KEĀHOLE (HawaiiNewsNow) - Last month, a multi-agency response was triggered for invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles found in west Hawaii Island.

On July 28, crews from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB), Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC), and Hawaii Department of Transportation conducted a site assessment of green waste piles at Keahole Agricultural Park and found two breeding sites.

Over 100 late-stage CRB larvae and three adult beetles were discovered.

To combat the invasive species, officials said they covered the waste piles with a fumigation tarp to prevent further spread.

On Wednesday, crews confirmed that they have not detected any new larvae since the fumigation.

HDAB said it contracted a private pest-control company to fumigate about 1,500 cubic

See Full Page