Invasive Species

The state has approved an interim rule that restricts imports to Maui and Lānaʻi, as part of an effort to keep the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle from establishing on those islands.

The Hawaiʻi County Council is urging state officials to step up enforcement of coconut rhinoceros beetle containment protocols in Kona.

The state will consider a community petition asking for a restriction on imports to Maui or Lānaʻi, in an attempt to keep the islands from being overrun with coconut rhinoceros beetles.

No new coconut rhinoceros beetles have been detected in Hilo since one was found dead in a trap near the airport last week. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee has checked every trap in the surrounding area.

The Big Island Invasive Species Committee is ramping up surveillance after detecting a coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hilo. It was found dead in a trap near Hilo International Airport on Monday.

Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers are considering giving the state $250,000 for invasive species management on the island, but have been critical about its efforts so far.

Former Hawaiʻi Governor George Ariyoshi passes away at 100; HPR reports on the current status of CRB on Molokaʻi.

The state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity said it needs to fix a 1995 policy that allows inspectors to “inspect and release” goods with known pests if they have “light insect or disease infestation.”

Molokaʻi was the last island in the state without the highly invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle… until last week. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol reports the island’s invasive species crew is tackling a daunting response effort.

The Molokaʻi-Maui Invasive Species Committee found a dead beetle in a trap at the Kaunakakai Harbor Tuesday morning, according to a news release by the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The trap was empty the last time it was checked on March 30.