Kona, HI – The Hawai’i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is continuing its intensive efforts to combat the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) on Hawai’i Island, following recent detections in the Kona area. Collaborating with the County of Hawai’i Public Works Department, the HDOA completed the latest round of treatments on palm trees last week at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.
The collaborative effort began in January 2025 after initial CRB detections in Waikoloa in September 2024, followed by the discovery of larvae in a decaying palm stump in October 2023. Increased surveillance efforts then identified more beetles in the Kona area, prompting a swift response.
“”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. “We truly appreciate the concern and assistance of Mayor Kimo Alameda and the county’s public works crew in providing the resources to prevent CRB from taking hold on Hawai’i Island. We also appreciate all the various agencies and organizations that work tirelessly in the fight against invasive species.”
Mayor Alameda echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation. “”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.
The coordinated response has involved various treatment methods. In January, a team treated 38 trees in Waikoloa with crown treatments using a 75-foot boom truck provided by the county, and injected 24 trees with a systemic insecticide. Following the detection of CRB at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport boundary in March, crews treated 128 trees on the airport grounds and injected 12 more that were inaccessible to the boom trucks. Last week, efforts focused on the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai’i (NELHA), where 58 trees were treated via crown treatments and 14 via injections.
All treated palms are tagged and surrounded with yellow tape to indicate treatment. The HDOA advises that coconuts from these trees should not be consumed. Inquiries regarding pesticide use can be directed to HDOA’s Pesticides Branch at 808-973-9402.
Surveillance for CRB continues across Hawai’i Island, involving HDOA, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC), the University of Hawai’i, the County of Hawai’i, and the state Department of Health Vector Control Branch.
Residents on all islands are urged to remain vigilant when purchasing mulch, compost, and soil products, inspecting bags for entry holes. CRB grubs breed in decomposing plant and animal waste. Adult beetles, approximately 2-inches long and black, have a distinctive single horn on their head.
For more information on identifying CRB damage and reporting potential infestations, residents can visit the CRB Response website at https://www.crbhawaii.org/ or call the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).
