Big problem for Big Island, coconut rhinoceros beetle found
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A single coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) was discovered this week in a trap set by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) during routine monitoring in Waikoloa.
Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You
This marks the first detection of the invasive beetle on Hawaii Island since October 2023, when a resident reported finding six larvae in a decaying palm tree stump. The recent trap was located approximately 200 yards from the previous detection site.
HDOA has placed 30 traps around Waikoloa and is conducting monitoring with help from local volunteers. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee and the University of Hawaii have also deployed additional traps, some equipped with cameras for real-time monitoring.
These pheromone traps are designed for early detection of CRB infestations, although they are not effective for eradication. Ongoing surveillance is being conducted across all Hawaiian islands, including at airports and harbors.
Following the recent detection, HDOA and CRB Response teams are concentrating on eradication efforts in the affected area. Initial surveys have not shown significant damage to palm trees in the vicinity.
Hawaii Lions kick off statewide fall food drive to help families in need
"CRB surveillance on Hawaii Island has been ongoing, and early detection is key to prevent the establishment of breeding populations," said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. "We ask everyone to keep an eye out for CRB, especially in their compost and mulch piles, which are major breeding grounds for the beetle."
Residents statewide are urged to be cautious when purchasing mulch, compost, and soil products, inspecting bags for entry holes. Adult CRBs are about 2 inches long, black, and possess a single horn on their heads. The larvae thrive in decomposing plant and animal matter, while adult beetles primarily feed on coconut and other large palms, posing a serious threat to their health.
Reports of potential infestations can be made to the state's Pest Hotline at (808) 643-PEST (7378).
The coconut rhinoceros beetle, a significant pest of palm trees, was first identified in Oahu in 2013 and has since spread to various neighborhoods across the island. It was detected on Kauai in May 2023, and grubs were found in Kihei, Maui, in November 2023, although no further detections have been reported since then.
Download the free KHON2 app for to stay informed on the latest news
Damage caused by CRB can lead to tree mortality rates ranging from 10 to 50 percent, creating safety hazards as weakened trees risk falling unexpectedly. The origins of the beetle's arrival in Hawaii remain unclear.
