A male nēnē, banded as 595, was killed while crossing a road in Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens off Banyan Drive early yesterday morning.

After receiving a call about the incident, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) staff picked up the bird, which they plan to test for toxoplasmosis, a deadly disease spread by cats.

The male nēnē’s mate, with a leg band of NTC, has now lost her partner, and experienced trauma with two of her chicks. One chick, born this season, died of suspected toxoplasmosis in the spring. Another, nicknamed Onion and banded as NYN, was abducted from another Hilo park several years ago, but eventually recovered, returned to its parents and then released into a bird sanctuary.

The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) has opened an investigation and is encouraging anyone who may have seen a vehicle in the park early Thursday morning to report it.

Nēnē regularly cross the roads in the park, traveling to cat feeding locations put out by people. Anyone caught placing plates of food that nēnē can eat can be cited and face criminal prosecution.

Witnesses can anonymously contact DOCARE at 643-DLNR or via the DLNRTip app.

 

Photo credit: DLNR