A large dead insect suspected to be a coconut rhinoceros beetle was found by staff from the Molokaʻi/Maui Invasive Species Committee near Kaunakakai Harbor on April 7. The specimen has been sent to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Plant Pest Control Branch on Oʻahu for official species confirmation. If confirmed, this would mark the first detection of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) on Molokaʻi.
The potential arrival of CRB is significant because adult beetles damage palm fronds as they bore into palms to feed, which can take months before visible signs appear. Early detection is critical to prevent widespread infestation and protect local food security.
According to the press release, no other traps checked that day contained beetles, and the trap in question had last been checked a week earlier with no findings. This discovery comes shortly after a similar detection was reported on Maui. In response, MoMISC is deploying additional traps and conducting surveys for feeding damage or breeding sites. The effort involves interagency support from groups including the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDAB), Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council, CRB Response team, County of Maui, and state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Residents within two miles of Kaunakakai Harbor are asked to check palms for possible signs of CRB feeding damage and report piles of green waste that could harbor grubs. They are also urged to be cautious when purchasing mulch or soil products by avoiding bags with holes or damaged packaging that may contain pests.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture works to promote and protect agriculture across all islands while blocking harmful plants, animals, and diseases according to its official website. It employs 279 staff members statewide according to its official website and supports cultural resilience through community resources such as eradication programs according to its official website. The department also maintains strict animal quarantine measures that keep Hawaii rabies-free according to its official website.
Anyone who finds suspected larvae or adult beetles should collect them in sealed containers without disposing until identification occurs due to similarities with other species like Oriental flower beetle. Reports can be made online at crbhawaii.org or by calling MoMISC at 808-480-8191 or the state’s pest hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).
