Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle 

One day while I was cruising down the beautiful bike path on the fabled north shore of Oahu, I couldn’t help but notice that there was this long, slim black box now hanging from a tree near the road entrance of Rocky Point.

North shore bike path

As I rode by, the object looked very peculiar indeed. It looked like some kind of morbid, man-made birds nest or giant bird feeder of some sort. As it was my first awareness of the device, it was what I believed to be a one of a kind. Then as it was some sort of micro alien invasion, I started noticing the mysterious black box hanging from trees every where.

The boxes were traps and bait for the possible collection and attempted eradication of a new and highly evasive species that has breached the borders of this tropical island paradise. When It was finally made known to me what they were, the first thing that came to mind was, “What would  Hawaii  be without palm trees?”.

“Big, hungry and hard to kill, the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle bores into the tops of coconut palms, eating growing tissues, drinking the sap, ripping into the bases of fronds and exposing the plant to disease. Then it crawls off to breed, preferably in piles of mulch or trash. Adults can grow up to two inches long and live to the ripe old age of three months.”

damaged palm tree

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle trap

As stated on state of hawaii plant industries division   website, “The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), a serious invasive pest, was detected on Dec. 23, 2013 on Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam (JBPH-H) on coconut trees.”

Since it was initially detected at JBPH-H, CRB have been found at Barbers Point in May 2014, Campbell Industrial Park in July 2014, and Diamond Head in Oct. 2014.

The public is asked to report CRB panel traps that may be blown down due to strong winds. Dislodged traps may be reported by either calling the CRB hotline at 832-0585 or by e-mail at:   stoprhino@gmail.com

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle love palm trees

Always keep in mind and keep an open mind… you can get  surf lessons  or stand up  paddle lessons  with us here at  Oahu Surfing Experience  … or, if surfing doesn’t interest you ladies,   become a mermaid  for a photo shoot, with  Oahu Surfing Experience.  Safety is our priority and we know some great small wave spots that are away from the big waves, so you can remain calm, cool and collect and feeling the exhilaration of the ocean in a much more optimal learning environment.

We at OahuSurfingExperience teach the most quality surfing lessons that surfing has to offer. If your a lady or a little girl and surfing doesn’t necessarily captivate you; we also offer a unique and exclusive mermaid model shoot that will absolutely intrigue the ladies and as well, give them memories that will last a life time. Keep in mind however, we absolutely are surfers at heart. So if we are not running a surf lesson or conducting a mermaid photo shoot,we more then likely will be out in the surf, tapping in to some valuable, “me time”. Because of this very reason, we strongly suggest that you book in advance with us, but it will be absolutely worth your commitment. Book now for your one of a kind opportunity and you will guaranteed walk away with skills and ocean safety knowledge that will last you a life time. Even when the waves are big we know of safe places to go.

808 497 7109 Email Oahusurfingexperience@aol.com for the Best Surf Lessons on Oahu