State officials are surveying parts of Maui and Molokaʻi for evidence of coconut rhinoceros beetles, and residents near detection sites are being asked to check palm trees for signs of damage after the highly invasive pest was discovered on both islands.
The suspected detection Tuesday of a male beetle near Kaunakakai Harbor would mark the first time one has been found on Molokaʻi. Based on photographs of the specimen, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity says it is likely a coconut rhinoceros beetle, and it is being sent to its Plant Pest Control Branch on Oʻahu for official confirmation.
