in Hawaii.
- more -
HDOA Holding Training Session on Proper Use of Hydrated Lime for Coqui
Control
May 23, 2005
Page 4 of 4
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:

Agricultural establishments are allowed to use the dust form of hydrated lime and worker
entry into treated areas must be restricted for 48 hours after treatment.

Residential, commercial or public uses must be sprayed in a solution form.

Must not be applied to food crops;

Applicators must be wear protective clothing, chemical-resistant gloves and protective
eyewear and approved respirators;

Include a precautionary statement that it is harmful if swallowed;

Must not be used in areas that were recently treated with ammonium-containing
fertilizers, which may react with the lime and release ammonia.

Must not be applied to areas where children play or congregate;

Must not be applied to trees to avoid the potential for subsequent dripping of the
chemical on people or property, such as automobiles;

For non-agricultural uses, such as around homes, persons other than the applicator are
prohibited from entering the treated area until the spray has dried.
HDOA reminds the public to follow all label directions when using any pesticide and to be
careful to minimize exposure to themselves, their families and neighbors.
###
HDOA Media Contact:
Janelle Saneishi
Public Information Officer
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Phone: (808) 973-9560
Pager: (808) 641-4581
Email: hdoa.info@hawaii.gov
Website: http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/