COCONUT
RHINOCEROS
BEETLE
RESPONSE
COCONUT
RHINOCEROS
BEETLE
RESPONSE
Join us for the 3rd annual Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Science and Management Symposium
Harnessing Knowledge to Protect Communities & Ecosystems
September 22-24, 2026
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom
Send inquiries to:
crbsymposium@gmail.com
Planning Committee Members
Mike Melzer, CTAHR, University of Hawai'i Mānoa
Mark Ero, Pacific Community (SPC)
Riten Gosai, Pacific Community (SPC)
Franny Brewer, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, University of Hawai'i PCSU
Keith Weiser, CRB Response, CTAHR, University of Hawai'i
Elliott Parsons, Pacific RISCC, PICASC at the University of Hawai'i Mānoa
Rob Hauff, Hawai'i DLNR, Forestry & Wildlife
Email crbsymposium@gmail.com to suggest speakers or request specific topics!
AGENDA
Day 1: Tuesday, September 22
12:30 pm Welcome & Opening Session
8:00 am
Registration & Check-in – University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom.
Coffee, Tea, fruit, muffins, and croissants provided from 8:00 am until 9:30 am.
8:45 am
Cultural Protocol
9:00 am
Welcome to the 3rd Annual CRB Science & Management Symposium- – Wendy Hensel, President, University of Hawaiʻi System.
9:05 am
CRB Symposium Welcome, Housekeeping & Logistics – Dr. Elliott Parsons, Pacific
Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (Pacific RISCC) Management Network,
Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center at the University of Hawaiʻi at
Mānoa.
9:30 am
Morning activity – Presentation of CRB detection and management tools on the UH
Mānoa campus.
11:30 am LUNCH (provided) Campus Center Ballroom
12:20 pm Afternoon Session
12:35 pm
Keynote Presentation: Aspects of establishing and noting effect of Oryctes
Nudivirus on Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle – Dr. Geoffrey Bedford, Honorary
Adjunct Fellow, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and
Engineering, Macquarie University.
1:20 pm BREAK
1:30 pm Research Session #1: Detection
1:35 pm
Quantifying Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) occupancy and detection across the history of its invasion of Oʻahu – Dr. Marcel Jardeleza, Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit, UH Hilo & Dr. Helen Sofaer, USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center.
1:50 pm
What Does a Negative Result Mean? Developing eDNA Detection for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle on Hawaiʻi Island – Dr. Natalie Graham, Department of Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
2:05 pm
It Just Makes Scents: Scaling CRB Early Detection Through Off-Site Canine Screening – Dr. Kealoha Kinney, USDA Forest Service PSW Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.
2:20 pm
Tracking CRB: Data collection and mapping to inform response actions in a new infestation in Kona, Hawaiʻi – Franny Brewer, Big Island Invasive Species
2:35 pm
Automated Detection of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Damage in Images (virtual) – Dr. Aubrey Moore, University of Guam & Sulav Paudel, Bioeconomy Institute, New
Zealand.
2:50 pm Break
2:55 pm Research Session #2: Biological Controls
3:00 pm
Current status for virus biocontrol of CRB in Hawaiʻi – Dr. Michael Melzer, CTAHR, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
3:15 pm
Understanding the impact of Oryctes nudivirus (OrNV) on its host, Oryctes rhinoceros (CRB), for palm damage management – Dr. Trevor Jackson, Biocontrol Consultant, New Zealand.
3:30 pm
An integrated genomic surveillance to inform OrNV genome diversity and CRB biological control strategies – Dr. Wee Tek Tay, Macquarie University.
3:45 pm
Evolutionary Potential of CRB Resistance to Nudiviruses: Insights from Insect Resistance to Baculoviruses (virtual) – Dr. Madoka Nakai, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.
4:00 pm
Integrated Pest Management for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle: Merging historic methods with modern technology – Dr. Sean Marshall, Bioeconomy Science Institute.
4:15 pm
Research update on biological control of coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hawaii – Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng, CTAHR, the University of Hawaiʻi
4:30 pm Closing Remarks Day 1
4:30 pm
Closing Remarks and Wrap-up for Day 1 – [Speaker TBD]
4:45 pm
Day 1 finished.
4:45 pm Evening Reception & Poster Session
4:45 pm
Evening Reception & Poster Session – Campus Center Ballroom & Lānai; Appetizer buffet provided, please join us!
Poster 1
Standardized Oral Inoculation Reveals Population-Level Variation in OrNV
Susceptibility: Implications for Pacific CRB Management – Koichi Sugimoto, Tokyo
University of Agriculture and Technology, 2026 CRB Symposium International Student
Travel Award Recipient.
Poster 2
Navigating the Biocultural Restoration of Loulu Within the Coconut Rhinoceros
Beetle Invasion of Hawaiʻi – Isabella Margerin, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, 2026
CRB Symposium Hawaiʻi Student Travel Award Recipient.
Poster 3
Molecular Biosurveillance of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Using eDNA‑qPCR –
Abigail Nadeau, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, 2026 CRB Symposium Hawaiʻi Student
Travel Award Recipient.
6:30 pm
Evening Reception & Poster Session concludes
Day 2: Tuesday, September 23
8:00 am Welcome to Regional Updates Day 2
8:00 am
Registration & Check-in – University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom.
Coffee, Tea, fruit, muffins, and danishes provided from 8:00 am until 9:30 am.
8:30 am
Plenary Presentation 1 – From Science to Regional Action: Strengthening Pacific Biosecurity Responses to Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, Riten Gosai, Biosecurity and SPS Officer, PPPO Coordinator, Pacific Community (SPC).
9:00 am Pacific Management Updates (3 sessions)
9:00 am Updates Session 1
9:00 am
Management update for Samoa – Tanu Toomata, Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Crops Division.
9:10 am
Management update for Tokelau – Silia Perez, Tokelau Department of Economic
Development, Natural Resources & Environment.
9:20 am
Management update for Wallis and Futuna – Bertrand Cailly, Wallis and Futuna,
Department of Agricultural Services.
9:30 am
Management update for Hawaiʻi – Dr. Keith Weiser/Dr. Mike Melzer, CTAHR, the
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
9:40 am
Management update for Guam – Dr. Glenn Dulla, Western Pacific Tropical Research Center,
University of Guam.
9:50 am BREAK
10:00 am Updates Session 2
10:05 am
Management update for CNMI – Mark C. Manglona, CNMI Department of Lands
and Natural Resources, Invasive Species Program, Rota.
10:15 am
Management update for RMI – Bruce Allen, RMI Ministry of Natural Resources
and Commerce, Quarantine Division.
10:25 am
Management update for Palau – Jack Idechong, Palau Community College
10:35 am
Management update for FSM – John Wichep, Department of Resources and Development,
Federated States of Micronesia.
10:45 am
Management update for Fiji – Apenisa Sailo, Fiji Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and
Sugar Industry.
10:55 am BREAK
11:05 am Updates Session 3
11:10 am
Management update for Vanuatu – Joe Pakoawia, Biosecurity Vanuatu - Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity.
11:05 am Updates Session 3
11:20 am
Management update for New Caledonia – Aurélie Chan, Biosecurity department, New Caledonia Government.
11:05 am Updates Session 3
11:30 am
Management update for Papua New Guinea – Aloma Motamota, Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK).
11:05 am Updates Session 3
11:40 am
Management update for Solomon Islands – Gideon Suda – Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Solomon Islands Government.
11:05 am Updates Session 3
11:50 am
Current situation and management of Asiatic Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) in Mexico – Dr. Víctor Alonso de la Cruz Padilla, Phytosanitary Diagnosis and Reference Operational Program, Directorate-General of Plant Health (DGSV), National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA), Mexico.
11:05 am Updates Session 3
12:00 pm LUNCH (provided) Campus Center Ballroom
12:55 pm
Welcome from College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) – Dr. Parwinder Grewal, Dean and Director.
1:00 pm Afternoon Session
1:05 pm
Plenary Presentation: Managing coconut rhinoceros beetle; learning from the past,
lessons for the future – Dr. Trevor Jackson, Biocontrol Consultant, New Zealand.
1:40 pm BREAK
1:50 pm Research Session #3: Trapping & Control
1:55 pm
Large scale CRB trap designs: component optimization, outstanding questions, and management adventures from the frontline – Julie Zill, Colorado State University.
2:10 pm
Fumigation to control coconut rhinoceros beetle in green waste – Dr. Spencer Walse, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Commodity Protection and Quality Research Unit, Stephen Corbett, USDA Agricultural Research Service and University of California, Davis & Alex Redeker, Mid-Pacific Pest Control.
2:25 pm
Developing management tools against coconut rhinoceros beetles: from palm canopies to breeding sites – Dr. Xing Wei, CTAHR, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa & Coauthors: Mike Melzer, Keith Weiser, Josh Silva, Ryan Kurasaki, Mohsen Paryavi, and Daniel Jenkins.
2:40 pm
Regulations on Biocontrol Products – Adam Yamamoto & Christopher Kishimoto, Registration and Education section & Plant Quarantine Branch, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
2:55 pm
Beyond the obvious: What can New Caledonia tell us about Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle establishment and control? – Dr. Lise Leroy & Dr. Christian G. Mille, Agronomic Institute of New Caledonia (IAC).
3:10 pm BREAK
3:20 pm Research Session #4: Impacts & Management
3:25 pm
Conservation of Loulu, Hawaiʻis Endemic Palms – Matt Keir, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
3:40 pm
The regional spread and variable impact of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle across
the Pacific – Dr. Mark Ero, Land Resources Division, Pacific Community (SPC).
3:55 pm
Assessing the Socioeconomic Impact of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB-G)
Under Different Pest Management Practices on Guadalcanal Province in the
Solomon Islands – Simon Chris, Fiji National University, 2026 CRB Symposium
International Student Travel Award recipient.
4:10 pm
Adapting Strategies, Building Resilience: A 2026 Update on Pritchardia Protection
and CRB Management at NTBG – Tobias Koehler, National Tropical Botanical
Garden, Allerton Garden & McBryde Garden.
4:25 pm
Integrated Species Distribution Modeling with Machine Learning Algorithms for
Decision Support in Invasive Insect Pest Surveillance and Management: Case study -
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle – Bernard Malenge, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa., 2026 CRB
Symposium Hawaiʻi Student Travel Award Recipient.
4:40 pm Closing Remarks Day 2
4:40 pm
Closing Remarks and Wrap-up for Day 2 – [speaker TBD].
5:00 pm
Day 2 finished.
Day 3: Thursday, September 24
Day: Kūkaniloko — Wahiawā, Oʻahu
Kūkaniloko is one of Hawaiʻi’s most sacred ancient Hawaiian cultural and historical places, located in Wahiawā, Oʻahu, and renowned as a birthing place for Hawaiian aliʻi and a center of ancestral knowledge. The landscape includes ancient stone placements associated with observing the sun, equinoxes, and solstices, and the area holds deep significance for navigation, astronomy, traditional healing, and the transmission of knowledge.
Today, Kūkaniloko is also home to an uluniu—a living coconut genebank established alongside native and endemic plant collections, including loulu (Pritchardia) and hala (Pandanus). These culturally important plants are increasingly threatened by Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB, Oryctes rhinoceros). In response, community stewards are actively working to protect these species while perpetuating cultural planting and mālama ʻāina practices. Participants will meet a lineal descendant and aloha ʻāina practitioners dedicated to caring for this deeply significant place and learn about its ancestral importance, its meaning today, and the responsibility of carrying these practices forward. The visit will include a stop at the birthstones, observations of CRB damage within a young hala grove, and a walk through the uluniu, where practitioners and volunteers have planted 108 hand-selected niu representing 16 varieties. The planting follows a Polymotu approach, drawing upon traditional patterns of coconut diversity found throughout Polynesia and adapting those principles for contemporary ex situ conservation in Hawaiʻi.
Location: Wahiawā, Kūkaniloko Birth Site and Uluniu
Time*: Tour bus will depart from Ala Moana Hotel at 8:00 AM sharp, transport
attendees to Kūkaniloko and then to UHWO for the CRB Community Day, then return
to the Ala Moana Hotel at approximately 5:30 PM. We will provide a bento lunch
(vegetarian options available).
*If you register for the field trip, we assume you will attend the CRB Community
Day 1-4 PM. If you will not attend the community day, you must arrange
your own return transportation.
Community Day: University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu — Kapolei, Oʻahu
The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu is an Indigenous-serving institution that provides an important space for learning grounded in Native Hawaiian values while fostering broader Pacific and global understanding. The campus helped incubate Niu Now! and became a starting point for the hui’s work to rejuvenate the ancient practice of uluniu—work that has since grown into a broader movement to document, mālama, and establish uluniu across Hawaiʻi. The campus also holds an important place in Hawaiʻi’s CRB story. CRB was first detected in Hawaiʻi in December 2013 at Mamala Bay Golf Course on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and UH West Oʻahu became one of the landscapes affected during the beetle’s subsequent spread across Oʻahu. Participants will begin the Community Day at Hale Kuahuokalā, a place dedicated to the sun and honoring growth, transformation, illumination, and life. From there, participants will visit the first uluniu established by Niu Now!, take part in a hands-on mulch management demonstration, and gather in the Multi Purpose Ballroom. The indoor gathering will create a space where community experience and scientific research come together—sharing current CRB knowledge, listening to the experiences and concerns of community practitioners, and exploring how collective action can strengthen the protection of niu and other culturally significant plants. The day reflects a central principle of this work: responding to CRB is not only about managing a pest; it is also about strengthening the relationships between people, niu, community, and ʻāina that make long-term stewardship possible.
Location: University of Hawaiʻi at West Oʻahu
Time: 1-4 pm
-
1:00 pm Opening protocol at Hale Kuahuokalā
-
1:15 - 1:40 pm Mulch netting demonstration
-
1:40 - 1:55 pm Uluniu tour, transition to Multi-Purpose Ballroom (2nd floor of the Campus Center)
-
2:00 - 2:45 pm Panel discussion
-
2:45 - 3:45 pm Talk story with community groups
-
3:45 - 4:00 pm Closing protocol and mihi
Register here, and spread the word with the attached flyer! Walk-ins are welcome.
Contact: kanileas@hawaii.edu for more information on the Field Day & Community Day.
REWATCH 2025 SYMPOSIUM
Recording Day 1
Recording Day 2
Recording Day 3
REWATCH 2024 SYMPOSIUM
Recording Day 1
Recording day 2