Molokai detects coconut rhinoceros beetle; local team urges restrictions on gravel imports to Kalaupapa
April 21, 2026 | Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), Department of, Executive , Hawaii
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Molokai biosecurity and invasive-species officials told the Hawaiian Homes Commission that the island has recorded its first coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) detections and that an incident-command response is active to contain the pest.
Lori Buchanan, coordinator with the Molokai-Maui Invasive Species Committee and an employee of the University of Hawaiʻi Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, said three CRB individuals were found on April 7, 8 and 13 at Malama Park (DHHL land), Mahanalua Beach (DHHL land) and near the Molokai Airport. Buchanan said trapping and surveillance have been ongoing since 2014 and that, to date, no breeding sites have been confirmed; the three beetles found (one male, two females) were dead.
Buchanan described a multiagency response involving the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, the Board of Agriculture emergency interim rule restricting host-material imports, and support from USDA and U.S. Forest Service (including a detector dog). She expressed particular concern about a National Park Service request to be exempted from the Board of Agriculture interim rule so it can import 100–200 tons of gravel to Kalaupapa — a move she said could jeopardize Kalaupapa and Molokai biodiversity. Buchanan said she urged the Board of Agriculture to defer that exemption.
Why it matters: CRB attacks coconut and other culturally significant plants (kalo, banana, hala) and a successful breeding site could imperil food-security groves and coastal plantings across Molokai. Witnesses called for intensified surveillance, rapid removal of breeding material and strict controls on imported fill and other host materials.
DHHL response and next steps: Commissioners heard the report and were given a packet of background materials. Buchanan said she had asked the Commission to support an opposition letter to the National Park Service and to coordinate agency responses to protect the Kalaupapa grove and other DHHL-managed sites on Molokai.
No formal Commission action was taken at the meeting; staff and advocates requested continued interagency coordination and monitoring.
Lori Buchanan, coordinator with the Molokai-Maui Invasive Species Committee and an employee of the University of Hawaiʻi Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, said three CRB individuals were found on April 7, 8 and 13 at Malama Park (DHHL land), Mahanalua Beach (DHHL land) and near the Molokai Airport. Buchanan said trapping and surveillance have been ongoing since 2014 and that, to date, no breeding sites have been confirmed; the three beetles found (one male, two females) were dead.
Buchanan described a multiagency response involving the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, the Board of Agriculture emergency interim rule restricting host-material imports, and support from USDA and U.S. Forest Service (including a detector dog). She expressed particular concern about a National Park Service request to be exempted from the Board of Agriculture interim rule so it can import 100–200 tons of gravel to Kalaupapa — a move she said could jeopardize Kalaupapa and Molokai biodiversity. Buchanan said she urged the Board of Agriculture to defer that exemption.
Why it matters: CRB attacks coconut and other culturally significant plants (kalo, banana, hala) and a successful breeding site could imperil food-security groves and coastal plantings across Molokai. Witnesses called for intensified surveillance, rapid removal of breeding material and strict controls on imported fill and other host materials.
DHHL response and next steps: Commissioners heard the report and were given a packet of background materials. Buchanan said she had asked the Commission to support an opposition letter to the National Park Service and to coordinate agency responses to protect the Kalaupapa grove and other DHHL-managed sites on Molokai.
No formal Commission action was taken at the meeting; staff and advocates requested continued interagency coordination and monitoring.
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