The Grinch really is at work on the Islands. A planeload of Christmas trees, from Oregon, was recently rejected and told to go home after Agriculture Inspectors found many non-native species on the trees. Many of the trees had been purchased by non-profit groups for fundraising. A portion of the trees were purchased by private vendors.

Agricultural inspectors found wasps, hornets and other non-native insects in the cargo hold during a routine inspection.  The inspectors did try to salvage some of the trees by separating them, however since the trees were all stored in the same giant cargo hold, this was impossible.

Inspectors also had the idea to fumigate the entire plane. The idea was rejected by the planes pilots who explained the chemicals would corrode the metal parts of the plane.

Janelle Saneishi, spokesperson for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture said: “Sadly, there were some schools with fundraising trees on that flight, but they had to send it back.” Selling Christmas trees has long been a fundraising tradition for many schools in Hawaii. 

Moana Pacatang, Parent, Community facilitator of Waialua High and Intermediate School explained “It’s frustrating because we were excited to get our trees.” She said without the 150 trees ordered, the school fundraisers will have to give back $5,000.

“All we can do” she concluded “is explain to our customers that our trees did not pass inspection. We’re short 2,500 trees on the island”.

A sad day for Hawaii, indeed. OK Grinch, maybe you had your way today, but tomorrow is another day…We’ll still have a great Christmas in Hawaii.