Scalloped fronds of freshly planted palms on Keʻeaumoku Street caught Puakea Busby’s eye as she cycled toward Ala Moana Center last week.
The O‘ahu teacher confirmed her suspicions the next day: Coconut rhinoceros beetles had eaten their way into the heart of the trees, causing the telltale V-shaped cuts.
Posting photos and a video online, Busby urged community members to demand the trees be removed. If they were indeed infested, Busby — like the thousands who viewed her post — feared the beetles posed a risk to the rest of the palm-lined cityscape.
After mounting public pressure, state lawmakers have stepped up to tackle biosecurity threats in Hawai‘i, from the coconut rhinoceros beetle to the coffee berry borer and beyond. The Legislature added new positions, increased funding and passed landmark legislation this past session — supercharging the Department of Agriculture’s abilities to stop the spread of invasive species throughout the islands…