coconut rhinoceros beetle detection and prevention community meeting

Elected officials, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC), and other state agencies will gather in a virtual community meeting to address the growing threat of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), an invasive species damaging coconut palms and other plants. The meeting aims to raise awareness of CRB detection and promote the importance of signing up for free backyard surveys.   

Meeting Details:  

Virtual Community Meeting on Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB)  

Wednesday, April 2, 2025  

6:00 p.m. HST  

Zoom link (REGISTRATION REQUIRED): https://senate-capitol-hawaii-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/azqsJhUfSquW65dK2JBBXQ  

 The following legislators will be in attendance:

• Senator Herbert M. “Tim” Richards, III (Senate District 4 – North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona) 

• Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha (Senate District 3 – Kona, Ka‘ū, Volcano) 

• Representative Kirstin Kahaloa (House District 6  Hōnaunau, Nāpō‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona) 

• Representative Nicole E. Lowen (House District 7 – Kailua-Kona, Honokōhau, Kalaoa, Pu‘uanahulu, Puakō, portion of Waikoloa) 

• Representative David A. Tarnas (House District 8 – Hawi, Hala‘ula, Waimea, Makahalau, Waiki‘i, Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Mahukona) 

• Hawai‘i County Councilmember James E. Hustace (Hawai‘i County District 9 – Kohala, portions of Waimea).  

Along with BIISC, representatives from the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (DOT)/Biosecurity, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)/Invasive Species, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), and the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will also be in attendance. The public is invited to tune in to the discussion.  

For more information on the virtual meeting, call 808.586.6760.