HONOLULU — The state Department of Agriculture and Department of Land and Natural Resources inspected areas of Wahiawa where coconut rhinoceros beetles have been detected and laid traps Tuesday in an attempt to contain the destructive insects, state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz announced.

What You Need To Know

  • State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz expressed displeasure at the Department of Agriculture's initial response when the beetles were detected on Royal Palm Drive

  • HDOA plans to spray trees in the area in the coming weeks to treat the infected areas

  • Officials recommend green waste inspection and management as the most effective ways to stave off CRB outbreaks

  • Anyone who finds coconut rhinoceros beetles or larvae is advised to place them into a sealed container or plastic bag and store them in a freezer

Dela Cruz expressed displeasure at the initial response when the beetles were detected on Royal Palm Drive, home to historic palms recognized in the City and County of Honolulu’s Exceptional Tree Program. 

“The initial response from the HDOA director (Sharon Hurd) lacked the urgency that I felt was necessary to save the historic palms,” he said. “I want to say Mahalo to HDOA deputy director Dexter Kishida and DLNR deputy director Laura Kaakua for their immediate attention on this matter and assisting with the eradication outreach today.”

HDOA plans to spray trees in the area in the coming weeks to treat the infected areas.

Officials recommend green waste inspection and management as the most effective ways to stave off CRB outbreaks. Green waste management includes the removal of compost, soil, dead trees and plant waste from homes, businesses and public common areas with potential breeding material. 

Adult coconut rhinoceros beetles are active during the late afternoon and evening hours. Residents who observe the insects are asked to immediately file a report with the CRB Response Team at (808) 679-5244, info@crbhawaii.org or the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at (808) 643-PEST (7378). Reports should include the name, location and time the beetle was observed.

Anyone who finds beetles or larvae is advised to place them into a sealed container or plastic bag and store them in a freezer. Protective materials such as gardening gloves, cloth or paper towels should be used when handling coconut rhinoceros beetles.

 For more information, visit the CRB Response webpage.