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Sustainability & Resources

Hawaii County Agricultural & Landscaping Businesses Face Extended Compliance Burden Due to Beetle Host Material Restrictions Until April 30

·7 min read·⚡ Act Now

Executive Summary

Hawaii County has extended its voluntary compliance order prohibiting the movement of certain beetle host materials through April 30, impacting agricultural and landscaping businesses. Failure to comply risks penalties and supply chain disruptions. Agriculture and landscaping operators must halt or reroute transport of specified materials to avoid non-compliance.

Action Required

High PriorityApril 30

Ignoring the order past April 30th for any ongoing activity involving these materials could lead to penalties or non-compliance issues.

Agriculture and landscaping businesses operating within or interacting with Hawaii County must immediately adjust their material handling and transport protocols to cease movement of CRB host materials (decomposing plant matter, certain live palms) until April 30. Review all sourcing and disposal methods to ensure compliance, potentially securing alternative, approved sources or management plans.

Who's Affected
Small Business OperatorsAgriculture & Food ProducersReal Estate Owners
Ripple Effects
  • →Extended compliance burden → increased operational costs for businesses handling organic materials → potential for supply chain disruptions of mulch and compost
  • →Risk of non-compliance → potential fines or stricter regulations → increased business risk and uncertainty
  • →Continued CRB spread prevention → long-term protection of agricultural yields and landscape health → sustained economic viability for affected sectors
Detailed view of a rhinoceros beetle on a textured surface, showcasing its unique horn.
Photo by Vakho Dolidze

Hawaii County Agricultural & Landscaping Businesses Face Extended Compliance Burden Due to Beetle Host Material Restrictions Until April 30

The voluntary compliance order restricting the movement of specific materials that can harbor the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) in Hawaii County has been extended through April 30. This continuation directly affects businesses involved in agriculture, landscaping, and general operations that handle decomposing plant matter, propagation materials, and certain live palm plants within the designated voluntary zone.

The Change

Hawaii County officials have extended the voluntary compliance order that aims to curb the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle, a significant pest for palm trees and other agricultural crops. The order, originally put in place to prevent the movement of CRB host materials, now remains in effect until April 30. Host materials include, but are not limited to:

  • Decomposing plant material (e.g., compost, mulch, yard waste)
  • Plant propagation material
  • Other items comprised of decomposing organic plant material
  • Certain genera of live palm plants known to be susceptible to or hosts for the beetle

The extension means businesses operating within the voluntary compliance area must continue for an additional period to adhere to these non-transportation guidelines. While voluntary, the order serves as a critical biosecurity measure, and repeated non-compliance could lead to more stringent enforcement actions or penalties.

Who's Affected

Agriculture & Food Producers

Businesses engaged in farming, ranching, and food production are directly impacted if their operations involve the cultivation or movement of vulnerable palm species or the generation of decomposing plant waste. This includes nurseries, ornamental plant growers, and any agricultural enterprise that utilizes compost or organic matter susceptible to CRB infestation. The extended order necessitates careful management of waste streams and material sourcing to prevent accidental transport and potential contamination.

Small Business Operators (Landscaping & Retail)

Landscaping companies, garden centers, and retail businesses selling plants or landscaping supplies are significantly affected. They must ensure that any materials sourced from or destined for the voluntary compliance area are screened and, if classified as host material, are not transported. This could lead to increased labor costs for material inspection and handling, potential delays in project completion, and the need to find alternative, approved sources for mulch and plant stock. Businesses that sell live palm plants also face direct restrictions on moving these items.

Real Estate Owners (Developers & Property Managers)

While primarily impacting active agricultural and landscaping operations, real estate owners and property managers may also be affected. This is particularly true for those managing properties with significant landscaping, developing new projects that require large amounts of organic material for site preparation, or if such properties are involved in the sale or rental of plant material. Ensuring compliance across managed properties becomes an added layer of operational responsibility, potentially impacting development timelines or property maintenance costs.

Second-Order Effects

  • Supply Chain Disruptions: Extended restrictions on moving organic materials can strain local supply chains for mulch, compost, and certain plant species, potentially leading to shortages and price increases for landscaping and agricultural inputs.
  • Increased Operational Costs: Businesses may incur higher labor costs for material sorting and inspection, or face increased transportation expenses if they need to source materials from further afield to avoid the voluntary compliance area.
  • Development Delays: For real estate developers or property managers requiring large volumes of organic material for site preparation or aesthetic landscaping, these restrictions could lead to project delays and associated cost overruns.

What to Do

Agriculture & Food Producers:

Continue to isolate and manage all decomposing plant materials (compost, mulch, yard waste) generated within your operation. Document the source and destination of any plant propagation material. If you cultivate or sell susceptible palm genera, ensure they remain within the designated area or comply with any movement protocols already established by local authorities. Review your waste disposal and material sourcing plans to ensure they no longer involve the transport of restricted items outside the voluntary zone. Action: Confirm all material handling protocols align with the extended order by March 15 to allow for adjustments before significant spring/summer operations commence.

Small Business Operators (Landscaping & Retail):

Immediately halt the transport of all known CRB host materials from within the voluntary compliance area. For landscaping businesses, communicate with clients about potential delays or the need for alternative materials. Retail nurseries should verify that any live palm plants for sale are not moved out of the restricted zone and consider sourcing new stock from compliant nurseries outside the area if necessary. Implement a rigorous inspection process for all incoming and outgoing organic materials, especially mulch and compost. Action: Re-evaluate all current and upcoming project material sourcing by March 10 to identify potential compliance issues and secure alternative, approved supply chains if needed.

Real Estate Owners (Developers & Property Managers):

For any ongoing or planned property development or maintenance that involves significant landscaping or the use of organic materials, consult with your contractors and landscaping services to ensure they are aware of and compliant with the extended voluntary order. If you own or manage properties that lease space to nurseries or landscaping businesses, verify their operational plans account for these restrictions. Action: Issue a directive to all relevant contractors and lessees by March 15 to confirm their understanding and adherence to the extended compliance order for any on-site activities or material movements.

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