Pest Alert: Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Found on Oahu

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture announced that a coconut rhinoceros beetle has been found near Diamond Head on Oahu. Over the past year, this destructive beetle was also found near Pearl Harbor and Campbell Industrial Park.

Insects and other invasive species that damage or destroy agricultural crops are a constant threat to our local farms. The coconut rhinoceros beetle is a major pest of palms, such as coconut and oil palms, causing damage when they bore into the center of the palm crown, injuring young, growing tissue and feeding on the sap. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture plays an important role in protecting our local agricultural industry from such threats. Read more about their discovery of the beetle and what they are doing to combat it.

We thank everyone in our community for doing their part by learning more about agriculture and what you can do to support it.