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Following the deaths of three nene earlier this month on Molokai, state wildlife officials are urging drivers to watch out for the endangered birds.
Hawaii recognizes Sept. 26 as Nene Awareness Day. According to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, an adult male nene was found dead Sept. 8 on Kamehameha V Highway after the bird was struck by a vehicle.
The next day, the bodies of two of the nene's offspring -- a male and a female -- were discovered near the same location where the first bird died. All three birds appeared to have been hit by cars.
The department said the birds' relationship to each other was confirmed by their leg bands. Nene also often form strong social and family bonds, and the loss of one can lead to the deaths of others in the same family.
"Nēnē hold a deep cultural significance in Hawai'i and to many, they are part of our 'ohana," said Maui District Forestry Specialist Jeff Bagshaw. "If drivers see kūpuna or keiki near a roadway, we slow down, ready to brake to keep them safe. Please drive with the same cautions around this endangered species as you would with members of your family."
The nene killed were part of a group moved from Kauai to help rebuild populations on Molokai. The department said incidents like this threaten the recovery of the species.
State officials are asking drivers to try to watch a nene's movements when it appears near a road or highway and proceed with caution to avoid a fatal strike. The department said nene are skilled fliers but their large size hinders a quick liftoff in front of fast-moving cars.
Anyone who accidentally injures wildlife is asked to report it. Reports of wildlife violations can be made to the department's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement at 808-643-3567 or dlnr.hawaii.gov/dlnrtip.
"September 26 is Nēnē Awareness Day in Hawaiʻi. Help spread the word to be aware of nēnē in our neighborhoods and on our roads, every day," Bagshaw added.