Big Island Invasive Species Committee to provide public update about coconut rhinoceros beetle

The invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle has yet to become established on the Big Island, but it has be detected in Waikōloa.

The Big Island Invasive Species Committee wants to make sure the public is armed with as much information as possible to make sure the damaging insect can’t make a foothold on the island.

So it is hosting a public update about the invasive beetle from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Mala Ikena Room at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, located at 71 Banyan Drive in Hilo.

The informative session will provide education and raise awareness about the threats posed by the coconut rhinoceros beetle and actions necessary to protect Hawai‘i’s environment from the invasive insect.

Those who attend will also receive beetle traps, while supplies last.

A single beetle was found in a trap last month during routine monitoring in the West Hawai‘i community, the first detection of the invasive insect on the island since October 2023 when a Waikōloa resident found 6 grubs in a decaying palm tree stump on their property.

The beetle poses a severe risk to palm trees, including the endangered native Hawaiian loulu, and has been known to damage other plants such as hala, sugarcane, banana and taro.

It uses its large horn and spiny legs to bore into the crowns of palm trees, leaving distinctive V-shaped cuts in the leaves as they grow.

Space is limited for Saturday’s update, so early attendance is encouraged.

For more information, contact the Big Island Invasive Species Committee at 808-933-3340.