Quarantine rules for interisland coffee transport

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (AP) – In an effort to combat infestation of a small beetle that has destroyed Hawaii coffee crops, Big Island unroasted beans are under a quarantine order.

The permanent rules effective Friday are similar to 2010 interim rules.

A permit from the state Department of Agriculture is required to transport unroasted coffee beans and other coffee-related materials from the Big Island to other islands. Certain treatments and inspections are also required.

The coffee berry borer beetle has destroyed coffee crops in Kona and rocked an industry that generates $30 million in annual sales.
The beetle has also been detected in the neighboring Kau coffee-growing area.

The small beetle is native to Central Africa. It’s about the size of a sesame seed and burrows its way into the fruit, rendering the bean useless.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)