COM 1013.003 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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III. PROBLEM A. NOISE • The Department of Health established 70 decibels as the maximum permissible sound level before the sound is determined to be excessive noise (HRS 324F-1). • The mating calls of coqui frogs have been measured in excess of 70 decibels. • The sound of a single coqui frog has been measured at 95 decibels at 50 cm. • Population estimates for coqui frog infestations are believed to exceed 8,000 individuals per acre. • Multiple complaints have been received from residents that coqui frog infestations are disturbing their sleep patterns and adversely impacting their way of life. B. ECOSYSTEM • There is great concern that coqui frogs pose a threat to the stability of Hawaii's native forest ecosystems. T • The coqui frog could affect native bird populations by competing for prey in native forests. • The coqui frog consumes a wide variety of insects which could negatively impact native invertebrates, many of whom are already competing with non-native predators and parasitoids. There is no evidence that the coqui frog consumes mosquitoes or termites, thus there is no positive impact of their introduction into Hawaii's ecosystem. • The food web of Hawaiian forests could be irreversibly altered by dense populations of coqui frogs and their impact upon native species. • Coqui frogs could be a food source for future invasion of brown tree snakes and contribute to an explosion of snake populations if they are introduced to Hawaii. C. ECONOMY • Public and vendor concerns of purchasing plant material infested with frogs could have adverse impacts on the floriculture and nursery industry. • The Island of Hawaii, with over $40 million in sales, ranks number one in the State, with most of the nurseries in East Hawaii, where coqui frog populations are highest. 4