CRB Action

CRB Action Kaua’i connects residents, farmers, and business owners with the latest information, practical guidance, and ways to participate in the efforts against the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle as science and solutions advance. 

How to Use This Site

STEP 1: IDENTIFY | Use the IDENTIFY tab in the navigation menu to determine if your trees are A) unaffected by Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle but need prevention protections, or B) already infected and need treatment.

STEP 2: PROTECT & TREAT | Use the PROTECT & TREAT tab in the navigation menu to learn about effective practices, whether your trees are yet unaffected or already infected. Each page under the tab provides info and covers action items that anyone can do to both prevent and treat against Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles.

STEP 3: REDUCE CRB PRESSURE | Use the REDUCE tab in the navigation menu to directly revisit strategies included in our Step 2 guides. Combine and implement as many as you can.

News & Updates


About Us

Coordinator

Merlyn first moved to Hawaii in 1961 and has lived on Kaua’i full-time for the past 25 years. A co-founder of Island School, Merlyn spent 35 years managing large residential communities, fostering collaborative solutions between landlords and tenants. Merlyn has propagated and shared dwarf coconut palms throughout Kaua’i and founded CRB Action Kaua‘i to support community education, collaboration, and early action to protect the island from CRB.

Merlyn W. Ruddell

Advisory Group

Lance Thomas
Certified CRB Dog Handler and Owner/Operator of Mr. Lance’s Steam

Ian McCabe
Leading Asia Pacific Public Affairs and Govt. Relations Expert with extensive experience working with non-profits in the US and Asia

Fern Anuenue Holland
County Council Member & Pesticides & Public Health Campaign Director & Environmental Scientist for Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA)

Sabra Kauka

Kumu of Hawaiian Studios & Hula, Island School. Practitioner of Kapa, Lauhala, & Feather Arts; Longtime leader in Hawaiian Culture & Community Stewardship

Natalie Urminska
Kaua’i Chapter President of Hawai’i Farmers Union United; 20+ years experience with cocos, propogation; organic farmer.

Brown Cannon
Agriculturist for 60 years; CRB elimination development on O’ahu:
Save Hawaiian Palms

Kenjuan Nichols
CRB Educator and Field Technician with
Mr. Lance's Steam

Teresa Tico
Legal Advisor

Debra Kepola Gochros
Board of Directors,
Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife
Refuges

Justin Havlick
Entrepreneur, Land Conservationist, and Syntropic Gardener 

Mina Morita
Hawai‘i State Legislator 14th Dist., & Former Chair; Public Utilities Commission Advisor on Energy, Environment & Finance

Sabrina Day
Program Manager,
Aina Ho’okupu O Kilauea; expertise in change systems, waste-led design, and material innovation

Ruby Roth
Artist, Author,
Graphic Designer
,
and Website/User Experience Designer

David Breen
Owner/Operator Lotus Farm & Nursery

Maureen Murphy
Certified Arborist 30+ years,
Registered Consulting Arborist, and President of Kaua’i Outdoor Circle

Eric Bowman
Owner, Niu Mana Tree Care; Background in forestry and organic farming.

Ray Maki
Owner, Permaculture Kaua’i, Hawaii Nexus,
50-year organic farmer