Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle & Green Waste Management on Maui
Protecting Maui’s palms, farms, and landscapes starts with responsible green waste management.
The coconut rhinoceros beetle, commonly called CRB, is an invasive pest that can damage coconut palms, native palms, taro, banana, pineapple, sugarcane, and other important plants across Hawaiʻi. Maui County has identified CRB as a serious threat to local ecosystems, agriculture, cultural resources, and the island economy.
Maui Invasive Species Committee on site at HOC helping to put net traps out as an extra precaution against CRB - June, 2026
Why Green Waste Management Matters
CRB reproduces in decomposing green material, including unmanaged green waste piles, decaying vegetation, and other debris. Female beetles lay eggs within these materials, where larvae develop before emerging as adults.
Green waste itself is not the problem. The concern arises when green material is left unmanaged for extended periods, creating conditions that may support CRB reproduction.
Because of this, responsible green waste management is an important part of CRB prevention and mitigation efforts throughout Hawaiʻi. The CRB Hawai'i website identifies hot composting as an effective treatment method for CRB host material, with properly managed composting systems achieving temperatures of at least 131°F that can help eliminate developing beetles.
By actively composting and processing green waste rather than allowing it to accumulate in unmanaged piles, communities can help reduce potential breeding habitat while turning green waste into a valuable resource that supports healthy soils, local agriculture, and landfill diversion.
How HOC Supports CRB Mitigation
At Hawaiʻi Organics Compost, green waste is processed through an actively managed windrow composting system designed to prevent material from becoming long-term breeding habitat. Unlike unmanaged green waste piles, compost windrows are regularly monitored, turned, and maintained to achieve temperatures of at least 131°F—a treatment method identified by CRB response agencies for managing CRB host material.
Our process includes:
• Routine temperature monitoring
• Regular turning and management of compost windrows
• Active site inspections and monitoring programs
• Ongoing coordination with state and county agencies
By actively composting green waste rather than allowing it to accumulate in unmanaged piles, HOC helps support Maui's broader efforts to reduce potential CRB breeding habitat while transforming green waste into beneficial products for local agriculture, landscaping, and soil health.
How Residents Can Help
Protecting Maui from CRB is a community effort, and responsible green waste management plays an important role. Residents, landscapers, farmers, and property owners can help reduce potential breeding habitat by properly managing green waste.
You can help by:
• Promptly chipping, composting, or disposing of green waste rather than allowing it to accumulate in unmanaged piles
• Utilizing green waste recycling and composting facilities whenever possible
• Monitoring palms and other susceptible plants for signs of CRB damage
• Avoiding the movement of potentially infested green waste and plant material
• Reporting suspected CRB sightings to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
By taking simple steps to actively manage green waste, Maui residents can help support ongoing efforts to reduce CRB breeding habitat, protect our landscapes and agriculture, and keep valuable resources out of the landfill.
