April News: Protecting Kaua‘i’s Palms from a Growing Threat
Combating the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
Grove Farm cares deeply about protecting Kaua‘i from invasive species that have caused significant damage in other parts of Hawai‘i and the world. One of the most serious current threats is the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), which was first detected on Kaua‘i in May 2023. The Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee (KISC), a project of the University of Hawaiʻi Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, plays a huge role in keeping these pests at bay.
According to Tiffani Keanini, Manager at KISC, “The CRB is a destructive pest that has the potential to cause devastating impacts to many palm species that are foundational to Kaua‘i’s agriculture, native ecosystems, local economy, and cultural heritage. Adult beetles feed on coconut, royal, and date palms, as well as our native loulu (fan palms). Beetles can also go after secondary food sources such as hala, sugar cane, and banana.”
CRB breed in decomposing plant materials like compost, garden soil, mulch, and green waste. To prevent the further spread of the CRB on Kaua‘i, Tiffani advised, “The best step to take to protect your area from CRB damage is to eliminate breeding sites by managing green waste. Remove dead palms, remove your green waste, and don’t stockpile green waste, mulch, or compost for more than four months.”
Allowing the CRB to proliferate could be devastating to our agricultural industry. If you spot CRB or suspect your palm trees are being attacked by CRB, please contact KISC at kisc@hawaii.edu.
UH Wahine Volleyball Inspires Kaua‘i Youth
What a day to remember! On Wednesday, March 26, the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Wahine Volleyball team along with the Big Ten powerhouse University of Wisconsin Badgers hosted a free youth clinic at the new Kaua‘i High School gymnasium, giving 80 keiki the chance to meet and learn from nationally recognized collegiate athletes.
The event wrapped with a thrilling free match between the two teams in front of a full house at the 1,600-seat gymnasium.
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The Grove Farm Company Foundation was proud to be one of the sponsors for this event. Thank you to Hawai‘i State Senate President Ron Kouchi for bringing the teams to Kaua‘i, and to Stephanie Iona and Laurie Yoshida for organizing this special day. Go ’Bows!
Sharing Local Careers with King Kaumuali‘i Students
Thank you, King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School, for inviting Grove Farm to be part of your Career Day in March! Through a lively game of Bingo, second grade students learned about the many professionals who contribute to Grove Farm’s work in land development and stewardship — from project managers, attorneys and accounts to farmers, contractors, operators and community partners.
It was also a homecoming moment for Project Specialist Justin Uegawa, who returned to his alma mater to inspire the next generation!
Puakea Bunker Renovations Underway
Crews are working tirelessly on major bunker renovations and improvements at Puakea Golf Course over the next few months. This work includes replacing liners, reinforcing drainage, and importing high-quality bunker sand to elevate the experience for local and visiting golfers. During construction, golfers can enjoy nine-hole play during weekdays at a discounted price and full 18-hole play on the weekends.
Spring Shopping at Our April Craft Fair
Support local artisans and find something special at the Grove Farm Craft Fair on Saturday, April 5 at 9:30 a.m. at the Grove Farm Park in Puhi, next to our weekly Grove Farm Market. Shop handmade items, home décor, jewelry, pet products and more from talented Kaua‘i makers.
Help Us Grow Our Newsletter ‘Ohana
Thank you for your support as part of our newsletter list! If you know of anyone else who would be interested in receiving the latest news from Grove Farm, tell them to visit the Grove Farm booth every Saturday at the Grove Farm Market during the month of April.
As a special mahalo during Earth Month, new email subscribers who sign up at the Grove Farm booth will have the option to receive either a free bag of seeds or a free Grove Farm reusable sandwich bag, while supplies last.