I read in the paper the other day that the state Board of Agriculture is advancing new rules to fight invasive species, including the dreaded coconut rhinoceros beetles. The state’s proposal to increase inspections of incoming plants is an action taken much too late. These pests are already here and have been for seven years.

It was tragic to watch recently as 80 beautiful coconut palms were cut down on the North Shore. It’s especially sad knowing there is an effective treatment available that could have saved those trees.

Imidacloprid is one of the most widely used insecticides in the world. It can be administered to coconut palms to save them from the devastation these pests create. This chemical is expensive, nearly $200 per tree. The state should be administering this treatment and subsidizing property owners who take it upon themselves to have licensed landscaping companies save these priceless trees.

Kit Beuret

Kailua

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