Bill aims to elevate status of Hawaii’s coconut trees

By Chloe Jones cjones@staradvertiser.com

Feb. 22, 2026

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

In response to the scourge of coconut rhinoceros beetles, Senate Bill 2925 proposes recognizing the coconut tree as a cultural treasure and vital resource. The bill has the support of environmental, farming and Native Hawaiian groups but also has raised concerns about enforcement and its impact on current pest-control practices.

A bill that would recognize the coconut tree as a food and water source and cultural treasure is moving forward in the state Legislature.

Senate Bill 2925, introduced by Sens. Mike Gabbard (D, Kapolei-Makakilo- Kalaeloa), Jarrett Keohokalole (D, Kaneohe-Kailua) and Herbert M. “Tim” Richards III (D, North Hilo-Waimea-North Kona) was born out of the coconut rhinoceros beetle ravaging Oahu’s coconut trees for the past 13 years.

The infestation has reached a critical point, but so far the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity have recommended few natural remedies to deal with the beetle. The agency has been using pesticide, which renders the fruit inedible, on landscape palms as it waits for other biocontrol methods to pass the regulatory process.

“The reality is, the Department of Ag hasn’t had a plan to save coconuts, they’ve had a plan to save landscape palms,” organic farmer Daniel Anthony said at a Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee meeting Feb. 11, adding that cultural practitioners and those who use the fruit for subsistence have not been involved in the decision- making process about the beetle response.

“This can be dangerous in a place like Hawaii, which has such a unique and important culture that the Legislature is designed to protect and ensure that for future generations we’re able to subsist.”

The bill received overwhelming support, including from environmental, farming and Native Hawaiian groups, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, community members and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, with the only opposition coming from the Hawaii Pest Control Association, which said the bill’s tax refund for those using natural management practices could discourage “legally registered, science-based pest control tools.”

It also said requiring landowners to label trees sprayed with pesticide raises implementation, enforcement and liability issues.

The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity submitted written testimony in opposition to the bill, sharing similar concerns, but a representative who attended the Feb. 11 hearing said the agency had since changed its position to a neutral “comment” rather than opposition.

The agency said in its written testimony that it practices “integrated pest management” that includes the use of pesticides as a tool. It added that it does not have the resources to enforce the tree-labeling requirement.

“What this bill is trying to do is give us some leverage to be able to more effectively, as a community, deal with the coconut rhinoceros beetle,” Kahaluu resident Alohi Aea said at the meeting.

She said the bill was an important step in safely managing the pest and engaging with the community “in a way that it has not been involved before.”

Anthony told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser after the hearing that he was hopeful for the bill to become law.

“Coconuts are unique and we all need to sit down and figure out how to manage it together,” he said.https://www.staradvertiser.com/2026/02/22/hawaii-news/bill-aims-to-elevate-status-of-hawaiis-coconut-trees/