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Contact: Jill Peters
KULA, Maui – Haleakalā National Park is working to prevent the extinction of native Hawaiian forest birds with $2.9 million from the Inflation Reduction Act. The “Prevent the Extinction of Hawaiian Forest Birds” project is part of a nationwide effort to restore natural habitats and address climate change impacts. In fiscal year 2023, President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act will provide $52 million to the National Park Service to fund projects throughout the country related to ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs.
The island of Maui is known for beautiful beaches, rich Hawaiian culture, and stunning biodiversity, but the island is at risk of losing some of its most iconic features – the Hawaiian honeycreepers, a group of native Hawaiian forest birds found nowhere else on earth.
With this funding, and a multiagency partnership, Birds Not Mosquitoes, efforts are being made to suppress the non-native mosquito population that transmits avian malaria. This disease is driving the extinction of Maui’s forest birds, as a single bite from an infected mosquito can be fatal.
Of the 17 remaining Hawaiian honeycreeper species, six are found on Maui. The critically endangered species, kiwikiu and ʻākohekohe, are only found on the eastern slopes of Haleakalā. Without intervention, these species are expected to become extinct within 10 years.
From feather work to creation chants, forest birds are an integral part of Hawaiian history. Native Hawaiians and tourists alike find inspiration in these brightly colored birds and their distinctive songs and Haleakalā National Park and Birds Not Mosquitoes are working to ensure they are still here for generations to come.
The Birds Not Mosquitoes partnership includes federal, state, private and non-profit entities.
“In collaboration with our great partners, we celebrate State of Hawaiʻi proclaimed 'Hawaiian Honeycreeper Day' on August 8,” said Haleakalā National Park Superintendent Natalie Gates. “It will be thanks to aligned efforts and awareness, and through Inflation Reduction Act investments, that we will save Hawaiian forest birds.”
The projects announced today infuse much-needed funding to put people to work addressing critical ecosystem needs to restore healthy and resilient park lands while benefiting communities surrounding parks. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, the National Park Service is working to address the impacts of the climate crisis, including intensifying drought, wildfires, flooding and legacy pollution in national parks and other public lands. Resources are making significant strategic investments to repair critical facilities and infrastructure and enhance conservation through ecosystem restoration and recreation opportunities.
To learn more about this project, view the Haleakalā National Park mini-documentary that follows two National Park Service biologists working to save Hawaiian forest birds: Heart of Maui.
The full lists of fiscal year 2023 projects are available online: IRA Restoration and Resilience projects and BIL Ecosystem Resilience projects.
Last updated: October 3, 2023