Invasive Species

Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers are considering giving the state $250,000 for invasive species management on the island, but have been critical about its efforts so far.

Former Hawaiʻi Governor George Ariyoshi passes away at 100; HPR reports on the current status of CRB on Molokaʻi.

The state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity said it needs to fix a 1995 policy that allows inspectors to “inspect and release” goods with known pests if they have “light insect or disease infestation.”

Molokaʻi was the last island in the state without the highly invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle… until last week. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol reports the island’s invasive species crew is tackling a daunting response effort.

The Molokaʻi-Maui Invasive Species Committee found a dead beetle in a trap at the Kaunakakai Harbor Tuesday morning, according to a news release by the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The trap was empty the last time it was checked on March 30.

The state Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity has approved new measures to limit the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles on Hawaiʻi Island.

Hawaiʻi Agriculture and Biosecurity officials discuss the challenges the department faces and the criticisms it's received over handling of invasive species infestations.

The state Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity deferred a request to allow gravel to be shipped to Molokaʻi, reinforcing an import ban on the island meant to keep out the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle.

A bill at the state Legislature would create a program supporting the production of virus- and pest-free plants to potentially reduce the spread of invasive species and diseases.

The Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity plans to move ahead with new measures to limit the spread of invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles on Hawaiʻi Island. The current infestation on the Kona coast started in March 2025.