Two breeding sites of the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle were recently found in Kona, leading to increased control efforts on the Big Island. Local and state agencies are working together to stop the spread of the pest, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
In March 2025, an adult Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle was found at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, leading to a trapping effort that has caught 30 beetles so far. The infestation is mainly in West Hawaiʻi, but beetles have also been found in Kiholo Bay. Several agencies, including Department of Land and Natural Resources, the University of Hawaiʻi, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, and the County of Hawaiʻi, are working together to control the spread. Residents, businesses, and community groups are helping by removing green waste, setting traps, and joining surveys, some of which use scent detection dogs.
A three-month voluntary compliance order is in effect through September on Hawaiʻi Island, stopping the movement of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle host materials in affected areas. Nearly 400 traps have been set up, and about 1,300 palm trees have been treated to help prevent the spread. Public outreach continues in Kona to raise awareness and encourage community involvement. Parwinder Grewal, Dean of the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, said, "Intra-agency collaboration is critical to preventing the invasion and establishment of CRB on the Big Island. We must use all our available resources and intellect. Failure is not an option," as reported by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
