Community Approach Required: Help Reduce the Spread of CRB

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) has been seen on the island of Kauai since 2023. These pests feed on developing coconut palm fronds and occasionally other palms and tropical plants such as banana trees. The impact of the beetles can be greatly devastating to our local ecology, and a coordinated community effort is necessary for comprehensive management.

We ask that our community of Princeville do its part in monitoring common food sources and breeding areas for CRB and reporting immediately if found. Common primary sources for food for these beetles include Coconut Palms, Fan Palms, Royal Palms, and Date Palms. Hala Trees, Banana Trees, Sugarcane, and Kalo (Taro) plants are secondary food sources for CRB. Breeding areas include mulch, compost, potting mix, dead trees, stumps, logs, and green waste.

More information can be found on the Kaua'i Invasive Species Committee website: kauaiisc.org/pests/coconut-rhinoceros-beetle and the State's CRB resource website: crbhawaii.org.

Report an infestation to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council reporting website: 643pest.org, or by calling 643-PEST (7378). Information sourced from crbhawaii.org and kauaiisc.org.