HANALEI — The Kauai Nene Habitat Conservation Plan will hold the first in a series of public talks next week on the state bird of Hawaii the endangered Nene. Project Coordinator Dr. Christian Vlautin will provide information about the Hawaiian
HANALEI — The Kauai Nene Habitat Conservation Plan will hold the first in a series of public talks next week on the state bird of Hawaii the endangered Nene. Project Coordinator Dr. Christian Vlautin will provide information about the Hawaiian goose’s ecology and recovery on Kauai at 6 p.m. Thursday, at Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei Community Center, 5299 Kuhio Highway.
By the mid-1950s, human presence had reduced nene numbers statewide to 50 individuals. After many years of diligent conservation efforts, the population of the near-extinct nene is growing on Kauai, and they are starting to live in areas they have not been for hundreds of years. Because of their unique position in the environment, Nene are protected by both federal and state laws that prohibit actions that may hurt, harm, harass or otherwise alter their natural behaviors.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the nene HCP staff is meeting with residents and businesses throughout Kauai seeking input on residents’ experiences with nene on Kauai. This is a great opportunity to learn general nene knowledge and details about their history and biology. All are welcome to learn and share thoughts.
Future meetings will specifically address any concerns citizens may have about how the nene may impact the social, economic, or farming communities on privately owned lands on the north shore.
DOFAW and the KN HCP is working to address any issues related to nene conflicts with agriculture, public safety, and private property on Kauai, and to support the conservation and recovery of the Nene.
Info: http://kauainenehcp.com or info@kauainenehcp.com
