Tag Archives: Tropical Storm Iselle

Hurricane

Eradicating Albizia at the Farm

Richard Ha writes:

Albizia trees are a real hazard; we all know by now that the introduced trees, which spread easily, grow up to an inch a day and can get to more than 200 feet, and are very weak and brittle during storms, are what caused such extensive damage during Tropical Storm Iselle. 

I treated all of the albizias on our farm a week ago using the "cane knife and squirt" method. Using a cane knife, you cut four or five slices equal distance around the tree and squirt about 1/5 of a teaspoon of Milestone in each slice.

I find it is easy to hit the tree, and then bend the blade so that it opens up the bark and squirt it in. If I squirt the liquid on the blade, it runs down under the bark very well.

This video shows the technique.

These photos show the trees before and then seven days after treatment. They are starting to turn yellow. Soon all the leaves will fall off. 

7daysafter

7daysafter

Government, Hurricane

Board of Agriculture Approves an Emergency Loan Program for Farmers, Ranchers

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Richard Ha writes:

Yesterday, the state Board of Agriculture approved an Emergency Loan Program for farmers and ranchers who suffered damage due to Tropic Storm Iselle.

Governor Neil Abercrombie declared the entire state of Hawai‘i a disaster area due to the high wind and rain associated with Iselle. This authorizes the expenditure of state monies for disaster relief.

The main elements of the Board of Agriculture's emergency loan program are:

  • Maximum loan amount: $100,000
  • Terms to be determined on a case-bycase basis as needed. Consideration will be given to the applicants based on prior performance and projected cash flow based on reasonable assumptions of revenue and expenses.
  • Interest rate: 3 percent (Federal loan program may have lower interest rate)
  • The credit elsewhere requirement shall be waived for loans of $50,000 or less. 
  • The 3 year residency requirement for U.S. Citizens and permanent resident aliens shall not apply.
  • Collateral requirements may be modified or waived, as necessary, on a case-by-case basis. Whenever possible, the provisions of Section 155-11, Security for Loans, should be followed.
  • Emergency Loan Applications can be accepted until December 31, 2014.