Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
"The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) feed on emerging palm fronds, causing damage that can often be severe enough to kill the plant. CRB populations can have devastating impacts on palm species that are foundational to cultural heritage, agriculture, ecosystems, and economies, when out of their native range." - Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Hawaii
Notification Letter
Aloha Hualalai Residents,
We would like to provide an update regarding Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) monitoring and preventative measures within the Hualalai community.
At this time, we are pleased to share that no palm trees within Hualalai have been identified as having CRB activity. Ongoing monitoring and inspections have not detected any confirmed infestations of plants, and no treatments to trees have been completed to date.
Out of an abundance of caution, and in alignment with current best practices, the resort has decided to move forward with preventative palm injections. This proactive measure is intended to protect the long-term health of our palms and reduce the risk of potential CRB impacts. When applied in accordance with established protocols, this treatment method is not known to adversely affect palm health or pose risk to people.
As a precautionary recommendation from the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, residents are advised not to consume fruit from palm trees that have received preventative injections. This guidance is strictly precautionary and is not based on any known contamination or confirmed risk. Please note that resort-maintained palms do not reach the point of producing coconuts.
Ecological considerations and resident questions:
We appreciate the thoughtful questions raised during our Annual Meeting regarding ecological impacts and long-term considerations. The preventative method being proposed uses a targeted trunk-injection system, which delivers material internally within the palm rather than through broad spraying. This approach is intended to minimize exposure to surrounding plants, soil, pollinators, wildlife, residents, and employees.
Questions have also been raised regarding the identification of treated palms. We are actively researching tagging and identification practices, including copper tagging and other methods, to determine what may be appropriate for our community. No final determination has been made, and updates will be provided as this work progresses. At this time, there is no indication of confirmed adverse impacts to pollinators or surrounding ecosystems when treatments are applied in accordance with established protocols.
What can you do?
We ask homeowners to remain observant. If you notice signs of potential CRB activity: bore holes, frass (sawdust-like material), or damage to new palm growth, please notify us promptly. Early reporting is critical to effective monitoring and response.
We will continue to take proactive steps to protect our community landscaping while carefully considering environmental stewardship and resident concerns. The HCA Board will also be creating a dedicated CRB page on our website where residents can access up-to-date information specific to Hualalai.
Should you have any questions or wish to report a concern, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We will be posting up to date information on our website to keep residents informed of any Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle information at: https://www.hualalaihoa.org/coconut-rhinoceros-beetle
Mahalo for your continued kokua,
Jamie Bergsma
Community General Manager
Hualālai Community Association
72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
O: 808-313-0595
CRB Updates
November 1, 2025
Beginning November of 2025, Hualalai landscaping had 14 monitor traps installed by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC). The traps are circling the property.
January 15, 2026
The BIISC conducted property-wide inspections in January and February using “Manu,” the trained CRB‑detection dog. These canine searches—along with extensive manual inspections around trap sites—found no evidence of breeding locations.
February 23, 2026
The current number of traps are at 23. Please realize these are monitor traps and should not be thought of as "control" traps.
February 24, 2026
As of February 24th, there are 5 confirmed adult captures. The first being in January, the most recent 2 weeks ago. The captures have been reported directly to BIISC and in turn the Department of Agriculture and Biodiversity.
All 5 captures have been on the north side of the property.
There is one confirmed borer hole in a coconut tree. Although coconut palms may survive multiple bore holes, they will not maintain normal growth, and fronds will take on a distinctive V-cut shape.
The protection of coconut trees has begun using preventative palm injections and tree tags to identify the treated trees.
Hualalai landscaping continues to monitor and use best management practices concerning potential breeding sites. This includes netting compost piles and bags that may remain in place more than 30 days. Although named "Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle," coconut trees are not the only feeding host plant that can be impacted. Loulu palms are highly impacted, Hala trees, bananas, and date palms among others can be hosts.
CRB Adult
CRB boreholes in coconut tree
Photos referenced from BIISC Website - Photos: Scot Nelson, CRB Response Team