coconut rhinoceros beetles

Niu and other vital crops on neighbor islands are now more vulnerable to coconut rhinoceros beetle infestations, as the interim rule prohibiting the transport of these beetles and infested plants and materials from Oʻahu to the other islands expired last week. 

In response to widespread community and agency concerns about the beetle’s spread—especially as hundreds of palms are being cut down across Oʻahu—the Agriculture Department’s Advisory Committee on Plants and Animals will be considering another interim rule this Friday, October 11 at 9am.

While this interim rule is critical for preventing the devastation that Oʻahu is experiencing from reaching neighbor islands in the short term, much more is needed to protect our islands in the long-term. 

Take a moment now to submit testimony in support of the interim rule and urge the Agriculture Department to take additional steps, including adopting permanent quarantine rules and other essential biosecurity measures. Meeting details and a sample testimony are provided below.

Department of Agriculture Advisory Committee on Plants and Animals Hearing

Friday, October 11, 9am - Agenda
Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Branch Conference Room

1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, HI 96819

Join virtually via Zoom
Submit written testimony:HDOA.PQ.TESTIMONY@HAWAII.GOV
Subject line: Testimony re: Agenda Item 3 - Unrestricted Inter-Island Movement of Palm Plants
Sample testimony: 

Aloha Chair and Members of the Advisory Committee, 

I am writing today in support of Agenda Item 3, regarding the urgent need to restrict the inter-island movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) host materials, including live plants and decomposing plant materials. 

CRB are a serious threat to Hawaiʻi’s environment, climate resilience, cultural heritage, food security, economy, and overall well-being. Oʻahu is experiencing the widespread devastation these beetles cause, and we must prevent neighbor islands from facing the same fate—especially in vulnerable places like Maui where plants and materials are being transported at a higher rate while Lāhainā rebuilds and reforests.

To further protect our communities, I urge the Advisory Committee to include language requiring the Department of Agriculture to collaborate with each county on a plan to manage mulch, compost, and green waste—key breeding materials for the CRB. Local cooperation is essential for effectively limiting CRB reproduction and preventing further spread.
 

While this interim rule is essential in the short-term, more must be done. I respectfully urge the Advisory Committee to advocate for the Department of Agriculture to promptly adopt the proposed amendments to Chapter 72 of the Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules. These amendments, which have been under consideration since February 2023, are crucial for controlling the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles and little fire ants by implementing a permanent inter- and intra-island quarantine on pest-infested plants and materials, along with other biosecurity measures. 

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. 

Me Ke Aloha, 
[Your name]