Invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles captured on Hawaii Island

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Three invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles have been captured on Hawaii Island in the last week.

The Big Island Invasive Species Committee said one was found at the Hawaiian Earth Recycling facility near the West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill and the other two were collected from a trap at the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative.

CRBs were first found on the Big Island in October 2023. At that time, several larvae were collected from a private property in Waikoloa Village but no adult beetles were found.

Since then, nearly 150 traps have been installed near the original site and in high risk areas around the island.

Officials said residents in the area around Waikoloa and Puuanahulu should be vigilant about inspecting any mulch or debris in their yards and are being advised not to move green waste out of the area.

To report any sightings of CRBs, you can call (808) 643-PEST.