New rules in place to fight CRB spread in Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – New transportation restrictions are in place to help prevent the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle to the islands of Lanai and Maui.

Read more Investigation underway after firefighters extinguish basement fire in Alewa Heights

The Hawaii Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity on Tuesday approved a new interim rule restricting the transport of CRB host materials to Lanai and Maui from elsewhere in the state.

Host materials include live plants with soil attached to the roots, compost, and untreated mulch. Transporting coconut fruit is also prohibited.

Bare-root plants and other host material may be transported if it is properly treated and passes an inspection by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Plant Quarantine Branch.

Read more First Alert Forecast: Light wind, chance of locally heavy rain as Fausto passes to the north

Also Tuesday, the board expanded the designated CRB-infested area in West Hawaii Island to include an additional section of Kailua-Kona.

The expansion includes the area between Henry Street, Palani Road, and Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway.

Anyone working with CRB host material in an infested area is required to obtain and follow a compliance agreement with the Department of Agriculture.

Read more Waikiki power outage reported after loud boom heard nearby

Training sessions can be scheduled online.