Hawaiian Electric has reached a three-year settlement with conservation groups to protect endangered seabirds on Maui and Lanai. The focus is on the Ua’u and A’o, two species unique to Hawaii, which have been struggling with extinction. As part of the agreement, Hawaiian Electric will invest $480,000 annually to protect their habitats on Maui. This includes installing power line diverters, lowering hazardous lines, and conducting ongoing studies on the bird populations, according to
Island News
.
Jonee Peters, Executive Director of Conservation Council for Hawaii, told
Island News
, “With this agreement, we are making critical progress in the fight to save these native birds, which are part of our natural and cultural heritage and have been threatened with extinction for decades. While there is still much work to be done to protect these species, we appreciate Hawaiian Electric’s willingness to engage with us and take action on these immediate and longer-term protections.”
The settlement has renewed calls for Maui County to address the harm caused by its streetlights to the endangered seabirds. Earthjustice Attorney David Henkin praised Hawaiian Electric’s efforts and urged the county to take similar action. He told
Hawaii News Now
, “It’s long past time for Maui County to do the same and address the ongoing harm that the County’s streetlights inflict on these critically imperiled species.”
Mathew McNeff, director of Maui County for Hawaiian Electric, emphasized the company’s commitment to long-term habitat conservation and fulfilling necessary permits. He stated that the utility’s efforts to protect Hawaii’s seabirds align with their goal of being good environmental stewards while providing reliable electric service.
The settlement outlines immediate and future actions to help rehabilitate and expand seabird colonies, particularly at Haleakala, which hosts the largest surviving population of Ua’u. Conservation efforts are moving forward with optimism, as long as all parties continue to collaborate and work toward ensuring the long-term survival of Hawaii’s seabirds.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply