September 26th was officially declared Nene Awareness Day by Governor Linda Lingle in 2003. On the Big Island, biologists from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge and the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center work together to preserve our rare and unique State bird. There are approximately 500 Nene on the Big Island and 1,800 statewide. Nene nesting season will begin soon and biologists are hoping for another successful year.