It’s distressing to see the cutting and removal of dead and dying palm trees at city parks along the Leeward Coast and North Shore — victims of the ravenous, destructive coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRBs). And sadly, things are expected to get worse — including more palm tree removals and possible threat to Hawaii’s “heritage plants” such as taro.

Landscapers and gardeners must get aware — fast — that mulch, decaying plant waste and compost are prime CRB breeding grounds. Stop the problem, not compound it, by reviewing facts at www.crbhawaii.org.