Provide a single point of contact to coordinate and ensure that cooperative agricultural pest survey (CAPS) program objectives are met as well as to implement the CAPS surveys for hawaii

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $203,822 Cooperative Agreement to the University of Hawaii on July 1, 2026, to serve as the single point of contact coordinating and implementing the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program for Hawaii.

The recipient will conduct combined statewide surveys for national priority pests and select state targets using CAPS-approved methods, coordinate survey activities across Hawaii, enter survey data into APHIS-approved databases including the National Agricultural Pest Information System (NAPIS), and perform outreach related to APHIS priority plant pests. The surveys aim to detect the presence or absence of targeted pests; positive findings trigger rapid response, mitigation, or eradication protocols, while negative data support "apparently free of" quarantine status determinations. Both positive and negative results feed into NAPIS for national tracking.

The award funds personnel ($115,000), fringe ($40,568), travel ($23,815), and supplies ($5,910). Performance runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in Hawaii. No sub-recipients are designated at the time of award. The intended beneficiaries include plant growers and producers, exporters of plant products, and the general public.

Purpose

The purpose of this agreement is to provide a single point of contact to coordinate and ensure that cooperative agricultural pest survey (CAPS) program objectives are met as well as to implement the CAPS surveys for hawaii. This includes coordination of statewide surveys, data entry and outreach.

Activities

A combined survey consisting of various national priority pests and other select targets will be conducted. Surveys will be conducted according to cooperative agricultural pest survey (CAPS) approved methods, when available. The cooperator will coordinate statewide surveys, enter survey data into aphis-approved databases and perform outreach related to aphis priority (PLANT) pests. Deliverables and expected outcomes: the project seeks to ensure that both aphis and state pest survey concerns are addressed with the goal of early detection. Both positive and negative data are entered into the national agricultural pest information system (NAPIS). Intended beneficiary(IES): growers/producers of plants affected by national and state priority pests, exporters of PLANT products, the general public. The surveys will provide data on presence/ absence of the targeted pests. Presence would trigger rapid response/mitigation/eradication, and absence could be used to help establish "apparently free of" status for quarantine(S). Results, both positive and negative, will be entered into the national agricultural pest information system (NAPIS). Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: no subawards. Financials: personnel = $115,000; fringe = $40,568; travel = $23,815; supplies = $5 ,910