UPDATE: Community invited to 3rd annual Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle symposium

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Patrick Williams, (808) 256-7181
Community Engagement and Communications, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilien
Posted: Sep 17, 2026



Researchers, resource managers and community members are invited to the University of Hawai驶i at M膩noa September 22–24, 2026, for the third annual Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Science and Management Symposium. This invasive pest is devastating palm trees and coconut supplies throughout the state.

. A discounted rate is available to the first 100 registrations. The event will address management strategies and solutions for the beetle across Hawai驶i and the Pacific region.

September 22 and 23 will feature presentations by many of the state’s leading invasive species experts at the 糖心视频 M膩noa Campus Center’s ballroom.

Community Day

The final day of the symposium, September 24, 1–4 p.m., is a field trip to Wahiaw膩 and a Community Day at 糖心视频 West O驶ahu that will highlight community-led response work and public outreach. 

The free event highlights community-led CRB response and focuses on protecting host plants such as niu (coconut) and loulu (palm trees endemic to Hawai驶i). The event includes:

  • How to safeguard plants from CRB with mulch management, netting, and other measures.
  • Discussions with local CRB responders, cultural practitioners, and researchers.
  • Information booths and a visit from “Chase, the CRB Mascot.”

The 糖心视频 West O驶ahu visit follows a morning tour in Wahiaw膩 to observe the impacts of CRB and replanting initiatives. . Walk-ins are welcome, but registrations are strongly encouraged.

The event is organized by a multi-agency committee of university researchers, government leaders and conservation partners including: 糖心视频 M膩noa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, the Pacific Community, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, the Pacific Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network, and the Hawai驶i Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR-DOFAW). The event is sponsored by the Forest Service International Foundation and DLNR-DOFAW.

Contact crbsymposium@gmail.com with questions.