The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture has announced the awarding of community grants aimed at controlling the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) and managing green waste on the islands of Kaua‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu. The total funding for these two grant programs amounts to approximately $293,000.
"The department appreciates the concern and willingness of community organizations to assist in the battle against the coconut rhinoceros beetle," said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. "We look forward to the results of their efforts, which may be replicated in other communities in the future."
For the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Control and Management in O‘ahu Communities program, applicants must be Hawai‘i-registered nonprofit organizations on O‘ahu with viable projects to control CRB in their neighborhoods. Seven qualified community organizations were awarded a maximum of $25,000 each. Priority was given to groups that have demonstrated concern about CRB during public meetings or activities within the past year.
The Green Waste Management in Communities (GWMC) program approved three grant awards for proposed projects by community nonprofit organizations to eliminate CRB in green waste, which is identified as a primary breeding environment on Kaua‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu. A total of almost $118,000 was awarded, with a maximum award of $40,000 per project. Green waste includes grass clippings, leaves, branches, hedge and tree trimmings, fruits and vegetables, palm fronds, and other similar plant materials that can be composted. Proposals were reviewed based on clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and data collection methods.