LIHUE, Hawaii — The discovery of two coconut rhinoceros beetles over the last week on Kauai — a first for the island — has prompted the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to ask residents to look for the highly destructive beetles in their compost bins and green waste.
The coconut rhinoceros beetle bores into the crowns of palm trees, often killing them. In other parts of the Pacific, such as the Republic of Palau, the invasive beetles have eradicated coconut trees on some islands. First discovered on Oahu in 2013, the beetles are now widespread on the island. However, they have not been found on the other Hawaiian Islands — until now.
Members of HDOA’s Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Team on Oahu have been deployed to Kauai to assist the Kauai Invasive Species Committee in surveying for other beetles. Fumigation equipment has been sent by barge to Kauai and will be used if other beetles are found.
Green waste is a major concern because coconut rhinoceros beetles breed on trees, compost, mulch, trimmings, fruit and vegetation scraps, and decaying stumps of palms.
“It’s critical that we catch any possible breeding areas immediately to try and stop the beetle’s spread on Kauai,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, in a news release. “We need everyone’s eyes to look out for possible infestation sites and to report it.”
Kauai County has closed the Lihue green waste transfer station, where the two beetles were found, in order to allow for the area to be surveyed.
Anyone who finds coconut rhinoceros beetles should contact the CRB Response Team at 808-679-5244 or email info@crbhawaii.org, or the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.