A virtual community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. HST to address the increasing concern over the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) infestation on Hawai’i Island. Senator Herbert M. “Tim” Richards, III (Senate District 4 – North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona) is spearheading the effort, bringing together fellow elected officials and representatives from various state agencies to raise awareness and promote proactive measures against the invasive species.

The coconut rhinoceros beetle poses a significant threat to the islands’ coconut palms and other plant life, potentially impacting both the environment and the economy. The primary focus of the meeting will be to educate residents on CRB detection methods and encourage them to sign up for free backyard surveys offered by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC).

“The coconut rhinoceros beetle poses a serious risk to our environment and economy,” said Senator Richards. “Our goal with this community meeting is to strengthen our response to protect our state’s agriculture.”  

Senator Richards will be joined by a panel of elected officials, including:

• Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha (Senate District 3 – Kona, Ka‘ū, Volcano)
• Representative Kirstin Kahaloa (House District 6 – Hōnaunau, Nāpō‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona)
• Representative Nicole E. Lowen (House District 7 – Kailua-Kona, Honokōhau, Kalaoa, Pu‘uanahulu, Puakō, portion of Waikoloa)
• Representative David A. Tarnas (House District 8 – Hawi, Hala‘ula, Waimea, Makahalau, Waiki‘i, Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Mahukona)
• Hawai‘i County Councilmember James E. Hustace (Hawai‘i County District 9 – Kohala, portions of Waimea)

In addition to BIISC, experts from the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (DOT)/Biosecurity, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)/Invasive Species, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will be present to share their expertise and answer questions from the public.

The virtual meeting offers a convenient platform for community members to learn about the CRB threat and how they can contribute to eradication efforts. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Residents are encouraged to register in advance using the following Zoom link: https://senate-capitol-hawaii-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/azqsJhUfSquW65dK2JBBXQ

For more information regarding the virtual meeting, please call 808.586.6760. Early detection and community involvement are crucial in mitigating the impact of the coconut rhinoceros beetle and protecting Hawai’i’s valuable agricultural resources and natural beauty.