FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 2, 2024
Prior to presenting the proclamation to KFBRP representatives Mayor Kawakami mentioned, “I’d rather speak from the heart. We talk about rekindling our relationship with birds, but it’s more so, rekindling mankind’s relationship with Mother Earth. Over time, technology and just the hustle and bustle of life often finds us disconnected from what sustains us.”
Julie Diegmann, a KFBRP Planner, was thrilled with the mayor’s recognition for her program, together with all the federal government organizations and non-profits which are working desperately to avoid wasting honeycreepers earlier than it’s too late.
“We see the birds dying and we don’t know that anybody cares. So, to me, seeing that many people in the highest levels of leadership do care, it makes my heart happy,” Diegmann mentioned.
Dr. Cali Crampton, who leads KFBRP, added, “Once upon a time the skies of Kaua‘i had been crammed with the songs of native fowl species from mauka to makai. Regrettably at present, we discover ourselves with solely eight native fowl species on Kauai, one which is threatened and three which are critically endangered.
The proclamation ceremony included a efficiency by Kaʻimi Naʻauao o Hawaiʻi Nei Institute which carried out an unique track celebrating native forest birds.
The companions within the statewide Birds, Not Mosquito collaboration are presently doing mosquito management work in fowl habitats. Mosquitos carry avian malaria which is the first explanation for demise for forest birds.
During this Year of the Forest Bird, the collective of presidency companies, nonprofit and non-government organizations are banding collectively to deliver important consideration to the plight of native forest birds.
Among the awareness-raising occasions and actions deliberate:
- Detailed species profiles for Hawaiian forest birds, together with photographs of extinct birds from collections at Bishop Museum.
- Forest fowl audio mixes for Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, permitting customers to think about how restored, bird-filled forests would sound.
- Curricula and lesson plans on Hawaiian honeycreepers and different forest birds; domestically produced mini-documentaries that includes hula, birdsong, and behind-the-scenes footage of fowl conservation efforts.
- Activities, crafts, video games, coloring books, and stickers for Hawaiʻi school rooms.
- Opportunities to donate or buy objects that assist fowl conservation, and
- A year-long calendar of occasions together with volunteer alternatives, festivals, workshops, contests, and performances.
Diegmann joked, “We welcome any other mayors or leaders who would like to issue their own proclamations. The more we can do, the higher our hopes for saving these precious birds.”
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RESOURCES
(All photographs/video courtesy: DLNR)
HD video – Year of the Forest Birds Kaua‘i proclamation (Feb. 1, 2024):
(Shot sheet connected)
Photographs – Year of the Forest Birds Kaua‘i proclamation (Feb. 1, 2024):
Media Contact:
Dan Dennison
Communications Director
(808) 587-0396
[email protected]
