643pest.org 2024 Year in Review:
What We Learned from Your Reports
Top Reported Pests: 1) coconut rhinoceros beetle, 2) coqui, 3) oriental flower beetle, 4) rose-ringed parakeet, 5) mongoose
Hawaiʻi’s first line of defense against invasive species often starts with an alert resident and a simple report. In 2024, the 643pest.org platform- a multi-agency collaborative pest reporting system- received 1,551 reports from community members across the Hawaiian Islands, demonstrating the crucial role public participation plays in protecting our watersheds, agricultural resources, public health, and cultural practices. These reports not only help track emerging threats but also guide rapid response efforts and inform strategic management decisions that safeguard our economy and way of life.
Oʻahu led reporting activity with 1,008 submissions, followed by Maui (197), Hawaiʻi Island (180), and Kauaʻi (162). This distributed network of observers helps create a comprehensive picture of invasive species activity across the state.
Perhaps the most notable shift in 2024 was the changing pattern of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) reports. While Oʻahu saw a 54% decrease in CRB reports compared to 2023, the outer islands experienced concerning increases, with Hawaiʻi Island seeing a 200% rise in suspected reports. This pattern suggests both successful control efforts on Oʻahu and the need for continued vigilance on neighbor islands to protect both our iconic palm trees and agricultural resources.
Coqu
i frog reports told another important story, with increases on Oʻahu (127%) and Maui (167%). These increases reflect both growing public awareness and potential population changes, highlighting the importance of early detection and rapid response to prevent impacts to property values, tourism, and quality of life from their disruptive nighttime calls.
643pest.org reports were dominated by invertebrates (57%) such as insects, followed by vertebrates (35%) like frogs and birds. Plant and fungi reports, including Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, represented just 4% of total submissions.
The majority of reports (57%) focused on invertebrates such as insects, while vertebrates like frogs and birds accounted for 35% of submissions. Plant and fungi reports, including cases of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, made up 4% of total observations. Notably, 30% of all reports were actionable, leading to direct response from management agencies.
Your role in protecting Hawaiʻi’s communities, watersheds, and agricultural resources is more important than ever. Whether you spot an unusual beetle, hear an unfamiliar frog call, or notice a suspicious plant, every report helps build our understanding and capacity to respond. Visit 643pest.org to submit a report or check out the 643pest.org dashboard to see up to date details on what has been reported to 643pest.org over the years.
Mahalo for your continued support in this crucial effort to protect our agriculture, native species, watersheds, and way of life.