(AP) – An environmental nonprofit law firm has sued Maui County again seeking protections for Hawaii’s endangered and threatened seabirds. Earthjustice alleges violations of the federal Endangered Species Act, citing threats to seabirds from artificial lights that are too bright. The birds use the moon and stars to navigate during nocturnal flights and are confused by artificial lights. Earthjustice lawyer Mahesh Cleveland said it’s too early to know whether his organization will be able to reach an agreement with Maui County as it did in a 2019 lawsuit, but they are “certainly open to it.” County officials said they aren’t able to comment on pending litigation.

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