Community invited to tackle coconut rhinoceros infestation

HONOLULU (KHON2) — As the coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation worsens on the North Shore, officials scramble for solutions.

Popular beaches like Chuns Reef have become hotspots for the aggressive beetles, leaving the community struggling to protect palm trees. A plan is in progress to allow community members to submit treatment plans and get government funding.

“Department of Ag. to respond to this they’re going to be coming out for Oahu with eight contracts. Small money, $25,000. But what they’re looking at is for residents, people in the community, nonprofits, businesses, anybody who thinks they could help, neighborhood boards to apply with your plan, ” said Sen. Brenton Awa.

“Send in your plan to the Department of Ag. on how you plan to mitigate it in your area and best use that $25,000. So that’s the immediate step the Department of Ag. is looking for right now,” Awa added.

The Department of Agriculture said green waste is a huge focus of this battle. They urge people to manage mulch and green waste as they are the main breeding grounds of the beetles.