Vehicles were the culprits in two separate incidents on Sunday that killed two nēnē born and raised on Maui, according to a Department of Land and Natural Resources news release.

What You Need To Know

  • Witnesses reported one of the birds was being fed by an individual in a car stopped on Amala Place in Kahului

  • The other bird was hit near the air cargo bypass at Kahului Airport

  • Biologists from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife remind everyone that feeding protected wildlife is illegal

Witnesses reported one of the birds was being fed by an individual in a car stopped on Amala Place in Kahului. The other bird was hit near the air cargo bypass at Kahului Airport.

Nēnē are Hawaii’s state bird and an endangered species.

Nesting pairs of nēnē have been seen in the Kahului area, but it’s not known if the two nēnē killed are from any pairs with recently hatched goslings, according to the release.

A number of nēnē nest and feed around the Kanaha Pond State Wildlife area located amid busy urban roads and highways, said DLNR. That privilege of being able to see native wildlife on daily commutes comes with the responsibility of driving with aloha to keep endangered species and all wildlife safe.

During this time of year, young nēnē find lifelong partners and explore areas to find a nesting site away from other pairs. Although they are powerful flyers, nēnē are unable to dodge speeding cars since they require a “runway,” a longer flight path, compared to smaller birds that can quickly fly off.

People feeding nēnē or any other wildlife endanger the birds, since birds will learn to associate food with cars.

Biologists from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife remind everyone that feeding protected wildlife is illegal.

People can report injured wildlife by calling 808-984-8100. To report illegal activities, call 808-643-3567 or report using the DLNRTip app.