Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle found on the Waianae Coast

HONOLULU (AP) — State officials are looking to step up monitoring of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle after the invasive species was found on the Waianae Coast.

State Department of Agriculture officials say 38 of the beetles have been trapped in Nanakuli and Lualualei since the beginning of the year.

But in a letter sent to State Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, agriculture officials say they are having trouble finding breeding sites on private farms in the Nanakuli area.

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles attack coconut palms and several food crops, including taro, sugarcane, mango and papaya.