A single dead adult coconut rhinoceros beetle was collected by the Maui Invasive Species Committee from a detection trap at Kahului Airport on April 1, according to an announcement released April 8. No other beetles were detected in other traps checked during the same period. The previous check of airport traps occurred on March 11, with no detections reported at that time.
The detection is significant because coconut rhinoceros beetles are not known to be established on Maui. Early identification of this invasive species is critical to protect local agriculture and prevent long-term economic damage. The traps are part of the statewide Ports of Entry Monitoring Program operated by the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, which supplements existing biosecurity measures for early detection at key locations such as airports and harbors.
After collection, staff from the Maui Invasive Species Committee handed over the specimen to inspectors from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch for official confirmation. On April 6, it was confirmed as a female coconut rhinoceros beetle by specialists in Honolulu. This marks only the third time this pest has been found on Maui; two earlier incidents occurred in 2023 involving live larvae and a dead adult found separately, with all host material destroyed after those discoveries.
Following guidance from department staff based on Maui, personnel conducted surveys around Kahului Airport looking for sites that might harbor these beetles—such as compost piles and decaying palm material—and deployed additional detection traps. Surrounding palms will also be checked for feeding damage. These efforts involve coordination among multiple agencies including county departments and statewide partners.
Residents within two miles of Kahului Airport are asked to inspect palm trees for signs of feeding damage and report any green waste piles that could serve as breeding grounds for these pests. People should also be cautious when purchasing or moving mulch or soil products and avoid bags with damaged packaging that may harbor insects. Feeding damage often appears as V-shaped cuts on palm fronds but can take months to become visible.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture promotes cultural resilience by supporting equity in agricultural communities and preserving traditional practices according to its official website. The department manages facilities such as the Waiahole Water System in Aiea according to its official website and functions as a state government entity tied to both agriculture oversight boards and biosecurity programs according to its official website. With approximately 279 employees across Hawaii according to its official website, it works actively to promote agriculture while blocking harmful plants, animals, and diseases according to its official website. The department maintains strict animal quarantine measures—preserving Hawaii’s unique rabies-free status nationwide—and supports community eradication efforts against agricultural threats through partnerships like those with University of Hawaii according to its official website.
Reports about suspected sightings or evidence can be made online at CRB Response (www.crbhawaii.org) or via phone using the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline (808-643-PEST). Authorities urge residents not only to limit movement of green waste but also collect any suspicious larvae securely until proper identification is confirmed.