Multiple state and county agencies are continuing efforts to stop the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) from becoming established on Hawai‘i Island. Between August 25-26 and September 3-5, teams fumigated and removed 144 tons of potential CRB breeding material from a nursery in Keāhole Agricultural Park. This operation followed an earlier fumigation of green waste at the same site in mid-August. No CRB were detected in green waste after the first round, but the recent effort was conducted as a precaution to ensure no beetles had moved into nearby piles.
The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB), Plant Pest Control Branch coordinated the operation. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation’s Highways Division provided excavators, loaders, and dump trucks for the task. The County of Hawai‘i’s Department of Public Works and Department of Environmental Management (Solid Waste Division) assisted with hauling fumigated material to a green waste processing facility for further treatment. A private pest-control operator contracted by DAB carried out the fumigation services.
“Treating and hauling 144 tons of green waste is a colossal task,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. “But the work crews, both private and public, were committed to eliminating CRB from this site and we truly appreciate their collaboration and hard work, especially in the summer heat.”
In late July, inspectors discovered a major CRB breeding site at Keāhole Agricultural Park that contained 110 late-stage larvae and three adult beetles. Green-waste piles were immediately covered with tarps to prevent spread before being fumigated and removed for further processing.
Residents are being asked to comply with Mayor C. Kimo Alameda’s voluntary order not to move green-waste material from designated compliance zones on west Hawai‘i Island. More information can be found at https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4072/720.
Additional detection traps have been set up at Keāhole Agricultural Park, with increased monitoring in surrounding areas planned.
This week, DAB and CRB Response teams are also using drones to treat palm trees in Kohanaiki.
Anyone who suspects they have found coconut rhinoceros beetles on Hawai‘i Island should report it immediately by calling 808-643-PEST (7378) or visiting 643pest.org.
