Augment current containment and control efforts against coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) on oahu, hawaii, which has the goals of: a) reducing CRB populations on oahu in areas associated with transit…

The University of Hawaii at Manoa received a $367,363 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. This award funds containment and control efforts against the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) on Oahu, Hawaii, with the primary objective of reducing CRB populations in areas associated with inter-island transit while preventing establishment on non-infested Hawaiian islands and the U.S. mainland.

The University of Hawaii will deliver detection, monitoring, and eradication services through deployment of canine detection teams to identify active CRB breeding sites in suspect areas and areas containing host material, with verification and targeted treatment conducted by human teams. Additionally, the awardee will establish increased monitoring on non-infested Hawaiian islands through remote sensing technology and interagency partnerships to enable rapid eradication response should incipient CRB populations be detected. Expected deliverables include identification of active breeding sites, reduced CRB transmission risk to other islands and regions, expanded interagency collaboration capacity for future invasive species responses, and enhanced public engagement through educational outreach incorporating canine detection activities across social media, traditional media, and in-person events. No sub-awards were identified at the time of award.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to augment current containment and control efforts against coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) on oahu, hawaii, which has the goals of: a) reducing CRB populations on oahu in areas associated with transit off island as guided by a tier system, which prioritizes ports and specific commodity transporters; B) increased monitoring on non-infested hawaiian islands by remote sensing and partnerships with other organizations and agencies, coupled with eradication response if incipient populations are detected.

Activities

Canine teams will search for CRB in suspect areas/areas with host material, which can then be verified by human teams and targeted for treatment. Deliverables and expected outcomes: outcomes will include: identification of active CRB breeding sites to be targeted for sanitation; reduced opportunity for CRB to reach and establish on other islands in the state of hawaii and on the US mainland; interagency collaboration and experience/capacity for future invasive species; response(S); increased public engagement in outreach involving canines including social media, traditional media, and in-person events. Intended beneficiary(IES): the state of hawaii, other islands in the pacific who do not have CRB, and palm-growing regions of the U.S. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: no subawards.