KAUNAKAKAI - Molokai residents can now buy certified "coqui-free" plants, according to an announcement from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.
The program that certifies coqui-free plants began in 2008 and includes 27 plant nurseries and providers on Maui and now one on Molokai - Mahana Gardens.
The certification means the nursery, owned by Nan Walters, is a reliable source of coqui-free plants.
The Molokai Invasive Species Committee will be the certifying agency for nurseries on that island. The group is charged with making periodic nighttime visits to ensure that no calling frogs are heard. All nursery staff must be trained in coqui frog identification and control methods, and reports of coqui frogs must be passed on to the Molokai group quickly to maintain certification.
"Most coqui frogs are heard in a community after new plant material is brought in. Of course the best defense against any pest is preventing the pest from getting here in the first place," said Lori Buchanan, field and outreach coordinator with the Molokai group.
Program participation is voluntary. To be certified as coqui-free, a nursery needs to follow certain preventative measures, which can be found online at www.coquifreemaui.org.
"The program is based on recognizing plant providers that are proactive," said Adam Radford, operations manager with the Maui Invasive Species Committee. "If you see a business listed on the website or advertising their coqui-free status, you can feel confident that you will not unexpectedly take a coqui home with you."
For more information about the committee's coqui-free certification program, call 573-6472. To find a participating business, go online to www.coquifreemaui.org. For information on Molokai, contact Lori Buchanan at 553-5236.
