Hawaii’s Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity has enacted Interim Rule 26-2, effective July 29, 2026, prohibiting the transport of coconut rhinoceros beetle host materials — including compost, mulch, wood chips, and most live plants — from other Hawaiian islands to Maui and Lānai. The rule aims to prevent the spread of the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle, which has been detected on Hawaii Island.
- As of July 29, 2026, moving untreated compost, mulch, wood chips, and most live plants from anywhere else in Hawaii to Maui or Lānai is prohibited.
- Coconut fruit is specifically banned from transport to both islands under the new rule.
- Exemptions exist for fresh edible produce (except coconuts), cut flowers, seeds, lumber, and certain lab-grown or tissue-cultured plants meeting strict conditions.
- Treated host materials transported in CRB-resistant containers may still be moved to Maui or Lānai after inspection by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
- Property owners doing landscaping, erosion control, or grounds work should verify that any plant materials brought from other islands comply with the new rule before transport.
Source: Maui Now
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