HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2) — Residents on the west side of Hawaiʻi Island are being asked to help prevent the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle.
The county’s Department of Agriculture issued a voluntary compliance order asking residents and businesses to prevent themselves from transporting materials that could carry the invasive beetle.
Items such as decomposing plants, wood chips and mulch are at risk of having the beetle, as well as live palm plants.
The order takes effect in July and lasts until Sept. 30.