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Robello, Alfred
From: Sydney Ross Singer [ssinger@cocanut-wireless.net]
Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2005 10:37 AM
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To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
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Subject: Testimony for Comm 490: (Resolution 190-05) Council Comrit. on Environmental Management
November 8, 2005
Re: Comm 490: (Resolution 190-OS) Council Comm. on Environmental Management
From: SYDNEY ROSS SINGER, DIRF,CTOR, C.H.LR.P.
A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE COQUI FROG WORKING GROUP'S CONSOLIDATED
EFFORTS TO CONTROL AND ERADICATE COQUI FROGS IN HAWAII COUNTY
Dear County Council Members:
For the past 4 years, we have all been saturated with pictures, news, and thoughts of killing coqui
tree frogs. However, many people in Hawaii are now questioning this frog war and the misinformation
behind it.
To date, coquis are still not officially listed as an invasive species! A recently published
scientific study in the journal Diversity and Distribution, by Drs. Pitt and Beard, shows that the coqui is
not an environmental "scourge" as has been previously assumed. It also explains that there are predators
for coquis in Hawaii, including endemic insect-eating birds, and Yhat coquis pose no serious threat to
native insects or birds.
As we waste effort and resources attacking harmless tree frogs, our islands are becoming overrun
by truly invasive species, such as fire ants, stinging nettle caterpillars, and new species of mosquitoes,
all of which, unlike the coqui, harm humans. People are also exposed to the hazards of hydrated lime
used to kill frogs, which can cause permanent blindness, respiratory disease, lung cancer, and death.
Coquis are considered beneficial to agriculture since they eat all sorts of insect pests, including
rose beetles, tree borers, ants, roaches, leafhoppers, and other insect pests. And their chirping draws
millions of visitors annually to the Caribbean to hear them. People in Puerto Rico, traditional home of
the coqui, pay a premium for real estate that has coquis, since they love this tiny frog so much.
Impacts on the plant nursery industry are all a result of the quarantine on the coquis. The frogs
do not damage plants. 'Fhe approach of the CFWG to attack nursery owners who have coquis is harming
that industry.
The loudest complaint against the frogs is by the people who personally dislike the chirping
sound. Realize, however, that this sound is adored by millions of people, including many thousands in
Hawaii. While some people say it disturbs their sleep, others say it aids sleep. There are even recordings
Comm. ~~a~~~
Ref. To:
11/3/2005 Ref. Uate
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of coquis sold as a sleep aid. This is a nuisance noise issue and only for some. It should be up
to individual property owners who don't like the sound of coquis to control them on their property.
Those who like the coquis should not have to pay taxes for pest control for coqui haters.
In addition, the CFWG is a private partnership, not a government agency. The County has a
conflict of interest by supporting the CFWG, since the County has representatives on the CFWG, and
the CFWG is receiving County money. This is unethical and illegal. It also makes it even harder for the
County to impartially assess the activities and goals of the CFWG.
Finally, if the County promotes the use of hydrated lime, and some people become blind,
develop lung cancer, or die from its use, the County may be liable. Also, if the County continues to
characterize the situation as a crisis (which it really isn't) and, as a result of County anti-coqui
propaganda, property values and tourism suffer, the County may also be held liable for economic losses
sustained by the victims of this propaganda.
We therefore request that the County Council NOT support the CFWG and NOT encourage the
public to participate in this insane, unwinnable, unnecessary, wasteful, and hazardous frog war. The
CFWG and their frog war have only created hate, intolerance, and fear. 1'he frogs are here to stay. Let's
show the world the Aloha Spirit, which above all else is a spirit of tolerance and peace. The introduced
gecko is already loved in Hawaii. Let's open our hearts to the coquis, too, and appreciate having them.
Sincerely,
Sydney Ross Singer, Director, C.H.LR.P.
11/3/2005