State agricultural officials have widened their search for the coconut rhinoceros beetle after one was found Thursday in the Diamond Head lookout area.
Officials plan to deploy traps in higher density in the Diamond Head area and conduct additional surveys for breeding sites and damage to coconut trees.
"The detection of this beetle on Diamond Head is of great concern," Scott Enright, chairman of the Board of Agriculture, said in a news release.
The beetle bores into the center of the crown, where it injures young, growing tissue and cuts through developing leaves.
Enright said state crews will ask residents to survey their palm trees and also check mulch piles that could serve as a reservoir for the beetles.
The Diamond Head lookout area is the third buffer area established since the coconut rhinoceros beetle was found on Oahu in December 2013.
A 6-mile buffer zone was established east of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The other, a 2-mile buffer zone, was set up in Campbell Industrial Park.
State officials said with the impending arrival of Hurricane Ana, Oahu residents are asked to watch out for coconut rhinoceros beetle traps that may be blown down during strong winds and to notify a response team about any downed traps by calling 679-5244 or sending email to stoprhino@gmail.com.
Since its discovery on Oahu, some 2,150 panel traps have been set, and more than 95,000 palm trees and 280 mulch sites have been surveyed, the state said.
Officials said about 130 palm trees have been removed and destroyed, and about 1,000 adult beetles, 1,100 larvae and 16 pupae have been found on Oahu.
Suspected coconut rhinoceros beetles should be reported to the state’s toll-free pest hotline at 643-PEST (7378).
Additional information on beetles in Hawaii can be obtained at the state Department of Agriculture’s website, hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/crb.
