Kioea Named Official Bird of Kaunakakai
By Maui Now Staff
The Kioea, a rare shorebird found on Molokai, was proclaimed the Official Bird of Kaunakakai.
The proclamation, issued by Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and Council Chair Danny Mateo was announced before a class of fourth graders at Kaunakakai Elementary School.
More than 1,000 people signed a petition requesting the designation, in the hopes of booting eco-tourism on the island, and providing additional protection for the species.
The Kioea (Bristle-thighed Curlew, Numenius tahitiensis) is already protected by federal and state laws.
The new designation is expected to provide additional safeguards as a symbol of Molokai’s natural resources.