Oahu: Get Free Tree Site Survey for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles Before It’s Too Late

Palm lovers across Oahu know how quickly a healthy tree can decline when pests strike. The coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) is a serious threat to coconut and other palm species, and early detection paired with responsible, non-toxic treatment can save trees and curb spread. This week, several community partners are offering free tree check-ups and guidance on safe, non-toxic options to protect your palms.

If you live in Honolulu, Kailua, Kaneohe, Pearl City, Ewa, Waipahu,

Waianae or other Oahu communities, now is the time to get your palms checked. Here’s what to know and how to participate.

Why CRB is a concern on Oahu

- CRB larvae bore into the crown and trunk of palms, causing decline, crown collapse, and in severe cases, death.

- Infested trees can serve as a source of spread to nearby palms, increasing risk for neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas.

- Early detection improves outcomes and reduces the need for heavy or toxic treatments.

 Free tree site survey: what to expect

- Trained staff will assess palm health, looking for signs of CRB activity:

- Internal damage in the crown (soft or disrupted tissue)

- Exit holes or boreholes in the trunk

- Wilting fronds, yellowing or browning at the crown

- Frass (sawdust-like material) at the base or crown

- Non-destructive, observational checks to determine if a tree is at risk.

- Clear next steps—diagnosis, monitoring plan, and guidance on non-toxic treatment options if appropriate.

- Education on best practices to reduce stress on trees and prevent spread.

During the check:

- Ask about non-toxic treatment options and prevention strategies.

- Ask about any questions or concerns you have about your trees.

After the check:

- Expect follow up email to address findings.

- Follow the recommended care plan, focusing on tree health and stress reduction (adequate irrigation, proper pruning, and avoiding unnecessary damage).

- If treatment is advised, ask about safe, non-toxic options and how to implement them correctly.

Non-toxic treatment philosophy

- The priority is to protect trees and the surrounding environment with methods that minimize harm to people, pets, pollinators, and non-target organisms.

- Where possible, use non-toxic - eco-friendly treatments under professional guidance rather than broad, invasive applications.

- Maintain tree health to bolster natural defenses: consistent irrigation, appropriate fertilization, and careful pruning to reduce stress.

Public spaces and community actions

- Neighborhood associations and neighborhood groups can organize joint check-ups 

- Sharing findings on a centralized platform helps reduce the spread and speeds up response times.

How to stay informed and get involved

- Follow for  updates from:

- Aloha Tree Savers @alohatreesavers.com

- Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) on CRB alerts and reporting

- University of Hawaii CTAHR Extension for pest identification and care guidelines

- Subscribe to local city or county notices for free service days or community outreach events.

What not to do

- Do not transport palm material (fronds, trunks, or fruit) from infested areas to other locations. This can spread CRB.

- Do not attempt DIY chemical treatments beyond label-approved methods or without professional guidance.

- Do not panic—early detection and professional guidance are the best defenses.

If you’ve noticed unusual crown damage, frass, or declining palms in your yard or neighborhood, contact our office to arrange a free check-up / tree site survey. Early action saves trees and keeps our palms healthy for years to come. Hope to see you soon for your free tree site survey.

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