A female nēnē was recently struck and killed by a passenger truck on Haleakalā Highway near the Dairy Road/Keolani Place junction in Kahului.

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is reminding Hawai‘i residents that these human-caused deaths are preventable. Nēnē are federally protected and listed as an endangered species in Hawai‘i. They are also protected under State laws.

Fifty years ago the species was on the brink of extinction, completely absent from Maui and with fewer than 30 geese in the wild statewide.  Due to successful conservation and recovery efforts, including habitat restoration and protections from the Endangered Species Act, their population rebounded.

During nesting season, which takes place during the winter, the geese look for easy food resources and explore new areas. They are strong flyers but cannot launch straight up to avoid cars. So drivers should slow down and watch the bird’s movements when they appear near a road or highway.

DOFAW reminds residents that the human-caused mortality of nēnē is a lingering concern affecting bird populations in the Kahului area and across the state.

DLNR Photo