Nene killed on the road in Haleakala National Park

HALEAKALA — An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28.       Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously.      

Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.     

The nene was found in the down-bound lane, around a corner. The death occurred sometime between 7 and 7:15 a.m. Poor visibility due to weather conditions is not considered to be a factor.    

The Hawaiian Goose, or nene, is an endangered species on state and federal listings. The adult nene killed was part of a breeding pair. There are approximately 250 nene at the park, but only half of the birds are known to breed each year.      

Nene are along the road to cross and nest in the shrubbery. Unlike other birds, nene do not flee when approached by cars. Irresponsible visitors feed the nene from their cars. Nene associate feeding with cars and have learned to approach rather than flee from cars. The National Park Service reminds people not to feed nene; signs are posted throughout the park.    

Motorists traveling to the park are asked to be aware of nene on the road, especially during bad weather when road visibility is compromised.     

Motorists are advised to use caution and to follow posted speed limits when driving the long, winding road to the Haleakala summit.     

Roadways where they frequent include the area just inside the park’s entrance, the road to Hosmer Grove, roadways near the park’s headquarters, Halemau‘u Trailhead parking lot and below Lele‘iwi Overlook.