Coqui frog noise = $4.9 million, ATV/dirt bike noise =$00.00.

The coqui frog is an invasive species that produces an incredible amount of noise. In some areas of the island people cannot sleep at night because of the racket. Funds allocated to eliminate these creatures are well spent.

The question arises: why has the coqui frog problem attracted public and administration attention and concomitant funding? Simple. The little frogs inhabit rural and suburban areas. Lots of people are annoyed by the sound and their public outcry has justifiably been heard.

In the case of noise from ATVs and dirt bikes, the effects are great but they only affect a small number of people due to the large land areas involved. Thus, the outcry is at a relatively low volume and the administration and legislator responses are indicative of the volume of complaints. What if someone rented a powerful boom box and played actual recorded sound from an affected property for the Mayor and Planning Department Director to enjoy during their work day. There is absolutely no doubt that it would get a prompt response.

I suspect they would be on the phone to security or the police in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, the police do not respond to noise complaints emitting from private property, so that option is not available to residents. We will be working hard to make it available.