The House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems convened on January 17, 2025, to address the ongoing crisis regarding the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) infestation in Hawaii. The meeting highlighted the dire situation on Oahu, where the infestation has spread island-wide, causing significant damage to coconut palms and other trees. Officials reported that urban areas, particularly East Honolulu, are beginning to show signs of damage, raising concerns about the potential for further losses.

Eradication efforts on Oahu have been deemed unfeasible for the past three years, leading to a shift in strategy focused on trapping and treatment at key locations such as Honolulu Airport and the Honolulu Harbor. Funding from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has enabled additional activities that federal funds cannot cover, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to managing the infestation.

Kauai is experiencing a similar trend, with widespread CRB presence and limited eradication options. Current efforts are concentrated at the Lihue Airport and Harbor, with some aerial applications funded by DLNR. Meanwhile, the Big Island has a nascent population in Waikoloa, where trapping efforts are ongoing, and collaboration with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture is planned for further treatments.

Positive developments were noted for Molokai and Lanai, where no CRB detections have occurred, thanks to robust trapping systems and community involvement. The committee emphasized the importance of education and collaboration with various agencies and private landowners across the islands.

Research initiatives are underway to explore chemical and cultural control methods, with a focus on biocontrol as a viable long-term solution. The USDA has provided operational funds for applied research, and efforts are being made to retrofit laboratory space for bio-control agent containment.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring and addressing the CRB situation, with hopes for future funding to support biocontrol efforts. The committee remains vigilant in its approach to mitigate the impact of the infestation on Hawaii's agriculture and ecosystems.