Hawaiʻi County Increases Support for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication

Hawaiʻi County Increases Support for
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication

The County of Hawaiʻi is continuing to increase support for efforts to stop the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), an invasive species that was first detected in Waikōloa in October 2023.

Recently, the County awarded a $250,000 grant to the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) to combat CRB and other pests. In addition, the County is continuing to assist the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture with treating the crowns of palm trees for CRB by providing 75-foot boom trucks.

“I am incredibly proud of this collaboration between the County, the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, and the Big Island Invasive Species Committee,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “By working across agencies and departments, we are ensuring that we are doing everything we can to stop the coconut rhinoceros beetle before it gets out of control on our island.”

The grant to BIISC is provided by the County Department of Research and Development, with funds supporting eradication of CRB and invasive plant species. Efforts funded by the grant that are focused on CRB include supporting backyard surveys using a scent detection dog, palm and mulch surveys, a community-host trap program, and public outreach and education efforts.

“We are really appreciative of the County of Hawaiʻi for providing this grant, which will provide dedicated funding for our ongoing efforts to detect and eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle,” said Franny Brewer, BIISC Manager. “Our focus remains on early detection and preventing the beetle from becoming established. This funding is key for supporting those efforts, from surveys and traps to community outreach in West Hawaiʻi so that we can raise awareness that this is a concern for these communities.”

The beetle is a highly destructive pest species that primarily targets coconut palms and other palm species. It will feed on other important crops such as ʻulu, banana and kalo when the palm food sources are eliminated.

CRB was first detected on Oʻahu in December 2013. It was later detected in Waikōloa in October 2023. Ongoing survey and trapping efforts have recently found CRB at the Keāhole Ag Park, Oʻoma, West Hawaiʻi Veterans Cemetery, Kohanaiki, Hawaiʻi Ocean Science and Technology Park, and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.

The County is providing access for CRB surveys, traps and tree treatments at County parks and facilities.

For more information, or to report CRB, visit:
• www.crbhawaii.org
• www.biisc.org/pest/coconut-rhinoceros-beetle
• Or contact the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378) or www.643pest.org.

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