The life cycle for the moths is about a month from egg to adult moth.  So, the state hopes to have a big enough population to release them in late January.

The only concern is there may be other predators and parasites that may attack the moth.

"That’s the unknown variable right now. We could release it and something else could attack it," said Reimer.

But after 10 years of research and waiting for final approval, the state said it's a gamble they're willing to take the ensure Hawaii's cattle industry will survive.