Attach_1-SOW_KAHO_2023_CutTreatStack_InvasiveVegetation.docx

CUT, TREAT AND STACK NON-NATIVE VEGETATION AT HISTORIC PROPERTIES

Honokōhau A’a Sites (PARCEL 1), D12-20/D12-21/Honokōhau Cultural Sites (PARCEL 2a and 2b), and D12-15 (PARCEL 3)

IN

KALOKO-HONOKŌHAU NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK,

NORTH KONA, HAWAI‘I ISLAND, HAWAI‘I

STATEMENT OF WORK

12 Jul 2023

PROJECT LOCATION AND ACCESS:

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (“Park”) is located on the west coast of the Island of Hawai‘i. The Park is located midway between Kailua Kona and Keāhole International Airport. Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway lies along the eastern boundary of the park; Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor is on the southern boundary. In 1978, U.S. Congress established the Park “to provide a center for the preservation, interpretation, and perpetuation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture, and to demonstrate historic land use patterns as well as provide needed resources for the education, enjoyment, and appreciation of such traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture by local residents and visitors.” The preservation and stabilization of the historic properties (cultural and archeological sites) within the Park is a high priority described in the 1994 General Management Plan / Environmental Impact Statement (GMP). Removal of invasive, destructive vegetation is a method of preservation and stabilization. Each of the historic properties located within the Project Area is a contributing element of and located within the Honokōhau Settlement National Historical Landmark and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. The utmost care must be used when working in and around these nationally significant sites.

The Project Area is approximately 2.5 acres and consists of three separate parcels within the Park.

Parcel 1 (approximately 0.5 acres) (Figure 1) at historic Honokohau A’a sites is located along the northeast shoreline of ʻAimakapā Fishpond in the Honokohau portion of the Park.

Parcel 2a and 2b (approximately 1.0 acres) (Figure 1) at historic site D12-20/D12-22/ Honokohau Cultural Sites is located along the main Visitor Use Mauka/Makai Trail in the Honokohau Portion of the Park.

Parcel 3 (approximately 1.0 acres) (Figure 1) at historic site D12-15 is located near the southern boundary of the Park in the Honokohau portion of the Park.

Vehicle access to the Park’s three entrance points/parking areas (Honokōhau Harbor and Visitor Contact Station) is convenient from Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19). However, access within the Park is limited to UTV and pedestrian access. Therefore, all tools, equipment, fuel, and supplies must be carried into the work sites by hand and/or by a single UTV to Parcels 2a, 2b and 3 or sling-loaded by helicopter to Parcel 1. Contractor pedestrian access to, from, and within the historic properties shall cause no damage to any of the features of the historic property including dry-stacked rock features. Park archeologist will coordinate with Contracting Officer and Contractor to identify appropriate and inappropriate locations for access routes.

Parcel 1 is located along the northeast shoreline ʻAimakapā Fishpond. Access to Parcel 1 beyond the main Visitor Use Mauka/Makai Trail is by pedestrian access only.

Parcels 2a and 2b are located along a Park pedestrian / UTV trail in the Honokōhau area of the Park approximately 2750 feet from the nearest vehicle roadway at the Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor. Access to Parcel 2a and 2b may include the use of one (1), contractor provided, UTV to transport contractor employees, supplies and equipment.

Parcel 3 is located along the southern boundary of the Park near the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. Access to Parcel 3 may include the use of one (1), contractor provided, UTV to transport contractor employees, supplies and equipment along a Park specified route.

The Contractor’s UTV shall be in good working order and shown to have no fluid leaks. The UTV shall be operated and parked only on designated park trails. Park visitor safety shall be of highest concern and priority at all times when operating the UTV. When encountering visitors on trails, the UTV shall yield and come to a complete stop to allow visitors to pass. Prior to use within the Park, the UTV must pass a biosecurity and leak inspection by NPS personnel and shall be subject to additional periodic biosecurity/leak inspections at any time for the duration of the project. The UTV shall not be stored overnight in the Park. The off-site storage area for the UTV and tools must also pass a biosecurity inspection by NPS personnel.

Tools, equipment, and supplies may be stored on site in a storage unit provided by the contractor. The storage unit may be like a 4ft x 2ft jobsite storage chest. If tools, equipment and/or supplies are stored in the Park overnight, they must be locked in the approved storage unit. This storage unit will be subject to biosecurity inspection before and during use in the Park. At Parcel 1, 2a and 2b, a storage unit may be transported via UTV along the designated Park trail, and then hand-carried from the trail into Parcel Parcel 1, 2a and/or 2b. The transport and placement of this storage unit shall not cause damage to any ground surface and/or historic property. Contractor will coordinate with Contracting Officer and the park archeologist on selecting the location prior to bringing in and placing the storage unit. Prior to work in each parcel, pedestrian foot paths for entry/egress to and within the parcels will be identified by the NPS including areas to avoid as part of access.

All trash generated by Contractor shall be removed daily from the Park. All Contractor property kept onsite overnight shall be locked in the lockable storage unit. The NPS shall not be held accountable for any damages or loss of Contractor property.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project goal is to remove kiawe (Prosopis pallida) and Christmas Berry (Schinus terebinthifolia) non-native trees at Parcels 1, 2a, 2b and 3.

Parcels 1, 2a, 2b and 3 Non-native kiawe (Prosopis pallida) and Haole Koa (Leucaena leucocephala) will be cut flush to the ground, and the cut-material loaded into helicopter sling devices, Bagsters™(1,000-lb capacity polypropylene bags) for later removal by helicopter. Cut stumps will be treated by prescribed herbicide application (see Table 1 below). The historic properties at each of these parcels are fragile archeological sites, therefore, the cutting, stacking, and bagging of all cut vegetation materials shall be accomplished carefully and shall not cause damage to any of the features of the historic property. Other vegetation may have to be cut and placed in Bagsters™ to facilitate the cutting and bagging of kiawe (Prosopis pallida) and Haole Koa (Leucaena leucocephala). If other woody vegetation is cut to facilitate the cutting and bagging of kiawe and/or Haole Koa, it will be treated by prescribed herbicide application. Bagsters™ may not be placed on non-grass vegetation larger / woody stumps not cut flush to the ground. All cut vegetation must be loaded into a Bagsters™ and treated with herbicide per application methods described in this Scope of Work.

Work Schedule Contractor will only work between Monday and Friday, 6am to 5pm. No work will be conducted on the weekend or on Federal Holiday as part of this project.

Tree and Limb Felling An acceptable method of tree cutting in areas where any component of the historic property could be damaged by the felling of cut sections of the tree could is to tie off limbs, branches, or trunks prior to cutting, and to slowly lower them to the ground once they are cut. Although most of the vegetation is new regrowth, some trees may need this type of treatment to ensure no damage to historic properties. As a suggestion, temporary shields can be constructed above the historic property to protect the historic property from falling limbs and trunks. A temporary shield could be constructed of lumber (plywood) or other material so that all components of the historic property are protected from falling limbs and trunks. If temporary shields are constructed, the historic property and/or ground surface will not be damaged or altered as part of the construction of the temporary shield. In more “open” areas, where there is no potential of damage to any component of the historic property, the trees may be felled in larger pieces and allowed to fall to the ground without tying or otherwise securing limbs.

Trees located near the boundary of a Parcel with the trunk and roots within the Parcel will be cut and stacked, including any branch that extend outside of the Parcel. For trees located outside the boundary of a Parcel but with branches extending into the Parcel, only the branches that extend into the Parcel will be cut and stacked.

Herbicide Treatment All herbicide use, handling and storage will be in full compliance with all aspects of the label of the herbicide. “The label is the law”. All trees and shrubs shall be cut as close to the ground surface as possible and then treated with herbicide within 1-2 minutes of making the cut. Herbicide treatment for this cut-stump technique shall apply herbicide to at least 100% of the cambium layer of the stump. Grasses will be cut as close to the ground as possible. Optimum timing for herbicide application to grasses is after new fully leaf expansion, but prior to seed head formation. After cutting grass as close to the ground, grass will be allowed to form regrowth to so that the clump has full regrowth but prior to prior to seed head formation. Foliar application of herbicide to the flushed-out grass will apply herbicide to at least 70% of the re-growth grass. Vegetation roots shall not be pulled from the ground. Herbicide application equipment will only include backpack type sprayers and small hand-held sprayers. There will be no overspray during use of herbicide as part of this project. There will be absolutely no application of herbicide to water as part of this project.

See Herbicide Use, Storage and Reporting Protocol and Accident Prevention Plan and GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK CONDITIONS sections below for more information regarding herbicide treatment.

The following Herbicide Mixing Chart shall be followed when mixing and applying herbicide as part of this project. If spraying or application equipment (backpack and/or handheld sprayers) are different sizes than on chart, then percentages will be used.

HERBICIDE MIXING CHART

OR

Management of Cut Vegetation Once cut, vegetation with a diameter of six (6) inches or less will be cut into sections no longer than eight (8) feet and loaded, generally lengthwise, in a, stacked, orderly fashion into the helicopter sling-load devices, specifically, Bagsters™. Vegetation with a diameter greater than 6 inches will be cut into section no longer than four (4) feet and loaded in an orderly fashion in separate Bagsters™. The material with a diameter greater than 6 inches will be loaded into separate Bagsters™ than that of the material with a diameter less than 6 inches. Vegetation with a diameter of six (6) inches of less will not be loaded in the same bags as vegetation with a diameter greater than six (6) inches.

Native and Polynesian-introduced plants such as, but not limited to, noni (Morinda citrifolia), maiopilo (Capparis sandwichiana), naio (Myoporum sandwicense), uhaloa (Waltheria indica), and naturalized plants such as hau (Hibiscus tiliaceus) will not be damaged, cut and/or removed as part of this project.

EXCEPTION – Straight lengths of kiawe with a diameter of 6 to12 inches and straight lengths of 6 to 8 feet will be cut to 6 to 8-foot lengths and separated for the National Park Service to collect.

The contractor will be responsible for providing 300 Bagsters™, which will become property of the NPS at the end of the contract. If more than 300 Bagsters are required, they will be provided by the NPS. If Bagsters™ are supplied and brought to the parcel by NPS, stacks of cut vegetation will be made within Bagsters™. If Bagsters™ are not provided or if those that were provided already contain cut vegetation and the 300 Bagsters™ provided by the contractor are in use, cut vegetation will be stacked directly on the ground surface avoiding the historic property. Loaded Bagsters™ will not be on any component of the historic property but can be stacked within the boundaries of the site. The park archeologist will coordinate with the Contracting Officer and Contractor to identify appropriate and inappropriate locations for loaded Bagsters™ and locations for stacking directly on the ground.

For every Bagster, the vertical stitched seams at each of the four corners will be cut so that the bag lays flat on the ground prior to loading. Cutting the seam will consist solely of removal of the string holding the seam together and no cutting of the Bagster material itself. Bagsters will be loaded such that the length of the cut material is placed parallel with the longer dimension of the Bagster. When loaded, the handles must be able to touch when wrapped up, around the loaded material. When loaded, cut material will be placed so that when lifted by helicopter, no material can fall out of the Bagster. Bagsters™ will be loaded to the maximum capacity determined by weight (~ 900lbs) or volume (handles must touch when wrapped up, around loaded material).

Contractor will coordinate with the NPS Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and/or Park contact to determine when 75 Bagsters™ will be loaded and ready to schedule helicopter operations.

The Contractor cannot be on site at a Parcel when helicopters operations are underway at that Parcel. If helicopter operations are being conducted at Parcel 1, contractor can work at Parcel 2a, 2b or 3. When helicopter operations are being conducted at Parcel 2a or 2b, contractor can work at Parcel 1 or 3. Helicopter flight operations will be scheduled between Monday and Friday between 6am and 11am. The NPS will schedule helicopter operations with contractor and helicopter pilot as best as possible to not inconvenience contractor schedule.

In coordination with the Park Archeologist, COR and Contractor, staging areas for tools, supplies, equipment, and contractor employees will be identified. The ground surface of these staging areas must be protected, if necessary, so that there are no impacts or changes to the existing ground surface.

All fueling and oiling of tools and equipment will be conducted in a secondary containment system to prevent the spilling of any hazardous liquids.

All labor and equipment necessary to cut and stack the kiawe will be provided by the contractor.

Native and Polynesian-introduced such as, but not limited to, noni (Morinda citrifolia), maiopilo (Capparis sandwichiana), naio (Myoporum sandwicense), Uhaloa (Waltheria indica), and naturalized plants such as hau (Hibiscus tiliaceus) will not be damaged, cut and/or removed as part of this project.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS, Endangered Species Hawaiian hoary bat The federally endangered Hawaiian hoary bat roosts in both exotic and native woody vegetation and will leave their young unattended in trees and shrubs when they forage. If trees or shrubs 15 feet or taller are cleared during the pupping season, there is a risk that young bats could inadvertently be harmed or killed.

To avoid and minimize impacts to the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, the Contractor:

· Will not disturb, remove, or trim woody plants greater than 15 feet tall from June 1 through September 15.

Hawaiian stilt The federally endangered waterbird, the Hawaiian stilt, is found in the park. The stilt nesting season normally extends from mid-February through August.

To avoid adverse impacts to Hawaiian stilts, the following measures will be implemented during this project:

· Qualified NPS personnel will conduct Hawaiian stilt nest surveys at the parcels adjacent the fishponds throughout project implementation.

· A 100-ft (30 meter) buffer will be established and maintained around all active stilt nests and broods until the chicks have fledged. No potentially disruptive activities (for example, noise greater than 60 decibels) or habitat alteration will occur within this buffer.

· If a Hawaiian stilt is observed within the project site, or flies into the site while activities are occurring, all activities will halt within 100-ft (30 m) of the individual(s). Work will not resume until the stilt(s) leave the area on their own accord.

Contractor is required to immediately notify NPS COR and/or park contact if a nest is identified in the project area. If a nest is confirmed, the qualified NPS personnel will establish and mark the above mentioned 100-ft buffer.

Critical Habitat for Three Endangered Plant Species Portions of the project areas overlap with and/or are near Critical Habitat for three endangered plant species.

To avoid impacts to native plants and designated critical habitat:

· NPS will continue to conduct botanical surveys for native plant species in areas planned for vegetation removal. NPS will conduct botanical surveys prior to and during work conducted by contractors.

· If any native plants are found, NPS will flag the area for avoidance by vegetation- removal workers. NPS will establish and the Contractor will respect a 3-ft (1m) buffer around the plant or plant stands for mechanical removal of vegetation (e.g., by chainsaw or line cutter) or up to the height of removed vegetation (whichever is greater). The mode of herbicide treatment in the project area is by cut stump and spot-treatment spray application. A 10-ft (3 m) buffer will be maintained around all listed plants identified by survey during application of herbicides where no herbicide treatment will be conducted.

Anchialine Pool Habitats

· A 20-ft (6-m) buffer will be established and appropriately flagged around all anchialine pools.

· Contractors will not cut and/or apply herbicides within a 20-ft (6-m) buffer of any anchialine pool unless approved by the NPS COTR.

· Contractors will ensure that anchialine pools are kept clean of any vegetation debris from cutting in or outside of the 20-ft (6-m) buffer.

Storage, Use and Handling of Fuel and Oil Fuel, bar oil and other similar liquids must be kept in manufacturer’s container and/or manufacturer approved container with an attached label, and will be stored in secondary containment. All fuel will be kept in a Type I or Type II fuel container and stored in secondary containment at all times. Fueling/oiling of all equipment and UTV will be done with a secondary containment system (i.e. a concrete mixing tub) to prevent the spilling of any hazardous liquids. Contractor will provide a Spill Prevention and Spill Containment/Clean-Up Plan. If a spill occurs, the COR and/or park Contact will be immediately notified.

Herbicide Use, Storage and Reporting Protocol and Accident Prevention Plan The Contractor shall develop and follow an Accident Prevention Plan that specifically addresses transport, handling, and use of herbicides. A copy of the Accident Prevention Plan will be provided to the NPS. It should address at the least:

· A plan for applicator or public medical emergency.

· A plan for communication to effect emergency actions or contact various NPS units within the contract.

· A plan for disposal of rinsate, left-over chemicals, and containers.

· A plan for spill containment and clean-up.

· List of all treatment equipment (limited to backpack and small hand sprayers).

· List of all herbicides and other chemicals proposed for use during the contract (limited to Round-Up Custom™ or Habitat™ )A plan for mixing and transport of chemicals proposed for use during the contract

· Product labels and Safety Data Sheets.

· List of all personal protective equipment required for applicators. This list may be specific for various chemical products.

· List of required documentation for various emergencies.

Biosecurity Inspections and Protocol See Attachment A for Invasive Pest Prevention Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK CONDITIONS

A. The Contractor shall furnish all necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to cut, chemically treat and bag non-native trees, shrubs and grasses for helicopter removal. Specifically, the Contractor shall provide certified applicators and all chemicals, equipment and PPE. The Contractor will also have a State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry Certificate for Commercial Applicators of Restricted Pesticides (Category – Forest Pest Control) licensed pesticide applicator supervises all mixing and application of herbicides during this project.

B. The Contractor is advised that other site hazards may include steep, unstable slopes, rough lava surfaces, and biting or stinging insects.

C. Chemical treatment will consist of cut-stump application and/or foliar application of Round-Up Custom™ or Habitat™ using label specifications for combined total treatment (initial and any follow-up) of no more than the amount of glyphosate concentrate per acre and no more than the amount of imazapyr per acre as stated on the label of the product.

D. Treatment must be conducted using either backpack sprayer with a calibrated nozzle, or from a hand-size spray bottle where spray volume is adjusted specifically to minimize drift or through direct contact with a wicking from a wand. Use of these approaches greatly minimizes the potential for drift. No broadcast application methods are allowed. Spot treatment of target species will only occur while using the cut-stump or foliar application method. When work is conducted near rare, native and or water, either a 10-foot buffer must be implemented, or a drift shield can be employed instead.

a. As described below, spraying cannot be conducted when the wind speed at the level of the target plant exceeds 5mph. If a drift shield is used, wind should be measured at the level of the target plant where winds could possibly cause inadvertent drift. Spraying must also be discontinued if there are frequent wind gusts exceeding 10 mph.

b. No treatment 12 hours after a rainfall event unless vegetation is dry or 3 hours before a predicted rainfall event when there is more than a 20% chance of rainfall.

c. Applications will be cancelled immediately if working conditions become at all unsafe for staff, including but not limited to situations when weather conditions change, causing spray to drift onto or eddy around staff.

E. Completion of work sites within the contract will be successful when 100% of all non-native trees, shrubs and grasses are treated. 100% of all plants treated should show signs of treatment (e.g. dye) immediately after treatment. All plants must have chemical material covering at least 70% of the green portion of the plant for foliar treatment and 100% coverage of at least the cambium layer for cut stump. Otherwise the Contractor will be asked to come back and re-treat missed and under sprayed plants at the Contractor’s cost.

a. Should, after 90- days, there does not appear to be at least some sign of die-back, the Contractor will come back to re-treat those areas at no cost to the NPS.

F. The Contractor is advised that the project is located within an area that contains special status species including Federal listed rare plant and animal species and that contains archeological / historic properties.

G. NPS will instruct Contractor on the treatment sites, targeted non-native, invasive plants to be controlled, location an identification of sensitive plant species, pre-approved control methods, and methods for documenting work completed.

H. NPS will provide the Contractor with maps and other information to locate work sites.

I. NPS will provide staff to assist with the location of plants to be treated and plants to be avoided.

J. The Contractor will ensure equipment used in good repair and operating condition at all times with no fluid leaks, and will comply with all Federal, State and local vehicle regulations. All equipment shall meet all safety standards as established for that piece of equipment. All equipment shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. All equipment will be fueled using secondary equipment. All equipment shall be equipped with all appropriate safety guards, as specified by the manufacturer. All equipment will arrive on site clean and free of mud, seeds, and other plant parts. The NPS reserves the right to request replacement of equipment or personnel if deemed to be unsafe or operating in an unsafe manner.

K. The Contractor may only use NPS-approved herbicides that are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are EPA approved for wetlands use because of the proximity to groundwater. As noted, no substitutions are allowed for the brand names identified earlier due to permitting constraints. ALL HERBICIDES SHALL BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EPA LABEL. The Contractor is liable for penalty, fines or damages resulting from misuse of herbicides.

L. For each batch of chemical mixed, the Contractor must report the exact mixing volumes to representatives of the Park be the end of that week. Reporting of mixing volumes will be documented on the appropriate Pesticide Use Log in Attachment B and C. Running totals for each chemical in each Parcel will be kept for the duration of the project. The total from week 1 will be carried over to week 2 and so on and documented on the weekly Pesticide Use Log.

M. The Contractor shall dispose of all herbicide and adjuvant containers and rinsates off government property in a legal and safe manner as allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and according to the label.

N. All chemicals must be kept locked when not under supervision of the Contractor’s crew. Chemicals shall not be stored in the Park overnight.

O. The Contractor shall develop and follow an Accident Prevention Plan as described above.

P. The Contractor shall exercise care and protect all native vegetation at the work site. The Contractor is responsible for the restoration or replacement of all damaged native vegetation (exceeding damage to 10% of non-target vegetation within patches to be treated, at no cost to the NPS).

Q. The Contractor shall provide employee applicators with all supplies and equipment for invasive plant control, including vehicles for transportation to work sites, herbicides and adjuvants, sprayers, hand tools, chainsaws, brush cutters, tarps, personal protective equipment (PPE), potable water, and suitable communications capability to facilitate operational coordination and safety of crewmembers.

R. At all times when chemical treatment is being mixed and applied, the Contractor shall provide an on-site crew supervisor that is a Hawaii-certified pesticide applicator (Certification for Commercial Applicators of Restricted Pesticides) (Category – Forest Pest Control). If the certified applicator is present at the site, but not with the crew while application is conducted, the licensed applicator will appoint a field supervisor that will ensure that the crew is properly performing chemical treatment and heeding safety regulations. The field supervisor – and the certified pesticide applicator – must be fluent in the primary language of the crew to ensure that communication is adequate.

S. The Contractor will ensure that a safety tailgate is held every morning prior to work start. The Contractor will ensure that all employees are wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and are adhering to all safety regulations regarding handling of chemicals, use of mechanical equipment, including both heavy equipment and motorized vehicles such as UTVs.

T. The Contractor shall provide the ground crew(s) suitable communications capable to facilitate operational coordination and provide for the safety of the crewmembers.

U. Post-application reports (such as solution mixed and applied, area covered (acreage), location, work hours, etc.) will be prepared on a daily basis, to ensure efficiency and accuracy in herbicide reporting and treatment efforts. These Pesticide Use Logs will be provided to the COR/Park contact at the end of each week of the project. At the conclusion of application operations, all herbicide amounts will be properly reported to the NPS with another copy of all Pesticide Use Logs for each week. Reporting of chemical mixing and spraying should use the Pesticide Use Logs provided in Attachment B and C.

CREW SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Coordinate with the NPS COR/Park contact on a daily or as-needed basis.

B. Responsible for all control activities and safety oversight on project sites.

C. Assure that crew is qualified to spray and that crew is familiar with target species and non-target species.

D. Assure that all contract crews are knowledgeable of and remain within park property and work site boundaries.

E. Assure appropriate herbicide labels, SDS, a copy of the contract, and appropriate treatment work site maps are on site.

F. Assure that each crew member is not under- or over-spraying and that the crew is advancing on even front through areas to minimize potential for missed plants or patches.

G. Appoint field supervisor if certified applicator is not present within the work area when application is being conducted. Field supervisor must be able to converse with crew adequately to convey instructions.

H. Ensure that crew members are briefed on the Contractor’s Safety and Accident Prevention Plan and conduct daily tailgate safety briefings.

I. Avoid damage to native vegetation, wildlife, and cultural/archaeological/historic property resources.

J. Collect data for each NPS treatment work site including the following:

a. Treatment date

b. Treatment location description

c. Treatment method

d. Acreage of plants herbicide treated or cut

e. Herbicide formulation and volume used

f. Weather conditions (average temperature, average and maximum wind speed) at the time of herbicide application

g. Name of all applicators

h. Hours worked

K. Record information on the Park-provided data sheets (Attachment B and C). Provide these datasheets that should be completed on a daily basis to the COR/Park Contact upon completion of the work week, unless other arrangements are specified and approved by the Contracting Officer.

L. Provide and ensure employees wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the equipment and herbicides being used at a particular time as required by laws, regulations, ordinances, labels and/or manufacturer’s instructions.

CREWMEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the equipment and herbicides being used at a particular time as required by laws, regulations, ordinances, labels and/or manufacturer’s instructions.

B. Operate in such a way that protects human health, environmental health, and cultural and natural resources.

PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

A. CREW SUPERVISOR: the supervisor of a work crew shall possess the following minimum qualifications:

a. Possess a current Certificate for Commercial Applicators of Restricted Pesticides from the State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry (Category – Forest Pest Control). Carry the certificate at all times when working within any of the Parcels.

b. Knowledge and two (2) years of substantial experience in field identification and current control technologies of invasive plants common to the ecosystem being treated.

c. Ability to correctly identify all targeted invasive and rare plants.

d. Ability to communicate in English.

e. Ability to keep accurate records.

f. Ability to train applicators working under his/her Certificate.

g. Ability to work under adverse physical and weather conditions, including high winds, extreme temperatures, and rain; exposure to poisonous plants and biting insects; and in steep, difficult terrain.

B. CREW MEMBER: crew members performing invasive plant control operations shall possess the following minimum qualifications:

a. Ability to correctly identify targeted invasive plants.

b. Ability to mix, handle, and apply herbicides in accordance with label directions and crew supervisor instructions.

c. Ability to handle and maintain tools, equipment, and supplies in good working order for daily operations.

d. Ability to work under adverse physical and weather conditions, including high winds, extreme temperatures, and rain; inclement weather, exposure to poisonous plants, biting insects; and in steep, difficult terrain.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS

A. All vehicles, equipment, and supplies, and their usage, must meet all Federal OSHA, state and local safety requirements and must be properly licensed and maintained.

B. The Contractor shall have a Hazard Communication Program in place as required by 29 CFR 1910.1200, where Safety Data Sheets shall be obtained for all pesticide or other chemical materials to be used in performance of this contract. These SDSs and an inventory of chemicals must be provided to the COR prior to bringing the material(s) on site.

C. SDSs shall be maintained at the work site and made available to all employees and the public upon request.

MIXING

A. Prior to work commencing, all materials will be pre-mixed either at the Parcels (under appropriate conditions) or an off-site location. Calculations regarding mixing of chemicals should be conducted the day before and mixed the day before or the morning of, with a system developed for double-checking concentrations and calculations to minimize chances for errors. Herbicide Mixing Chart will be followed for all herbicide mixing and applications.

B. Mixing shall only occur with secondary containment and with measures in place to prevent or significantly minimize risk of chemical spills and ground contamination. When not in use, all chemicals must be securely locked in some type of container.

APPLICATION TECHNIQUE

A. During foliar applications, staff and/or crew will ensure at least 70% coverage of green regrowth leaves are contacted by the spray solution. During cut-stump applications, staff and/or crew will ensure at least 100% coverage of cambium layer of cut stump within 1 minute of cutting.

B. Applicators will work methodically through areas to ensure that no plants are missed.

C. Applicators will avoid non-target plant species such as Morinda citrifolia, Sida fallax, Hibiscus tiliaceus, and other native plants to the maximum extent practicable.

D. Applicators will NOT spray within 10 feet (3m) around rare, endangered and species of concern plants and will use drift shields. An NPS representative must be present when rare plants are in the immediate work area. None are currently known to be in the Parcels, however, they may be discovered by survey.

PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

Clear signage will be posted upon the start of herbicide use when application is within 50 feet of public Park trail and will remain in place throughout the restricted entry interval (REI) as outlined on the pesticide label. Signs will be posted generously along the side of the trail within the Parcel by the Contractor.

Period of Performance The period of performance will be between September 16, 2023 and December 31, 2023.

Invoicing Invoicing will be on a Parcel increment basis. Invoices will be submitted to the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) found at www.IPP.gov.