Hawaiʻi County and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture have issued a voluntary compliance order from July 1 to September 30 to help prevent the spread of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in West Hawaiʻi. The order limits the movement of materials that could carry the beetle, such as compost, mulch, and certain live palm plants. The affected area includes Waikoloa Road, Mamalahoa Highway, and the coastline near Palani Road. Mayor Kimo Alameda said, “The coconut rhinoceros beetle poses a serious threat to our island's agriculture, and we are asking for your kōkua to stop the spread before it gets out of hand,” according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture.
To support the voluntary order, the county is asking residents and businesses in the compliance zone to take green waste to designated disposal sites. The West Hawaiʻi Organics Facility and Kealakehe Transfer Station use high-heat composting to kill Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle larvae. Sharon Hurd, Chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture, stated, "Controlling the movement of green waste to stop the spread of CRB is a call-to-action that all of us can do to protect Hawaiʻi Island," as reported by the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture.
Best management practices for handling Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle host materials have been released. These include setting an inspection schedule, reporting any suspected Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle sightings, and properly chipping or composting materials. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture can assist residents who are unable to do inspections. A mandatory compliance program is also being developed. For questions about transporting Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle host materials or compliance, contact Glenn Sako, County Economic Development Specialist, at 808-961-8811.
