HILO, Hawai'i — State lawmakers will host a series of community meetings on the Big Island to discuss efforts to control invasive species, particularly the coqui frog.

Presenting at the meetings will be the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, with an overview of Hawai'i's natural history and the harm caused by invasive species; and the Big Island Invasive Species Council, with information on current populations of invasive species affecting the community.

The state Department of Agriculture will discuss various control options available to residents such as citric acid, hydrated lime, traps, sprayers and a new sprayer loan program.

Hawai'i County will have a representative on hand to provide information on funding, including mini-grants up to $5,000.

The meetings will be tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Wainaku Gym, and 7:30 p.m. at the Laupahoehoe High School Band Room.

Additional meetings will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Honoka'a Armory; Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. at the University of Hawai'i-Hilo's University Classroom Building, Room 127; and Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. at the Ka'u High School cafeteria.

Additional meetings are planned for Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. at Kahuku Park; Aug. 24 at 5 p.m. at the Kea'au Community Center; Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mountain View School cafeteria; and Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. at the Pahoa Neighborhood Center.

In West Hawai'i, meetings will be Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Kealakehe High School cafeteria; and Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Waimea Elementary School cafeteria.