COCONUT
RHINOCEROS
BEETLE
RESPONSE
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Although native to Southeast Asia, the distribution of CRB today includes many Pacific Islands, including O'ahu and recently Kaua'i, Hawai'i Island and Maui. To date, CRB has not been reported on Moloka'i, Lanai, Ni'ihau, the mainland United States, Central America, or South America, but any tropical ecosystem that produces host species for the CRB is at risk of infestation.
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CRB was discovered at Mamala Bay, O'ahu December 2013. It is assumed the beetle was accidentally introduced on a flight from an infested island in the Pacific. While it was first detected at the airport (HNL), there are both military and commercial flights from areas with CRB populations.
CURRENT STATUS
Kaua'i
Detections continue in Lihue and Wailua areas. Recently, CRB have been found near Nawiliwili Harbor and Hanalei. Kaua'i Invasive Species Committee and HDOA are primarily managing trapping and surveys. UH and HDOA have initiated some palm treatments in Wailua.
O'ahu
The entire island is considered infested but many areas are in very early stages with very little damage present (Airport area through Hawaii Kai). Treatments are focused on ports to minimize the chances of accidental transport off O'ahu in cargo or on vehicles. There is no need to report finds on O'ahu since populations are widespread but reports on other islands are still requested.
Maui
A breeding site was discovered in a dead palm trunk in November in Kihei and it was treated and removed. Multiple groups are deploying additional traps and surveying to determine if CRB are in other areas.
Hawai'i Island
