The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), in collaboration with the County of Hawai‘i Public Works Department (COH-PWD), has commenced a new phase of palm tree treatments at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport to combat the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB). This action, initiated on May 6, follows similar efforts undertaken last month.
Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, “It really is ‘all hands on deck’ in West Hawai‘i and all our partner agencies are dedicating everything they have to stop the establishment of CRB on Hawai‘i Island.” She also expressed gratitude to Mayor Kimo Alameda and his team for their significant contributions.
Since January 2025, when CRB was first detected in Kona, HDOA and COH-PWD have been working together. The public works department has provided essential equipment such as boom trucks to reach the tops of palm trees for treatment.
The timeline of CRB detections includes various incidents: six larvae found by a resident in Waikoloa in October 2023; four adult beetles caught in traps by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) in April 2024; and subsequent discoveries by HDOA personnel. These findings prompted intensified treatment efforts across West Hawai‘i.
From March to April 2025, multiple sites including KOA airport, Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i (NELHA), Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor and Marina, and West Hawai‘i Veteran’s Cemetery underwent extensive treatments involving crown applications and injections. Most recently, on May 6, crews treated 86 palms at KOA using crown applications. Plans are underway for additional treatments at Keāhole Ag Park later this month.
Continuous surveillance for CRB is conducted by several organizations including HDOA, BIISC, University of Hawai‘i, County of Hawai‘i, and the state Department of Health Vector Control Branch. Since March 2025, ten adult beetles have been reported across several locations on Hawai‘i Island.
The HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch along with its Pesticides Branch administers these treatments. Treated trees are marked with yellow tape and tagged accordingly. The public is advised not to consume coconuts from treated palms due to pesticide application concerns. For inquiries regarding pesticide use, residents can contact HDOA’s Pesticides Branch at 808-973-9402.
Residents across all islands are encouraged to remain vigilant when purchasing gardening materials such as mulch or compost due to potential contamination by CRBs which breed in decaying organic matter. The beetle is identifiable by its black color and distinctive horned appearance. Signs include V-shaped cuts or scalloped edges on palm leaves as well as visible bore holes in trunks.
For further information about identifying CRB damage or reporting possible infestations, residents can visit the CRB Response website or call Hawaii’s Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).
