A state advisory committee is scheduled to hold a public meeting on Nov. 17 to consider whether to prohibit the importation of green coffee beans on the Big Island, in light of the serious infestation by the coffee berry borer.

The meeting starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Plant Quarantine State Conference Room at 1849 Auiki St. on Sand Island on Oahu.

People may testify at the meeting, send testimony by facsimile to 832-0584,  email Carol.L.Okada@hawaii.gov, or via mail to 1849 Auiki St., Honolulu, Hi 96819.

After conducting a survey, state officials have determined damage by the coffee berry borer is limited to the Big Island.

The beetle, native to Africa but now found in scores of other countries, destroys crops by laying its larvae in the coffee berry.

Green coffee beans, without the husk and parchment, have been brought into Hawaii for roasting and blending with island coffee.

State agricultural officials and some coffee farmers disagree whether the coffee berry borer was brought into Hawaii through green coffee beans.