Molokai is about to lose its only legal shield against the coconut rhinoceros beetle, a bad turn for residents already worried about losing their coconut palms.

• The temporary rule banning plants, soil, and compost shipments from Oahu to Molokai expires this week.
• Dead beetles turned up near Molokai's airport in April, though the island has so far escaped the damage seen elsewhere in Hawaii.
• The state's plant quarantine board could not gather enough members to meet and vote, pushing the decision to next week.
• Coconut palms are tied to Native Hawaiian history and culture, not just shade, which is why residents want permanent protection rather than another stopgap.
• Inspections of beetle-carrying material will continue in the gap, with a new interim rule targeted for September 28.

Outlook: Molokai will likely get another temporary rule rather than the permanent ban residents are asking for, leaving the island exposed in the meantime.