Talking ʻŌpala to host free talk on coconut rhinoceros beetle Dec. 9 in Wailea

Mālama Maui Nui’s Talking ʻŌpala seminar series will host a free public talk on the coconut rhinoceros beetle from 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Four Seasons Resort Maui ballroom in Wailea.

Brooke Mahnken, geographic information system and invasive ant supervisor for the Maui Invasive Species Committee, will speak about the beetle, its potential effects on native ecosystems and ways residents can help limit its spread, according to organizers. The event is a partnership between Talking ʻŌpala and the committee.

Organizers describe the beetle as a destructive pest that has recently arrived in Maui Nui and say community reports will be important to stopping its spread. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions.

The event is free and open to the public. The resort is at 3900 Wailea Alanui Drive.

More information is available from Aislinn Olthoff, education and grants coordinator for Mālama Maui Nui, at education@mmnui.org.