Environmental activists are suing Maui County and Hawaiian Electric in federal court to reform street lighting practices that now hinder endangered birds’ ability to navigate at night in an effort to protect birds. According to The Maui News, the case, which was filed in the U.S. District Court in Honolulu, claims that the bright lights on Maui’s roadways confuse the ‘Ua’u (Hawaiian petrel), ‘Ak ‘ak (Hawaii’s band-rumped storm-petrel), and the ‘A’o (Newell’s shearwater). These animals rely on the moon and stars for guidance, and the artificial glow can cause them to become confused and fall to the ground, where they may die.
On behalf of the environmental side, Earthjustice lawyer David Henkin has stressed the county’s responsibility to implement conservation efforts for these species, but successful initiatives have not emerged, according to the lawsuit. Henkin contends that preventative measures are necessary because once anchored, they become vulnerable to predators. According to KITV, Hawaiian Electric authorities have responded by pledging to resolve the matter and citing a recent agreement meant to strengthen efforts to reduce possible risks to these feathered inhabitants.
The Conservation Council for Hawaii is advocating for workable alternatives, like lowering the blue-light spectrum that streetlights emit—a strategy that has proven effective in Hawaii County. “Maui should follow suit,” said Jonee Peters, executive director of the Conservation Council, according to The Maui News. These modifications may lessen the continuous risks to these seabirds’ life and recuperation posed by streetlights.
In a statement that KITV was able to get, Mahesh Cleveland, another Earthjustice lawyer, reiterated the necessity of continued conservation efforts and insisted that this lawsuit is a part of a “ongoing movement to try to protect these birds for future generations.” These seabirds face several challenges, and Cleveland is calling for quick and collaborative solutions similar to the previous successes achieved with the Grand Wailea Resort and Hawaiian Electric about other threats related to light and powerlines.
Hawaiian Electric reiterates their involvement in the conversation, but the County of Maui has refrained from commenting on the issue at this time because of the ongoing legal action. In their statement, Hawaiian Electric executives stated, “We are also committed to working with the conservation groups and Maui County to reach a timely and effective resolution of this matter,” according to the KITV report. Ironically, conservationists are still optimistic that this legal action will result in a brighter future for Maui’s native seabirds, who will be able to travel at night on the guidance of the stars above, unhindered by the earthly brightness of humans.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply