Two nēnē killed by cars on Maui, precautions in place for nesting season

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The public is urged to drive with caution after two Maui-born and raised nēnē were killed by cars in separate incidents on Maui.

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One nēnē was part of a nesting pair that witnesses said "were being fed by someone in a stopped car on Amala Place in Kahului.

The other nēnē was found at the airport after being hit near the air cargo bypass.

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As the nesting season is in full effect, Department of Land and Resources officials urge drivers to drive with aloha to protect the endangered species.

Nēnē who are looking for nesting and feeding sites "have difficulty dodging speeding cars, because they need a 'runway,' a longer flight path than smaller birds."

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Officials added that active nesting pairs and goslings were found nesting and feeding at the Kanahā Pond State Wildlife area, which is surrounded by busy urban roads and highways.

On Hawaii Island, the Hawaiian Volcano National Park closed the east entrance to the Uēkahuna parking lot and a short section of Crater Rim Trail due to a pair nesting in the area.

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Safeguarding native wildlife is part of our mission at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Nēnē are very vulnerable to being killed by vehicles, and this partial closure improves their chances for survival.

Dr. Kristina Paxton, HVNP wildlife biologist

Officials said parking stalls are not affected for now.

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Nēnē nesting season runs from September through May. As a reminder, the DLNR reminds the public that nēnē are a protected species and feeding them is illegal and to stay at least 60 feet away.