Historic Hawaiian Ship Preserved by Chemi-Pure and Vikane

The crew of Chemi-Pure Termite & Pest Control work to seal Hokule'a ship with tarps while preparing for drywood termite fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant.

HONOLULU — Recently Hokule’a, a full-scale replica of a wooden ancient voyaging canoe, was fumigated with Vikane® gas fumigant to eliminate an extensive drywood termite infestation.

Built in 1975 by the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Hokule’a is the only one of its kind to be built in more than 600 years, when the ancient Polynesians used voyaging canoes to navigate the Pacific Ocean. An important icon to Hawaiian culture, Hokule’a has been on 10 voyages, all using ancient celestial navigation techniques. In 2007, the Polynesian Voyaging Society plans to have Hokule’a sail to Micronesia and Japan.

While the ship was dry-docked at a marine training center, Chemi-Pure Termite & Pest Control was called upon to complete the fumigation. Because of the historical significance of the ship, the company donated its services. In addition, Dow AgroSciences donated the Vikane needed to complete the job.

“Fumigating Hokule’a was an honor for our crew,” said Gen Nishimura, president of Chemi-Pure. “By conducting fumigation with Vikane to eliminate the drywood termite problem, we are preserving a piece of Hawaiian history.”

Because of the thick lamination on the wood, the Chemi-Pure crew increased the dosage of Vikane to ensure sufficient fumigant would penetrate throughout the wood to kill all the drywood termites in the allocated exposure time. In addition, other unique factors needed to be taken into consideration, such as the “cabins” or voids in the floor of the ship where people sleep. These areas required a thorough inspection to ensure no animals or people were inside.

Nishimura stated that the fumigation was a great success – completed on schedule, with the drywood termite problem completely eliminated. “Everyone involved was pleased with the outcome of the fumigation,” Nishimura stated. “With the generosity of Dow AgroSciences, we are proud to have been able to donate our services.”

For more information on whole-structure fumigation with Vikane® gas fumigant, visit www.TermiteTenting.com.