COQUI UPDATE LETTER
Aloha Hualalai Owners,
As you may know, coqui frogs are an invasive species in the State of Hawaii that not only cause environmental and economic harm, but their loud incessant calls, which can reach 100 decibels. This invasive species can be very disruptive to those living nearby.
To address the ever-increasing coqui frog population, the Hualalai Board of Directors have been working diligently on ways to reduce the existing coqui frog population. This includes additional treatment of the existing coqui frog population added to the budget, to perform services on residential lots, serviced in quadrants, in addition to the common areas.
However, in addition to the HCA’s efforts to reduce the coqui population, we need help from homeowners themselves. Most of the hot spots we have found are not in the common areas, but in the residential yards. We are asking for assistance from homeowners in engaging your landscaping crews to clear debris and disrupt the Coquis habitat, along with being vigilant on not allowing more Coquis into the resort. Homeowners must also provide access to their property for recon and treatment if necessary, as the HCA will not access private property without prior approval. Owners should retain their own coqui control vendors if they are needing immediate service.
The HCA efforts to get the coqui population under control has come with an increased coqui control program this year with a proactive, and aggressive approach using 160-man hours per week from two-man team 20-man hours a week. While the previous program of hand catching did quiet the immediate noise, it does not work for the desired long-term success. The new multi-phased coqui eradication team has a variety of approaches for treating the entire population including:
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Hand Capturing Coqui at night
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Spraying/treating Coqui-infested vegetation from 1 pm to 9 pm.
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Reviewing treatments of any plant materials entering the resort.
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Monitoring all of the residential areas looking/listening for Coqui infestations weekday evenings up until 9 PM.
Any information regarding coquis, reporting coquis, or requests for coqui services will go to the coqui control team, via email at: coquicontrol@hualalaihoa.org.
On behalf of the Hualalai Community Association Board, Mahalo for your kokua and support.
Jamie Bergsma
Community Manager jamie@hualalaihoa.org
808-313-0595
Coqui Recommendations
Most of the coqui hot spots we have found at the resort are not in the common areas, but in the residential yards. Below are a few recommendations for property owners.
COQUI POLICIES & GAINING KNOWLEDGE
Please review the Coqui Frog Control Policy adopted by the Board of Directors of the Hualalai Community Association. View the available Coqui policies and information below and be sure to read all HCA letters and updates.
PREVENTIVE CARE & BEING PROACTIVE
Landscaping companies and owners should inspect and treat all incoming plants. Citric Acid, Steaming, Quarantining, or Sodium Bicarbonate should be used to treat all plants before bringing them into the Resort. Citric acid and steaming seem to be the most effective.
All landscaping companies must fill out the Incoming Plant Material - Coqui Form prior to bringing in any plant material.
ELIMINATE COQUI HABITATS
If your property has overgrown plants or debris below the bushes and trees, you will need to notify your landscaper to address the debris and overgrown areas in order for coqui frog treatment to be effective. Coqui will hide in debris piles, rock walls, and thick bushes near ground level during the day – anywhere that is moist. Pay close attention to these areas to remove hiding places and allow access to these areas for treatment.
AWARENESS & LOCATION
If you detect coqui (hear them or see them), take note of the location and notify your property manager or homeowner so that they can arrange for treatment.
For HVH Owners/ Guests, follow the aforementioned and note that the HCA conducts regularly scheduled coqui control so it may take some time for them to visit the property.
RECAP & TAKING ACTION
To recap, review all HCA Policies and informational documents, thoroughly treat incoming plant material prior to delivery at the resort, keep your property clear of debris and overgrown plants, take notice of and report coqui-prone areas on your property, and contact your property manager for treatment and further information. Continue reading for information about Coqui Treatments.
Coqui Treatments
Homeowners must provide access to their property for recon and treatment if necessary, as the HCA will not access private property without prior approval. Owners should retain their own coqui control vendors if they need immediate service. If your property falls into one of the top ten properties deemed to be harboring coquis, we will contact you to get a special plan of action to ensure we get the coquis under control working directly with you, your landscaper, and property manager.
COQUI VENDOR INFORMATION
The Hualalai Community Association has contracted with a coqui frog control vendor to find and remove coqui frogs throughout the community. We will be using various methods to eradicate the coqui frog population including sodium bicarbonate, tranquil, steam, and hand capturing coordinated with the homeowners, and property managers.
If you would like one-on-one services or need additional assistance for coquis, please fill out the Coqui Contact Form to contact HCA's contracted Coqui Vendor.
Kailua Kona Coqui Control Services