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Are Coqui Cocktails
next isle fad?

In a recent column, I suggested that the state dispatch investigators to Germany to find out why thousands of toads there have suddenly begun puffing up and exploding. The idea being that if we can figure out why German frogs blow up, perhaps we can contrive a way for the tiny yet annoying coqui frogs on the Big Island and Maui to do the same thing. Not only would that help stop the noisy coqui from taking over the islands, but it would provide a certain amount of entertainment.

Hawaii frog-control authorities haven't taken up that suggestion, probably because they simply want to deprive residents of frog-related amusements. Nevertheless, I continue to investigate possible ways of ridding the islands of these pests (the frogs, not the frog-control authorities).

A reader forwards a helpful report on how Peruvians not only have knocked back frog populations, but actually caused them to become an endangered species.

It seems that the Telmatobius frogs of the high Andes are a tasty addition to cocktails. Thousands of the frogs are blended into popular drinks, allegedly because of their aphrodisiac qualities.

Frog cocktails are so popular that some restaurants feature large tanks where customers can choose their frogs. The frog fad also might be causing the frogs to become extinct.

That would be a happy development in Hawaii if it turns out the coqui frog, blended into a cocktail and served in a tall glass with a paper umbrella and piece of pineapple, becomes a beverage of choice.

Legal counsel prevents me from urging readers to partake of a Coqui Cocktail, but if anyone happens to do it on their own, please let me know how it tastes and any aphrodisiac results.

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On a serious note, Honolulu Advertiser columnist and playwright Lee Cataluna is hospitalized from complications suffered during childbirth. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her, her new daughter and her family. Please get well, Lee.