Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture and its partners are scheduled to host a free community event on April 4 at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center to highlight conservation efforts for the endangered ʻalae ʻula, also known as the Hawaiian common gallinule.
The family-friendly event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature educational exhibits, cultural presentations, and activities to raise awareness of the native waterbird.
On Wednesday, April 1, Council Chair Mel Rapozo requested the presence of Helen Raine, Conservation Coordinator, Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture, to provide a briefing about the ‘Alea ‘Ula. She was also presented with a certificate as a formal acknowledgment of the campaign.
Raine said it felt great to have the county council so clearly “affirming its support for ʻAlea ʻUla and their partnership.”
Raine explained to the council how fewer than 700 ʻalae ʻula remain worldwide. The species, listed as endangered, has disappeared from most of the Hawaiian Islands and now survives primarily on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu, with the majority found on the Garden Island.
“What is good for the birds is also good for our community,” Raine said. “This is about connecting the community with the birds, the ‘Alae ‘Ula, we have been doing that partly through this amazing artwork.”
Raine presented artwork from students from across the State, “all of the pictures I showed so far are from this competition.”
Raine also explained the support for the division of Forestry and Wildlife and celebrated the year of coastal Kuleana, announced by Gov. Josh Green at the beginning of the year.
“That is part of this campaign that we’re running in parallel. We would really like to see the same for ‘Alae ‘Ula on Kaua’i,” Raine added.
Saturdayʻs event will open with a traditional blessing, hula, and ʻoli.
Raine added, “We commissioned a local Artist on Kaua’i who produced this amazing piece of work. She will be at the event we’re holding on Saturday. We have this cartoon to connect with the kids, talking to people about what the birds need.”
Attendees at the mall can also participate in crafts, visit informational booths, and view a student art showcase, along with a featured block print by a local artist.
Giveaways and prize contests, including birding equipment and other items, are also planned.
Organizers said the free event will highlight the cultural and ecological importance of the ʻalae ʻula and encourage community involvement in conservation efforts. The birds depend on healthy wetland habitats and loʻi kalo, and face ongoing threats from habitat loss and predators.
“It’s a great opportunity for the community to learn more about the birds and how they can help them, and kind of see their place in Hawaiian history,” said Raine.
Officials encourage residents to support recovery efforts by volunteering for wetland restoration projects, keeping pets under control and being mindful of wildlife in areas where the birds are known to live.
Raine adds that witnessing community support gives her hope “because there are some big challenges out there, you know, like we have to restore an A-level and that requires big thinking and big money, but with this kind of community support, I know it can be done.”
Participating partners include the Hawaiʻi Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hawaiʻi Audubon Society and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, among others.
The event is part of the “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana” campaign led by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, which promotes stewardship of coastal ecosystems across the state.
