SENATOR RICHARDS, COLLEAGUES, AND STATE AGENCIES TO HOST COMMUNITY MEETING ON COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE DETECTION AND ERADICATION

HONOLULU, HI – Senator Herbert “Tim” Richards, III (Senate District 4 – North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona), along with Representative David A. Tarnas, Councilmember James E. Hustace, and state partners including the Big Island Invasive Species Council (BIISC), will host a virtual community meeting next week to address the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) and its increasing threat to Hawaiʻi’s agriculture and quality of life.

“The spread of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle poses a serious threat to Hawaiʻi’s agriculture and economy,” said Senator Richards. “This meeting will provide important updates on the beetle’s presence across the islands and highlight the coordinated efforts underway to combat its spread.”

The community meeting will feature updates from experts, an overview of current response measures, and opportunities for participants to ask questions and share concerns.

Meeting Details:

     • Virtual Community Meeting on Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB)

     • Wednesday, September 10, 2025

     • 6:00 p.m. HST

     • Zoom link (REGISTRATION REQUIRED): https://bit.ly/crbmeeting

Members of the public, especially those in agricultural communities, are encouraged to attend and learn more about how CRB infestations are being managed and what actions can be taken to help prevent further spread.

Senator Richards will be joined by the following legislators:

• Representative David A. Tarnas (House District 8 – Hawi, Hala‘ula, Waimea, Makahalau, Waiki‘i, Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Mahukona)

• Hawai‘i County Councilmember James E. Hustace (Hawai‘i County District 9 – Kohala, portions of Waimea)

For a PDF version of the flyer, CLICK HERE.