Big Island lawmakers to host virtual meeting on invasive beetle impacts to agriculture

Big Island Sen. Herbert “Tim” Richards, III, will host a virtual meeting to address the increasing threat of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and its impact on agriculture.

“The spread of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle poses a serious threat to Hawaiʻi’s agriculture and economy,” said Richards, who represents North Hilo, North Kona and Kohala communities. “This meeting will provide important updates on the beetle’s presence across the islands and highlight the coordinated efforts underway to combat its spread.”

The coconut rhinoceros beetle poses a serious threat to Hawai‘i’s agricultural and natural resources. It damages and kills coconut and oil palms, and has also been known to attack bananas, sugarcane, papayas, sisal and pineapple, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The invasive bug has been found in several locations on Hawai‘i Island. The most recent infestation was discovered in green waste piles in July at Keāhole Agricultural Park on the west side of Hawaiʻi Island. A coordinated multiagency effort took place to prevent the invasive pests from spreading.

Also in attendance at the Sept. 10 meeting will be Rep. David A. Tarnas and Hawai‘i County Council Member James E. Hustace. The community meeting will feature updates from experts from the Big Island Invasive Species Committee who will provide an overview of current response measures, and opportunities for participants to ask questions and share concerns.

Members of the public, especially those in agricultural communities, are encouraged to attend and learn more about how these infestations are being managed and what actions can be taken to help prevent further spread.

The meeting will start at 6 p.m. Those interested in attending must register here.