HANALEI — National Wildlife Refuge Week will be observed Oct. 15-19, with many activities at the Kauai National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Tours will be offered in Hanalei and Huleia National Wildlife Refuges, within areas typically closed to the public.
At Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge there will be a hike to Nihoku to see the newest cohort of translocated ‘a‘o (Newell’s shearwater) and ‘ua‘u (Hawaiian petrel) chicks, block print demonstration by Caren Loebel-Fried, book signings by authors, a Hawaiian hoary bat presentation, junior refuge ranger reading program at the Princeville Public Library, and a pau hana event co-sponsored by Anaina Hou Community Park at its Porter Pavilion in Kilauea.
Regularly scheduled tours of the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse every Wednesday and Saturday will continue.
“Join us along with our conservation partners for a free event on Saturday (Oct. 19) in celebration of our native species and panoramic vistas,” a press release.
The Kauai National Wildlife Refuge Complex, consisting of Kilauea Point, Hanalei and Huleia NWRs, is celebrating the network of lands and waters that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Refuges conserve wildlife and wild spaces, protect sensitive areas and species, aid against erosion and flooding, and purify air and water, according to the press release. They also enrich human lives, provide $3.2 billion into the national economy and support more than 41,000 jobs.
Info: www.fws.gov/kilaueapoint or 828-1413, ext. 2225. Reservations for hikes: 635-6367.
Following is a look at functions for the week:
Tuesday, Oct. 15
Hanalei NWR wetlands interpretive walk, 8 to 11 a.m. Reservations required. Join refuge volunteers and Friends of Hanalei Refuge members Kim Steutermann Rogers, Louise Barnfield and Hob Osterlund for a walk in the Hanalei NWR. See endangered native wetland species in their habitat and learn about wetland management in one of Hawaii’s premier wetland.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
Kayak along the Huleia River and visit Huleia NWR, 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reservations required, fee is $20. Join Deputy Project Leader Mike Mitchell for a morning paddle along the Huleia River and a short hike in Kipu. Then visit the Huleia NWR to learn about wetland-management techniques used in the recovery of the native and endangered birds. Hike and kayak space is limited. Reservations are required. Info: 635-6367.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Block print demonstration and book-signing, Caren Loebel-Fried, all day, Kilauea Point NWR Visitor Center. She will be signing copies of her recent book, “A Perfect Day for an Albatross.”
Book signing with Hob Osterlund and Susan Dierker, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kilauea Point NWR Visitor Center. Meet “Holy Molī” author Hob Osterlund and “Albatross of Kaua‘i, the Story of Kaloakulua” author Susan Dierker for a book-signing. Both are dedicated to preserving and promoting safe habitat for the Laysan albatross.
Friday, Oct. 18
Pau hana celebration for the community. Free. 5 to 9 p.m. Anaina Hou Community Park Porter Pavilion, Kilauea. An evening of fun, live music, food, wildlife photography slideshow, drinks and news from the refuge and partner organizations.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Free day at Kilauea Point. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of Kilauea Point NWR. Fun activities for keiki, hula performance, 35-foot National Geographic map of the Pacific Basin, expert geology presentations, exotic wildlife touch-table and interactive booths from island organizations about Kauai conservation.
