Grass from East Indian sugarcane to African Guinea grass have been introduced to Hawaii for centuries, predating the state's increased risk of wildfire.

The beetle was found dead in a bag of compost at a Maui big box store during routine survey work.

Fire officials and landowners have known for years about gaps in Hawaii's firebreaks and fuelbreaks. The problem boils down to money and cooperation.

The state's ag industry mobilized to provide aid and the state bought feed, but ranchers need rain to grow grass soon.

That same fateful day, a couple of farmers, a troop of cowboys and fire crews were all that stood between a Waimea wildfire and potential catastrophe.

.The new director has a vision for community-focused innovative farming.

The department said it is taking an 'all-hands-on-deck approach' to the issue.

Food accounts for roughly 19% of all the trash thrown out in the county, which lacks a municipal composting facility.

For the state, the purchase was a "huge victory" for the environment. For Brendan Balthazar, it was a devastating loss of agricultural land.

The farm says it is hoping to reduce the state's dependence on imported fertilizer.