Volume 2, Number 1
FREE
May, 2025
Combating Maui’s Coqui Frog Populations
“With densities reaching up to 91,000
By Taryn Kama
I
f you've ever spent an evening on the Big Island, you’ve likely heard the piercing calls of the coqui frog. Now, that once distant sound is echoing through parts of Maui–especially in Ha‘ikū, around Giggle Hill and Maliko Gulch. Over the past 15 years, coqui frogs have gone from a single known infestation to over 200 sites on the Big Island, according to the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council. With densities reaching up to 91,000 frogs per hectare–among the highest for any amphibian globally–their spread is alarming. That’s nearly three times their population density in their native Puerto Rico. The coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui), a small nocturnal tree frog measuring one to two inches, varies in color from tan to dark brown. First introduced to Hawai‘i in the late 1980s – most likely through imported plants – the species has thrived due to the lack of natural predators and an ideal climate. Today, coquis are not only found on Hawai‘i Island, but also on Maui, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i. Their loud mating calls, often reaching up to 100 decibels, are more than a nuisance. Residents like Lloyd Fischel, who operates several agricultural businesses, say the frog’s spread is threatening Maui’s peace, real estate values, and community
Coqui frogs are unwanted Maui invaders.
frogs per hectare–among the highest for any amphibian globally–their spread is alarming. That’s nearly three times their population density in their native Puerto Rico.”
MISC battles coquis with citrus acid spraying.
well-being. He believes if this gets any worse, it will destroy the peace and quiet at night – and it could impact property values. While he appreciates the efforts of government agencies, he believes local government efforts to control the spread fall short. He says the problem is extremely urgent. While it's a good effort, it's not enough for residents to spray their own properties. He wants the Maui mayor to declare a state of emergency. “It comes down to funding,” he said. County and Community Response Lissa Strohecker, Acting Manager and Public Relations/Education Specialist with the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC), confirmed that funding has been a problem in the past, but MISC's efforts are ongoing. She confirmed that the mayor’s proposed FY26 budget includes MISC funding under the Department of Environmental Management. “When we faced a staffing shortage last fall, we reached out to the community, and their response was incredible,” Strohecker said.
MISC distributed large quantities of citric acid and loaned spraying equipment to help residents combat coqui frogs. Still, she notes that the budget has not been adjusted for inflation or rising costs. “The proposed amount is level with last year and could change based on what the Council approves.” Despite challenges, Maui County remains a leader in invasive species control compared to other counties. According to Strohecker, coqui frogs are primarily contained within a six-square-mile area in Ha‘ikū, and containment is the top priority. In 2024 alone, MISC responded to 55 different coqui reports from Hāna to Kā‘anapali, focusing efforts on the edges of infested areas and helping prevent new outbreaks. In the past, MISC has successfully eradicated coquis from 22 sites on Maui. “Our goal is to empower communities to manage coqui locally,” Strohecker said. “In heavily infested areas, we partner with residents by offering training, supplies, and loaner equipment. Ha‘ikū residents are especially dedicated.” MISC is distributing citric acid for frog control, loaning pickup and backpack sprayers, hiring new field crew and hosting workshops to teach neighborhood-level control strategies. Meanwhile, DOFAW (Division of Forestry and Wildlife) is trialing drone treatments for Article Continues On Page 4. >
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