Community Coqui Control Code of Conduct

The MISC Community Coqui Control Program provides equipment, such as 100-gallon sprayer tanks, backpack sprayers, hoses, and supplies, including powdered citric acid or a 12-16% citric acid solution, to community members for treating coqui frogs on their own properties or properties where access has been explicitly granted.

All participants using MISC equipment and supplies must agree to the Community Coqui Control Code of Conduct and adhere to these requirements whenever responding to coqui frogs in their neighborhoods. Failure to follow the Code of Conduct may result in termination of a community member’s right to use MISC equipment or supplies.

Respect for Community Members and Property

- Treat all community members with respect at all times.
- Do not trespass on neighbors' properties or threaten or harass property occupants or owners.

- The Community Coqui Control Program depends on neighbors helping neighbors and working together. If a property owner or tenant denies access for treatment, that decision must be respected.
- If personal property is damaged during spray activities, apologize and work with the property owner to clean up or make repairs as necessary.

Care of Equipment & Sprayer transfers

- MISC will provide written information regarding the care and use of equipment at each distribution. Please follow the care and use guidelines to ensure that the equipment is always in working order.
- Citric acid is extremely corrosive to metal objects, so daily cleaning is necessary.
- If equipment fails in use or is damaged, please alert MISC staff so repairs can be made.
- When checking out a 100-gallon tank sprayer, the equipment must remain in the same vehicle during the entire checkout period. If a transfer of the tank is needed, that must be performed at the MISC baseyard.

- I understand that I may be liable for repair or replacement if the equipment is damaged due to negligence in following instructions provided or not returned.

Privacy and Information Sharing

- Do not publicly share information about whether coqui frogs are present on a particular property.
- If you have concerns about coqui on a specific property, report it to MISC using the MISC Coqui Report Form.

Safe Handling of Citric Acid

- Citric acid is highly corrosive to metal objects; clean equipment daily.
- Follow all label guidelines for using citric acid, including those outlined in the CITRIC WAIVER HDOA FORM.
- For powdered citric, mix the solution correctly (recommended 12-16%). For example, 1.28 lbs of powdered citric acid mixed with one gallon of water creates a 16% solution.
- Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment, including gloves, eye protection, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts.
- Keep water available to rinse areas where citric may accidentally spill and to rinse skin or eyes in case of exposure.

Plant Sensitivity Precautions & Environmental Safety

- The use of the 12-16% citric acid solution is generally safe, but some plants are sensitive. Take precautions to avoid plants known to be sensitive but damage may occur.
- To minimize plant damage, rinse valuable plants with fresh water 30 minutes after treatment.
- MISC cannot replace plants damaged by citric acid treatments.

- Avoid spraying citric acid solution into streams or bodies of water. Take extra care when spraying near waterways.

Mahalo for your kōkua in keeping our nights quiet and preventing the spread of coqui frogs on Maui.