Combating invasive species, together. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is collaborating with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to strengthen our commitment to the preservation and health of Hawai‘i’s urban landscapes. Particularly with growing concerns over the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), we’re focusing on mitigating the spread of this invasive species that threatens the health of our iconic palm trees and, by extension, our community forests.
Since March 15, 2024, DPP has implemented a policy aimed at slowing the spread of CRB until effective treatments are available. This policy is focused on areas under the DPP’s direct authority and includes the following measures:
- Prohibiting palms from fulfilling street tree requirements.
- Discouraging the use of palms to meet landscaping requirements.
- Limiting the use of compost, wood, tree chips, and mulch that may harbor CRB.
- Requiring compliance with the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture’s interim rule restricting the movement of CRB host materials.
- Mandating an invasive species management plan for affected developments.
- Ensuring damaged palms are replaced with tree species that are not susceptible to CRB.
Palms such as coconut and loulu are integral to Hawai‘i’s heritage and landscape, symbolizing the islands’ beauty and cultural significance. While they remain popular landscaping choices for their aesthetic appeal, the unchecked spread of CRB could lead to the rapid loss of these iconic trees, threatening the unique cultural and visual identity that palms provide to our urban environments.
We encourage residents and developers to consider alternative tree species that are both beautiful and suited to our environment. Below are native and Polynesian-introduced species featured on our Street Tree List, offering a range of sizes and benefits; Alaheʻe, Oʻhia, Hau, Milo, Kou, Kukui, Lonomea, Manele, Variegated Hau, and Kamani.
When selecting a tree, it’s important to consider the right species for the location. We encourage you to consult with knowledgeable staff at local nurseries to help guide your decision. Additionally, numerous online resources are available to assist in choosing the best trees for your landscape:
- Right Tree Hawai‘i
- Trees for Honolulu’s Future
- Hawaiʻi Division of Forestry and Wildlife
- University of Hawaiʻi Native Plant Guide
- Department of Parks and Recreation, Urban Forestry TREEsources
While no treatment offers a 100% guarantee, there are best practices to reduce the impact of CRB. These include limiting the planting and movement of palms and implementing regular inspection and treatment protocols. The CRB Hawai‘i Response website provides a useful guide on treatments and best management practices for CRB prevention, which can be found at: www.crbhawaii.org/treatments
One silver lining is that when our City arborists within the Division of Urban Forestry remove an infected palm tree, they aim replace it with a shadier tree not impacted by the beetle when possible. If you would like to request a tree be planted in front of your home, please reach out to DUF for assistance by calling (808) 971-7151 or emailing duf@honolulu.gov
Together, we can protect and grow our community forests, ensuring a healthy, sustainable, and beautiful urban environment for generations to come.
For the latest department updates, please visit https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/
