Two nene sit near the Kaheawa Wind Power turbines above Maalaea late last week. The nene, or Hawaiian goose, is one of 30 bird species in Hawaii classified by both the state and federal governments as an endangered species, according to the Honolulu Zoo website. Prior to 1778 and the arrival of Capt. James Cook, there were about 25,000 nene. By the mid-1900s, wild nene numbered less than 30. Breeding programs at Slimbridge, England, and Pohakuloa on the Big Island have helped bring the current population in Hawaii up to about 3,000 birds.
MauiGuidebook / MARK GOLDBERG photo
MauiGuidebook / MARK GOLDBERG photo
