The most recent threat to Hawaii's beautiful landscapes is actually quite attractive itself. The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle is as you would imagine it: large, black, and shiny, with zig-zagged legs and a mottled texture. It's name comes from the fact that it rabidly eats palm trees, the tall, coconut-producing plant that Hawaii has become famous for. Many would say "Beetles? If there are beetles in Hawaii, why should I go?" Now, despite this recent beetle-news, I entreat these cautious and understandable insectophobes to hear the whole story. The news that Hawaii has become infested should not deter potential vacationers. In fact, the absence of beetles on these series of small, yet fertile islands in the mid Pacific is not, and has hardly ever been an attractive, tourist drawing, quality. Many people, unrepulsed by the islands' enormous (and apparently growing) population of beetles, find pleasure in the vibrant landscapes, unique culture, diverse wildlife, and dying reefs found there. I encourage everyone looking to spend a Summer on one of these volcanic islands to stop staring at those palm tree littered brochures, and spend a minute or two looking at beetles on the internet, or (for the brave) at a local beetle farm to begin to adjust. Because a visitor will be seeing much less of the former, and quite a few of the latter.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/09/us/hawaii-beetle-invasion/index.html?hpt=us_c2
Byron, as always, I highly value you opinion. Personally I find this new infestation attracts me even more to these majestic volcanic islands of palm trees, black sand beaches, turquoise waters, and THANKFULLY gloriously shiny black, six legged, shelled, beauties. Finally, Hawaii can become the vacation spot it always hoped to be.
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