Feb. 22, 2019

Contributed by Andrea Oka

Kamehameha Schools recently received the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council Business Leader Award for its fight against invasive species – specifically the coconut rhinoceros beetle. The award was presented at the Hawai‘i State Capitol on February 15.

A collective effort among KS’ Asset Management, ʻEwa Region and Natural and Cultural Resources divisions helped leverage and support the work already in progress by the State Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Task Force.

KS Senior Land Assets Manager Kalani Fronda spearheaded a multi-pronged approach to addressing the beetle infestation in the Waiawa Kai area of O‘ahu. His team fostered relationships between area lessees and the task force, to identify new methods and means to control infestations on KS properties. The team also helped with the development and funding of a comprehensive green waste management plan for mitigation of invasive pests.

Collaboration with the community, lessees and governmental agencies has been vital in the battle against beetle infestation.