HONOLULU -- Windward farmers fear a noisy invasive frog could threaten their livelihoods if something isn't done right away.

After conquering parts of the Big Island, the coqui frogs with their distinctive croak are targeting Oahu and are gaining ground in Waimanalo. The frogs were introduced to Hawaii by mistake in about 1988 from their native Puerto Rico, according to the University of Hawaii. The voracious quarter-sized frogs pose a threat to native insects and spiders and compete for food with native birds.

The latest mapping of the coqui frog infestation of Oahu shows the four-legged amphibians are taking up strategic positions around the island.

"Coquis have appeared throughout the south side of Oahu and one location in Haleiwa, and now it's making its way to the east side and headed up to the north shore," Sen. Clayton Hee said.

Hee is leading the attack against the invaders.

"Anytime you have invasive pests, the best thing to do is get aggressive with it immediately," Hee said.

Hee is proposing the state utilize special funds to launch an all-out assault.

"Right now, we just don't have enough inspectors," said Dean Okimoto of Nalo Farms.

Recent inspections of Waimanalo farms discovered the coqui population is growing.

Hee estimates several hundred coqui frogs are breeding in Waimanalo.

Waimanalo farmers fear fewer agricultural inspectors have left farms vulnerable to invasive species.

"They can quarantine the business and prevent them from shipping out of state," Hee said. "Their businesses are at risk."

Farmers say more invasive species will make their way into the state, posing a great threat to Oahu's agricultural industry.

"You talk about this yellow-curl virus on tomatoes, so we are talking about food products as well as the landscapers that are impacted by the downsizing of the inspectors," Okimoto said.

"If we don't do anything about it, this cannot be anything but bad news for the state of Hawaii," Hee said.