HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new tool aimed at slowing the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death is showing promise in protecting Hawaiʻi’s native forests, according to state and federal forestry officials.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife partnered with the United States Forest Service on Kauaʻi to deploy an ‘innovative beetle repellent’ treatment designed to help stop the spread of the deadly fungal disease.
Officials said the repellent can limit beetle activity and release a pheromone that discourages the insects from targeting diseased and stressed trees…