Aloha State News

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has been collaborating with the County of Hawai‘i Public Works Department since January 2025 to combat the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) after its detection in Kona. Both teams completed another round of treatments on palm trees at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport to prevent CRB infestations on Hawai‘i Island.

“The staff of the Department of Agriculture remains dedicated to stopping the further spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle, with emphasis in areas that are not known to be infested,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. She praised the efforts of Mayor Kimo Alameda and the county's public works crew for providing resources and aiding in the fight against invasive species.

Mayor Alameda stressed the need for state and county cooperation to protect the island. “The introduction of the coconut rhinoceros beetle is a major concern, and we are committed to doing everything we can—alongside HDOA and our other partners—to stop its spread,” he stated.

Increased surveillance was initiated following a CRB sighting in Waikoloa in September 2024. The first detection came in October 2023 when a resident found several larvae in a decaying palm tree. The County of Hawai‘i provided crucial resources in January 2025, including a 75-foot boom truck, allowing for effective palm tree treatments. Recent operations have resulted in no new detections of CRB in Waikoloa.

However, on March 3, 2025, the detection of an adult CRB near the airport led to a concentrated effort involving HDOA, county crews, and airport staff. This effort encompassed treating numerous trees on the airport grounds. Subsequent work in early April saw a continuation of this approach at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i.

Treated palm trees are marked with yellow tape, and residents are advised against consuming coconuts from these trees. For questions regarding pesticide use, the HDOA’s Pesticides Branch can be contacted.

Surveillance efforts by multiple state and local organizations continue around Hawai‘i Island. Residents are encouraged to be cautious when purchasing mulch, compost, and soil products due to the CRB's breeding habits in decomposing organic matter. The CRB is described as a 2-inch long beetle, identifiable by its black color and a single horn.

Further information about detection and reporting can be found on the CRB Response website or the state's toll-free Pest Hotline.