The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) continues its efforts to manage the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) in the Kona area, collaborating with the County of Hawai‘i Public Works Department. Since January 2025, both entities have been focused on addressing the presence of the invasive species following detections in the region. The most recent treatments of palm trees were completed last week at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.
“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. Hurd expressed gratitude to Mayor Kimo Alameda and the county’s public works crew for their support and acknowledged the contributions of various agencies and organizations working to combat invasive species.
Mayor Alameda highlighted the necessity of state and county cooperation in safeguarding the island from invasive species, stating, “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.”
The first CRB detection on Hawaii Island since October 2023 occurred in September 2024 when HDOA's Plant Pest Control (PPC) discovered one in a trap in Waikoloa. Enhanced monitoring ensued, particularly around Kona. In January 2025, the County of Hawai‘i joined HDOA’s efforts, deploying resources such as a 75-foot boom truck to treat palm tree crowns. Initial treatments in Waikoloa included 62 trees treated either through crown applications or systemically via an injection method.
On March 3, 2025, an adult CRB was spotted in a detection trap near the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. Following this, two more adult beetles were detected at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i (NELHA). Intensive treatment at the airport involved the use of two boom trucks to treat 128 trees, with 12 more injected directly due to inaccessibility. At NELHA, treatments involved 58 trees via crown applications and injections for 14 trees near water sources.
Residents across Hawaii are advised to exercise caution when buying mulch, compost, and soil. These materials can harbor CRB grubs, which thrive in decaying organic matter. For more information on detecting CRB damage and life stages, Hawai‘i residents are encouraged to visit the CRB Response website and report potential infestations to the state’s Pest Hotline.