In a recent government meeting, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) presented a critical request for interim rules aimed at controlling the interisland movement of palm plants and related materials to combat the spread of the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB). Acting entomologist Jared Lau outlined the urgency of the situation, citing the beetle's significant threat to Hawaii's native ecosystems, agriculture, and tourism.

The proposed interim rule seeks to restrict the movement of specific palm plant genera and decomposing organic materials from Oahu, where the beetle has been detected since 2013, to prevent further infestations on other islands. The CRB damages palm trees by boring into their crowns, leading to tree mortality rates between 10% and 50%, which poses safety hazards due to the risk of falling trees.

Public testimony overwhelmingly supported the interim rule, with 36 individuals and organizations expressing their backing. Testifiers emphasized the beetle's threat to food security and cultural practices, urging the committee to consider extending the rule's duration and implementing more permanent regulations. Concerns were raised about the need for a coordinated response involving local mayors and the development of management plans for mulch and compost to mitigate the spread of CRB.

Several testifiers also called for the designation of Kauai as a CRB-infested area, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to protect neighboring islands. The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the CRB crisis, with participants advocating for enhanced biosecurity measures and the resumption of a compliance agreement program that had previously been effective in managing the pest.

The committee is expected to deliberate on the proposed interim rule, which aims to safeguard Hawaii's agricultural and ecological integrity against the advancing threat of the coconut rhinoceros beetle.