Ask the Mayor: What Can Be Done About Neighbor’s Rats?

Maui Now stock photo.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the questions submitted to his staff.

Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, 270-7855 or mail them to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793.

Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.

Dear Mayor Arakawa,

Q: I’m upset that my neighbor seems to have a rodent problem but is not interested in setting out traps. The rats are starting to come onto my property now, and with the recent concern about rat lungworm disease, I know it’s important to keep the rats under control.

Who do I call about what seems to be an infestation on my neighbor’s property?

A: You may request an inspector from the Department of Health Vector Control Branch to make an assessment of the area for potential infestation. They are out of the office most of the day so it is best to call them at ph.(808) 873-3560 and leave a message with your name and phone number. If there are other issues such as overgrown weeds or grass that may be harboring the rodents, you can also contact the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau to request that they send a letter to remind your neighbor of their responsibility to keep the weeds down to minimize the threat of fire.