Ed M., OSR visitor and avid lover of all things that photosynthesize, mentioned that his neighbor’s ficus hedge is getting defoliated by the Fig Whitefly and is trying to prevent his ficus hedge from suffering the same fate. The ficus defoliating Fig Whitefly (Singhiella simplex) first came to light in South Florida in 07 in the Miami Dade County area and has moved forward into Palm Beach County. Ed, here is a link about the Fig Whitefly to get more info.
I would suggest doing a precautionary drench and a foliar spray application using an insecticidal soap and oil. If your are going to use a pesticide – The label is the law and the law is the label. Always refer to the label.
Other plants that have been planted instead of the ficus in response to the defoliation problems include: Podocarpus, Areca Palms, Fish Tail Palms, Cat Palms, Arenga Palms, Coco Plum, and Japanese Blueberry.
Dwarf Firebush (pictured below) which is native to Florida, can also provide an excellent privacy block. In most cases you will have fewer pest problems if you plant native species. 
Speaking of which … what’s the deal on geckos? Are they good, bad or indifferent? We are overrun with them! I caught one eating my son’s peanut butter cracker yesterday!
Hello Hope
Its hard to tell, but photo above is a non-native brown anole from Cuba.
Geckos are not native to Hawaii, there are about 7 different varieties in Hawaii. The Jury is still out on their impact to the environment, in addition to eating peanut butter crackers they do eat insects. So if the are around your home they are probably helping out a little bit.
The most prevalent jumping pest in Hawaii is the Coqui frog. If you haven’t read about it, you certainly may of heard it.
Aloha from Bart