The beetle has become emblematic of the state’s decades-long struggle to contain and mitigate the impacts of invasive species throughout the islands.

Residents are worried the mess they are wading through is contaminated by chemicals sprayed on farms upstream. Test results are pending.

Sugar and pineapple acreage was sold off over the years, divided into hundreds of smaller plots for farming and housing. After the deluge, everyone is pointing fingers.

Crop insurance is hard to attain in Hawaiʻi, and federal programs are tailored to mainland agriculture.

Supporters say the 2-acre parcel can grow taro, be used to educate kids and teach people about food sustainability in Hawaiʻi.

Not everyone living on agricultural land is a farmer. But state agencies have struggled to distinguish the genuine food producers from the hobby farmers looking for a tax break.

Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole is probing the department for evidence of what he believes to be a ‘shadow policy’ of favoring industries the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is in charge of regulating.

As Hawaiʻi continues to pinch pennies and fill holes created by federal cuts, lawmakers may have to choose between bills designed to bolster local food or fight invasive species.

Few departments met the official 10% goal last year. While cost, quality and lack of consistent supply are concerns, the current pace doesn’t bode well for the larger push to wean the islands off imported food.

Hawaiʻi island residents have been tracking coconut rhinoceros beetles’ destruction throughout the islands. Fearing the same for their home, they’re urging the state to move faster.