The coqui frog is a newcomer that hitchhiked its way to Hawaii’s paradise. This tiny frog — about the size of a quarter — is native to Puerto Rico where the male frog’s mating song is considered ‘melodious’ and where the coqui is designated as a Puerto Rican mascot. No one is sure how the coqui made its way more than 6,000 miles from the Caribbean to Hawaii.
On Hawaii Island — where the coqui’s ‘song’ or ‘whistle’ began receiving notice about 15 years ago — many residents have a far less favorable view of the nightly serenade. A common characterization on the Island is that of a ‘sleep-destroying racket.’
Several years ago a Hilo-based candidate for the state legislature ignored his opponents and campaigned almost exclusively against the coqui frog — and won the election! But the politician’s promise to eradicate the coqui was not kept. The coquis continue to whistle in up-country Kona and in Hilo each night after rain. Hawaii County has essentially given up on its coqui eradication program.
On Oahu however, where the coqui has more recently arrived, the authorities are now beginning the eradication efforts anew. A recent Wall Street Journal article profiled the Oahu campaign.
On your next visit to the Islands you can decide whether our Puerto Rican guest provides ‘melodious songs’ or an ‘annoying racket.’