Michael has been a tireless advocate for the Pālolo community, dedicating countless hours and personal resources to combat the growing coqui frog problem. These frogs, considered a major invasive species in Hawai'i, have no natural predators here and their populations can reach staggering numbers—up to 55,000 per hectare. Their presence disrupts local ecosystems by consuming native insects, altering food chains, and even changing soil nutrients. Beyond the environmental impact, their piercing 90-100 decibel mating calls create noise pollution that affects daily life, reduces tourism, and lowers property values.

For years, Michael has shouldered the financial burden of this fight alone. He’s invested in specialized flashlights, headlamps, tubes for catching frogs, and citric acid to control their numbers. He also provides equipment for volunteers who join the hunts, ensuring everyone can participate safely and effectively. As word spreads and more people in the community are affected, the need for additional equipment and supplies grows. Michael’s dedication has inspired others to join, but the costs continue to rise.

Your support can make a real difference. Donations will help purchase more gear and supplies, allowing larger volunteer groups to participate and making each hunt more productive. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out! And if you’re unable to join in person, a financial contribution will go a long way in supporting this vital community effort.

Together, we can help restore balance to Pālolo and protect our neighborhood from the impact of the coqui frogs.