Four Detection Dogs Trained to Find Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Sites

LĪHU‘E, Jan. 9, 2026. The Office of Economic Development announced the completion of a specialized conservation dog training project, leaving Kaua‘i with four newly certified CRB detection dogs ready to support island-wide efforts to detect and manage the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle.

The detection teams were trained to identify the scent of CRB breeding sites and are on standby to deploy in the field to help confirm the presence of active breeding grounds. Early confirmation of infestations is central to slowing CRB spread and limiting damage to palms and other vulnerable plants, including hala, kalo, banana, pineapple, and ʻulu.

“Early detection is one of the most effective tools we have to slow the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle,” said Nalani Brun, Director of the Office of Economic Development. “Having four locally based, certified detection dog teams ready to deploy strengthens Kaua‘i’s ability to confirm CRB breeding sites and better understand where management actions may be needed.”

The project was led by Conservation Dogs of Hawai‘i’s Kaua‘i Response Team, which is accepting CRB survey requests from residents, businesses, and property managers concerned about suspected breeding activity on their properties. Requests can be submitted through Conservation Dogs of Hawai‘i using the Kaua‘i CRB Survey Request Form.

Funding and programmatic support for the effort were provided by the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the County of Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development. County officials emphasized that community participation is vital: prompt reporting, inspection, and confirmation of breeding sites help guide response efforts and support protection of the island’s ecosystem, economy, and landscapes.

For property owners, the newly certified teams offer a faster way to verify whether suspected sites are active, which in turn can trigger targeted management actions. For farmers and those managing coastal and cultural plantings, quicker confirmation can reduce the spread of damage to economically and culturally significant species. The dogs’ scent-detection ability complements visual surveys and can locate breeding grounds that might otherwise be missed until damage appears.

Media inquiries may be directed to Niki Kunioka-Volz at 808-241-4951 or nkvolz@kauai.gov. Residents and property managers who suspect CRB activity are encouraged to contact Conservation Dogs of Hawai‘i to request a Kaua‘i CRB survey and help the island’s coordinated response.