Utilize coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) canine teams to inspect high-risk materials L eaving oahu at the nurseries/box stores/green waste processors, and also at the ports of exit in collaboration…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded the University of Hawaii $278,162 on July 1, 2026, under a Cooperative Agreement to deploy canine detection teams for coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) inspection and interdiction in Hawaii. The award funds on-site inspections at nurseries and green waste processors on Oahu to detect CRB before products leave the island, collaboration with Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Plant Quarantine Branch inspectors at ports of exit to screen high-risk commodities destined for off-island shipment, and continued proficiency testing and certification of detector canines and handlers through the USDA National Detector Dog Training Center. The funding supports two canine handlers, canine and personal protective equipment, transport, kenneling, and veterinary care. Expected outcomes include identification of active CRB breeding sites for targeted sanitation, reduced risk of CRB establishment on other Hawaiian islands and the U.S. mainland, interagency collaboration capacity for future invasive species response, and public engagement through social media, traditional media, and in-person events. Performance occurs in Hawaii through June 30, 2027. No sub-recipients are involved. The award obligates $278,162 across personnel ($98,000), fringe ($34,692), travel ($73), supplies ($5,500), contractual services ($98,173), and indirect costs ($41,724).

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to utilize coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) canine teams to inspect high-risk materials L eaving oahu at the nurseries/box stores/green waste processors, and also at the ports of exit in collaboration with inspectors with the hawaii department of agriculture and biosecurity's plant quarantine branch (HDAB-PQ).

Activities

1) perform on-site inspections at nurseries and green waste processors for the detection of CRB, prior to the movement of products or materials off-site for sale 2) work with hdab-PQ inspectors at ports of exits to inspect high risk-commodities to be shipped off-island and 3) continue proficiency testing and certification of canines and their handlers in collaboration with the USDA national detector DOG training center. 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), and lastly, 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. Financials: personnel (2 - canine handlers) = $98,000; fringe = $34,692; travel (MILEAGE) = $73; supplies (canine & PPE) = $5,500; contractual (transport, kenneling, VET care) = $98,173; indirect = $41,724