The beetle has become emblematic of the state’s decades-long struggle to contain and mitigate the impacts of invasive species throughout the islands.

As Hawaiʻi continues to pinch pennies and fill holes created by federal cuts, lawmakers may have to choose between bills designed to bolster local food or fight invasive species.

The county is preparing to go after breeding sites as the invasive species spreads across the island. 

Hawaiʻi island residents have been tracking coconut rhinoceros beetles’ destruction throughout the islands. Fearing the same for their home, they’re urging the state to move faster.

The population of tiny stinging ants has surged despite efforts to control the invasive species. Experts fear devastating consequences if the infestation spirals out of control.

Senators are troubled by what they see as slow progress from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, which is struggling to find staff to keep invasive species at bay.

Six months later, nights haven’t gotten any quieter — at least not yet.

Tactics vary by island in the ongoing fight to save Hawaiʻi’s iconic palms from coconut rhinoceros beetles.

Big Island farmers want the state to tackle the Queensland longhorn beetle before it spreads to the rest of the state and wreaks havoc like the coconut rhinoceros beetle.

The loss of plants to invasive species would threaten the island’s food security and calls for more serious action.