Hala Scale: Thysanococcus pandani (Hemiptera: Halimococcidae)
Tiny black scales on hala leaves can be found on the undersides of hala leaves in low infestations, and on both the underside and top of leaves in heavy infestations.
Showing the size of each individual adult scale, compared to a dime.
Magnified photo of mature female scales with waxy white fringe.
A badly infested hala tree with yellow, twisted, and stunted leaves.
An infested hala tree, bare and dying.
Other scale insects on Hala leaves that may be mistaken for the Hala Scale: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2015/06/other-scale-insects-on-hala.pdf
Hala Scale flyer for weavers: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2015/06/hala-scale-flyer-for-weavers-62016.pdf
Hala Scale Pest Advisory: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2021/04/hala-scale-PA-15-01-update-4-8-2021.pdf
News articles:
https://www.kitv.com/news/hala‐trees‐under‐attack/33213528
Hala scale on Molokai:
https://themolokaidispatch.com/a-new-invasive-species-hala-scale-2/
Hala scale on Maui:
https://mauinow.com/2012/11/19/pest-poses-threat-to-culturally-significant-hala-trees/
https://archives.starbulletin.com/2004/06/22/news/story7.html
Other articles on Hala:
https://www.bishopmuseum.org/kaelele/2015/winter/6%20Botany%20Hala.pdf