A second dead coconut rhinoceros beetle was confirmed on Molokaʻi after being found in a detection trap about two miles west of Molokai Airport, according to an April 28 announcement from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. The specimen, discovered by staff from the Molokaʻi/Maui Invasive Species Committee (MoMISC) on April 8, was sent to the Plant Pest Control Branch for official identification and confirmed as a female beetle on April 10. This follows the first detection of a male beetle near the airport just one day earlier.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture said that no beetles were detected during previous trap checks or in other traps inspected on April 8. In response to this latest find, MoMISC is deploying more traps and conducting surveys for signs of feeding damage or breeding sites around Molokai Airport. The department’s efforts are supported by several agencies including the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council, CRB Response, County of Maui, and state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Coconut rhinoceros beetles can harm palm trees as adults bore into fronds to feed—a process that may not show visible damage for months. With this second detection about eight miles from the initial site, officials say it is crucial to determine if there is an emerging population so eradication can begin before further spread occurs.
Residents within two miles of Molokai Airport are urged to inspect palm trees for signs of feeding damage and report any green waste piles that could harbor these pests. People should also be cautious when buying or moving mulch or soil products—avoiding bags with holes or damaged packaging—to prevent accidental spread.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture promotes cultural resilience by supporting equity in agricultural communities and preserving traditional practices according to its official website. The agency manages facilities such as the Waiahole Water System in Aiea according to its official website, functions as a state government entity tied to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity according to its official website, employs 279 staff members statewide according to its official website, works to promote and protect agriculture while blocking harmful species according to its official website, and maintains rabies-free status through strict animal quarantine measures according to its official website.
Community members are encouraged to visit https://www.crbhawaii.org/ for information about identifying coconut rhinoceros beetles at all life stages. Suspected infestations can be reported directly via phone or online resources listed in the announcement.
