Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

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Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle: Hawaiʻi Island Update

A CRB being held in a gloved hand showing the size of horn and brown fuzzies on its underside.
Adult male CRB

What is the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle?

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB, Oryctes rhinoceros) is an invasive pest that poses a severe threat to palm trees in Hawaiʻi, including coconut, date, and native loulu palms. This beetle damages trees by boring into the crown to feed on sap, weakening and eventually killing the plant. First detected in Hawaiʻi on Oʻahu in 2013, CRB has spread across the island, causing widespread concern for agriculture, landscaping, and native ecosystems.

CRB on Hawaiʻi Island: A Timeline of Events

July 2025: Three adults caught at Kona airport and Keahole Ag park.

June 2025: Ten adults caught at Kona airport, Keahole Ag park, and HOST traps. New detection of 1 adult at Kiholo. New detection of 4 adults at HCC Palamanui. New detection of 1 adult at Kukio.

April – May 2025: Eight beetles are found in Kona at HOST Park, Keahole Ag Park, and Kohanaiki. Training sessions on CRB awareness and management have been conducted for landscapers, resort staff, and community members. Breeding traps have been installed at HOST Park alongside existing detection traps. Efforts to locate breeding sites and conduct dog-assisted detection surveys continue to expand.

March 2025: Four adult coconut rhinoceros beetles are found in Kona, making this the first detection outside of Waikoloa. Trapping, surveying, and outreach efforts are ongoing.

May 2024 – February 2025: BIISC continues palm health surveys, engages in scent-detection efforts using a trained dog named Manu, and expands community outreach to encourage public reporting.

December 2023 – April 2024: Intensive trapping and survey efforts take place, with four adult CRB detected at different locations in Waikoloa. Despite extensive searches, no larvae or breeding populations are found, providing cautious optimism that the population is still in its early stages.

November 2023: HDOA confirms the beetle’s identity, launching an interagency response with BIISC and other partners to assess the extent of the infestation.

October 2023: The first CRB detection on Hawaiʻi Island occurs in Waikoloa Village when a resident submits a suspicious beetle to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA).

What’s Being Done to Stop CRB on Hawaiʻi Island?

Stopping CRB before it becomes established is critical. Here’s how BIISC and its partners are responding:

1. Intensive Monitoring and Early Detection

  • Over 100 detection traps deployed in Waikoloa, Kona, and surrounding areas.
  • Scent detection dog surveys with Manu, who is trained to sniff out CRB.
  • Ground and aerial surveys to check for signs of beetle damage.
First adult beetle found in Kona on routine BIISC trap check.

2. Community Involvement and Reporting

  • Public education campaigns to help residents identify CRB, its damage, and how to report sightings.
  • Trap monitoring program allowing residents to host CRB traps in their yards.
  • Workshops and school presentations to engage youth in invasive species awareness.
CRB activity booth for keiki at the 2025 Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Bioblitz.

3. Prevention and Rapid Response

  • Interagency collaboration with HDOA, DLNR, and other partners to coordinate island-wide efforts.
  • Strict green waste management to prevent accidental spread via infested plant material.
Breeding trap at HOST park installed by BIISC and CRB Response.

How You Can Help Protect Hawaiʻi Island

Stopping CRB is a team effort. Here’s what you can do:

  • Report any suspected beetles, larva, or palm damage immediately to BIISC or HDOA.
  • Be mindful of green waste disposal—CRB is most likely to be found in green waste, compost, mulch, etc.
  • Avoid moving material ideal for CRB breeding.
  • Check your palms for V-shaped cuts, boreholes, or dying fronds.
  • Spread the word by sharing this information with neighbors, landscapers, and farmers.

Looking Ahead

No additional CRB breeding sites have been found on the Big Island since the original detection in 2023, so continued vigilance is crucial. BIISC and its partners will remain on the front lines, but community participation will be the key to stopping CRB before it becomes an island-wide problem.

Stay updated on our efforts and sign up for alerts at www.biisc.org.

It’s Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month!

We are thrilled to announce that May is Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM). HISAM is an annual event dedicated to educating and mobilizing the residents of Hawaiʻi to protect our islands from the threats posed by invasive species. This year’s theme, ‘What’s at Risk,’ we explore the people, places, and species most at risk — and what we can do to protect them. From the health of our watersheds and marine ecosystems to our cultural practices and food security, invasive species threaten the foundation of Hawaiʻi’s well-being. Join us to explore and celebrate the unique places, people, and biodiversity throughout our paeʻāina (Hawaiian archipelago) and Moananuiākea (the vast Pacific Ocean), and learn how to restore balance and build resilience for future generations.

HISAM Webinars 2025

We are very excited to share this series of informative webinars aimed at deepening understanding and fostering community engagement. Below are some of the webinars relevant to our BIISC community, but please check out the rest of the webinars happening throughout the month! Register today to save your spot and check the HISAM 2025 page for more details on these presentations.

Native Species Love: ʻElala

Tues. May 15 at 10AM

Most people in Hawaiʻi are familiar with cockroaches, ants, and fruit flies — but what about the native insects that quietly inhabit our forests and landscapes? In this webinar, explore the beautiful and cryptic diversity of Hawaiʻi’s native ʻelala (insects) with two leading researchers, Dr. Natalie Graham (University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo) & Dr. Camiel Doorenweerd (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa) 

Watch the webinar recording HERE (coming soon!) 

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death: What’s at Risk and What We Can Do to Save It

Fri. May 16 at 12PM

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death continues to threaten Hawai‘i’s forests, but efforts are underway to protect what remains. Learn how fencing out ungulates and research into disease-resistant ʻōhiʻa are helping forest managers and communities protect this keystone species. Speaker: J.B. Friday, Extension Forester, Komohana Research and Extension Center (CTAHR)

Get the zoom link: HERE. 

Native Species Love: Kāhuli

Tues. May 20 at 9:30 AM

Ke kāhuli leo leʻa o ka nahele – the sweet-voiced treesnail of the forest. This ʻōlelo noʻeau compares a beautiful human voice to the soft, melodic tones once heard throughout Hawaiʻi’s forests when kāhuli were abundant. In this webinar, Aimee Sato shares the cultural importance of kāhuli, and Kiane Prietto highlights how haumāna on Hawaiʻi Island are taking action to support these native treasures.

Register for the webinar HERE. 

Native Species Love: Lāʻau

Wed. May 21 at 3:00 PM

Many native plants in our lowland communities are treasured for their role in hana noʻeau — skillful, artistic cultural practices. In this webinar, Avalon Paradea shares her journey as a haumāna of kapa and plant-based dyes, while Kekai Naone speaks about ulana lau hala (lau hala weaving) and his path as a kumu hula

Register for the webinar HERE. 

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Update: Big Island 

Fri. May 23 at 4:30 PM

CRB has recently been detected in new locations on Hawaiʻi Island, particularly in Kona and Waikoloa Village. This webinar will provide important updates on the current status of the beetle, how it spreads, alternative host plants, the damage it causes, and management strategies for individuals and communities. Speakers: Arisa Barcinas, CRB Response Team & Kawehi Young, Big Island Invasive Species Committee

Register for the webinar HERE.

What’s that on the strawberry guava? Meet Tectococcus ovatus

Tectococcus ovatus on majority of the leaves of a strawberry guava plant
Tectococcus ovatus on new leaves

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You may have noticed strawberry guava in your area developing strange looking lumps on the leaves. Those lumps are called galls. These galls are not caused by any disease or any nutrient deficiency, but are actually the homes of tiny insects that live inside the tissues of the leaves.

There are many types of insects that cause galls, but each insect species is attached to a specific group of plants – sometimes just a single species of plant. The insect and the plant developed a relationship over millions of years, allowing them to recognize each other. The insect uses a chemical signal to induce its host plant to use its energy to form a gall around the insect, which creates a home for the bug.

The action of creating a gall saps energy from the plant that the plant cannot then use on other aspects of growth, but generally most galls are not harmful to their hosts.

The strawberry guava gall-maker, Tectococcus ovatus, is a tiny scale insect. The female burrows into the leaf, preferably fresh new flush, and the plant forms the gall to make her home where she will lay her eggs. She will remain in that spot for the rest of her life. Her newly hatched young will eventually emerge and do the same, crawling to a new spot normally not very far from where they just hatched. These particular gall insects don’t fly, but are sometimes carried on the wind. Because of this, Tectococcus moves from plant to plant somewhat slowly. In order for them to travel long distances, they need the help of people.

Where did Tectococcus come from?

Tectococcus is a native of Brazil, just like its host plant, strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum). It was introduced to Hawai’i in 2011 after a lengthy research project by entomologists and ecologists from the US Forest Service. For more than 20 years, Tectococcus was tested – first in its native country, then in quarantine in Hawai’i – to make sure it could not attack any important plants here. In no-choice tests, where the insect was given only one type of plant to live, Tectococcus was never able to survive – not even on its most closely related cousin, Psidium guajava (common guava). This was good news, because it meant that it could be safely released into the Hawaiian environment.

Strawberry guava is a notorious invasive weed in Hawai’i and around the world. It is classified as one of the World’s 100 Worst Invasive Species by the IUCN. It creates monotypic stands that don’t allow the growth of other plants, and the bright fruits are consumed by animals that spread the seeds for miles, allowing it to flourish deep in native forests and watersheds. In Hawai’i, strawberry guava forests are known to increase erosion and decrease water recharge, degrading ecosystem function and reducing habitat for native animals. It is also known worldwide as an agricultural pest, as the fruits are host for the fruit flies that restrict our farmers’ ability to ship fruits to the mainland. In 2023, the USFS Forest Inventory Analysis published a disturbing finding from Hawai’i: for the first time, an invasive tree had surpassed ʻōhi’a as dominant in number. Strawberry guava has begun outpacing ʻōhi’a in our forests.

How it helps

Even with heavy infestation, it is unlikely that Tectococcus will kill a mature strawberry guava tree. In Brazil, where Tectococcus and strawberry guava are found together throughout the forest, plants generally grow to around 12-15′ feet, and form a drooping canopy – completely unlike the 40 foot tall “prison bar” growth we see in Hawai’i! This is because strawberry guava without Tectococcus has none of the natural devices to keep it in check here like it does at home. The hope of ecologists battling to save native species is that reuniting the plant with its insect will slow it down, and give ohi’a (which has its own galls) and other natives a fighting chance.

For more information on SG biocontrol and applying Tectococcus ovatus.

Beyond Tectococcus: Other Gall Insects in Hawai’i

A gall insect evolved in relationship with one type of plant cannot just make a gall on another type; for example, the mite that cause hibiscus galls will not be able to talk to a mango leaf. They don’t speak the language! Usually plants find a way to balance the galls, and live just fine even with their little “moochers”.

However, sometimes a gall insect may arrive in Hawai’i that evolved with a close relative of a Hawaiian plant, and those can be potentially very damaging (see the case of wiliwili, below). If gall infestations on any plant become too heavy, they can change the structure of the leaves so much that the plant can lose the ability to capture water and light effectively. The level of damage galls can cause is dependent on many factors, including the overall health of the plant.

If you take a close look at the various galls on different plants, you may notice that they are different in shape, size and color. Each gall/plant relationship is unique. Below are some of the most commonly found galls in our environment.

ʻŌhiʻa Psyllids

There are a few psyllid species that are native and co-evolved with ʻōhiʻa. They do not cause significant harm to the plant – ʻōhi’a grow old and healthy even with galls on their leaves.

psyllid damage on ohia leaves

Hibiscus

Erineum mites (Aceria hibisci) can be found on different varieties of hibiscus plants. They suck nutrients out of the leaves and stems and release a chemical to induce the galls. If a plant becomes too heavily infested, the mites can drain so much energy they cause flowers to drop or never develop. Long-lasting infestations can leave the plant more susceptible to disease. Care should be taken to manage hibiscus galls to ensure they remain at low levels.

psyliid damage on hibiscus
Photo by Scott Nelson

Wiliwili

 The erythrina gall wasp (Quadrastichus erythrinae) arrived in Hawai’i in the early 2000s and began attacking trees in the Erythrina genus (coral trees), including the native wiliwili. The wasp lays its eggs in the leaf and stem tissue of the wiliwili, causing large galls on the plant. Because our native species did not co-evolve with the wasp, it had little defense, and was too susceptible. Heavy infestations were driving the tree to near extinction. But luckily, a biocontrol was released to help control the erythrina gall wasp.

leaf damage by gall wasp on wiliwili plant
Photo by Scott Nelson

There are many other galls that appear on plants in the Hawaiian environment. Found a strange gall on your plant? Send us a picture or bring us a sample, and we’ll work to get an identification for you!

BIISC is hiring: join our team!

woman collecting plant specimen

Invasive Plant Prevention Technician

Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact on the environment? Do you enjoy botany, working outdoors, and doing community outreach? We are looking to hire an Invasive Plant Prevention Technician to join our BIISC ʻohana. As an Invasive Plant Prevention Technician, you will support BIISC’s efforts to detect and evaluate new, naturalized, and potentially invasive plant species on Hawaiʻi Island. The position is full-time and is based out of Hilo. The ideal candidates will share our passion for conservation, love of the Big Island community, and commitment to public service.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conducts surveys in high-risk sites (e.g., nurseries, botanical gardens, agricultural experimental stations, and roadsides) for unrecorded plant species across the island and assists in the documentation and assessment of newly discovered species.
  • Ensures prompt identification of plant specimens collected, as well as those submitted by partner agencies.
  • Assists with coordination and logistics of field activities to implement detection plans.
  • Assists with care of plant specimen collections and maintenance of supplies. Uses Global Positioning System (GPS)/Geographic Information System (GIS) and BIISC database to collect, store, analyze, and report on survey data.
  • Assists with a public relations, outreach, and education program (Plant Pono) to raise awareness about invasive plants in the Hawaiian Islands and to generate support for BIISC’s effort to curb the spread of invasive ornamental plants throughout the state.
  • Assists with the development of educational content regarding invasive, non-invasive, and native plant species in the form of presentations, hands-on activities, printed and online material and video content.
  • Makes presentations to gardening and landscaping interest groups, public agencies, community associations, and classrooms. Will interact with minors.
  • Assists with oversight and direct training to residents and businesses to adopt invasive species best management practices. Interacts regularly with members of the public.

Qualifications:

  • Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in Botany, Horticulture, Agriculture, Biology, Communications, Education, Business, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
  • Two to four (2-4) years of work experience working in the field of horticulture, botany, plant production, or natural resources management. Experience includes carrying out a social marketing strategy in any field, and conducting surveys of unknown species of plants in an outdoor or nursery setting.
  • Knowledge of plant taxonomy, invasion biology, and botanical curating protocols. Understanding of Hawaiian biota or production agriculture/horticulture, and threats from alien species. A high degree of familiarity with the geographical and cultural landscape of Hawai‘i Island.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and accurately with a high degree of independence and contribute to team efforts. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to make reliable and consistent field identification of common native and invasive species.
  • Ability to use botanical keys to identify unknown species of unknown origin, and to communicate with specialists to have problematic species identified.
  • Proficiency in word- processing, data management, and social media.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment.
  • Ability to hike in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions. Ability to backpack and lift and carry up to forty (40) pounds unassisted.

For more details about duties, requirements, and secondary qualifications, please read the full job description on the RCUH website (If the link doesn’t work, search for job #223474). Pay is $3,900/month with paid holidays, sick time, and benefits. If you have any questions, please contact Franny Brewer at (808) 933-3340.

Why Join Us?

Working at BIISC is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to Hawaiʻi’s natural environment and gain valuable fieldwork experience. As an Invasive Plant Prevention Technician, you will play a vital role in protecting our Big Island community from the harmful impacts of invasive species. We offer competitive compensation, professional growth and advancement opportunities, and a supportive work environment that values teamwork, safety, and environmental conservation.

Deadline to apply: July 31, 2023

Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on Job Postings. Search for job #223474.  You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‛i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting.

If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808) 956-8344 or (808) 956-0872.

Apply Today!

What’s that bug in my garden?

It’s a sweet potato bug.

Throughout the late winter and early spring, you may notice an odd-looking bug in your garden. Although a healthy garden will draw many critters (some beneficial, and some not), this one stands out: it’s on the large side at nearly 1 inch long, with noticeably large “thighs”. You’ve spotted a sweet potato bug (Physomerus grossipes)! This is a type of true bug in the Coreidae family, or leaf-footed bugs. Members of the Coreidae have enlarged showy parts on their hind legs – these guys do not skip leg day.

If you’re a sweet potato grower or neighbors with one, then this is probably an unwelcome guest. Generally however, sweet potato bugs are considered a minor agriculture pest and are not dangerous to humans or animals.

Characteristics

  • Adults are approximately 1 inch long
  • Brown grey mottled color
  • Wings fold over each other at the end of the body making a dark colored diamond
  • Orange lines along the edge of the body
  • Large distinct ‘thighs’
  • Like to cluster together in large numbers
sweet potato bug side view

Sweet potato bug

Impact

This insect has a piercing mouthpart that is used to suck sap from leaves of their preferred food plants, members of the morning glory family (like sweet potatoes) and legumes. One or two insects won’t harm the plant, but a large number of them will cause leaves to yellow and wilt. Even when under attack by a huge number of sweet potato bugs it’s likely that the plants won’t completely die, but the attack will reduce plant production and leave it susceptible to other insects and diseases. The bugs can often be found resting on other plants, but this does not indicate feeding.

Cluster of sweet potato bugs

Photo: Alistair Bairos

Treatment

Sweet potato bugs are rather resilient and most insecticides are ineffective on them. The best method for removal is to simply pluck the bugs off the plants and dunk them into a container filled with soapy water. Their clustering habit makes them easy to collect in large numbers. They are docile and can’t bite, sting, or release stink smells, so hand capturing them is non-hazardous and the most effective method to protect your sweet potatoes. While your picking away at the adult insects don’t forget to smash any egg masses you may also come across.

sweet potato bug and egg cluster
Adult sweet potato bug next to egg cluster
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Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

23 East Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-3340

  

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