Hawaii sets rules to stop spread of tree-killing coconut rhinoceros beetles

Agriculture board approves regulations, including ban on moving infested soil between islands, to thwart pests

Hawaii is doubling down in its fight against invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles, with state authorities greenlighting rules to prevent the damaging insects from spreading across the Pacific archipelago.

The Hawaii agriculture board on Tuesday approved regulations, including a ban on moving infested soil and compost between islands and an increase of insect inspections, to thwart an influx in pests, according to Honolulu Civil Beat.