Yesterday, Governor Josh Green M.D. issued a proclamation declaring 2023, the Year of the Kāhuli.

The native tree snails used to inhabit almost every ecosystem across the state and have played a significant role in the natural and cultural life of Hawai‘i.

Unfortunately, Kāhuli, like many native species, are threatened by climate change, predators like rats and cats, introduced invasive snails, chameleons, and human encroachment into their original territories.

In the proclamation Gov. Green signed, he noted how kāhuli once had a population of 750 different species. Sixty percent have gone extinct from the forests they’ve called home for millions of years, with whole families already gone from the islands.

At a snail lab operated by Dr. David Sischo of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), 40 species of rare native snails from five different islands are all fed and kept safe, until such time they can be returned to their forest homes. Last year, more than 7,000 snails from the three labs were released into the wild.

The Year of the Kāhuli will be further celebrated and recognized with a series of events, including the debut of the film Kāhuli in April, a special brew from Honolulu Beerworks called Kāhuli Brewli also debuting in April, the second annual Kāhuli Festival at Bishop Museum in September, outreach activities, art contests, and more.

Photo credit: Officer of Governor Josh Green