Protecting nene

We received news March 3 that another nene was killed in Keaukaha after being struck by a car. This nene was the mother of two newly born goslings, born on the island in Lokowaka pond.

Many have seen this family recently near “Four Mile” walking tight together, mom in front and dad at the rear, with the kids in between. The proud protective parents, who mate for life, are now broken, and only two of the four remain.

One of the goslings disappeared early on, likely the victim of a mongoose or a cat. This island nest was protected from these predators from the beginning to the day we welcomed them to the world. Traps were set on either side of the nest, and several mongoose were caught that would otherwise have been a huge threat to them.

Mom would incubate the eggs, and dad would stand guard stretching his neck to look as big and tough as he could. They must have felt something like they used to feel in a time before businessmen brought mongoose to this island. They were comfortable again and free to nest on the ground, to nurture their eggs and to forage together as a family once the little ones were born.

These are banded nene, and we know their history. They previously resided in and around the Wailoa area. The mother that was killed was 19 years old. This couple chose Lokowaka to start this new family. It was a privilege to watch this process and to protect our state bird.

There is a small group of dedicated volunteers who work hard at Lokowaka to restore Hawaii’s native water bird habitat. We are clearing the land and the water of invasive grasses and weeds, and restoring their homes. It is real and happening right now. We are doing our part, and the birds are returning! This is their home! They were here long before we were!

Now is not the time to start blaming people for the death of half of this family. We need to coexist with nene. Kalanianaole literally dissects the home and habitat of the nene. This is why we saw them cross the road so often.

Let this be the time to do something about it, to take action. Let this beautiful nene’s sacrifice be a motivation to start protecting our endangered state bird!

We ask that our leadership find a solution to this problem. Nene are a protected bird. We must protect them. It is a privilege, but also a duty.

We love Hawaii, Keaukaha and Lokowaka. And we love our nene. Who’s with me? Please step forward.

Patrick Mattison

Hilo