Governor Josh Green, M.D.

Above: The fence crew poses for a group photo in front of the cat-proof fence. Photo courtesy: DHHL

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) also made efforts to protect an existing nesting area for ‘ua‘u, an endangered native seabird, by installing a cat-proof fence enclosure on Mauna Kea.

Work on the more than 8,200-foot fence began in January 2022, surrounding 93 acres of DHHL land, and situated approximately 9,000 feet above sea level near Pu‘u Kahinahina. The completed fence is six feet tall and includes a three-foot cat-proof extension and a two-foot buried skirt to deter feral cats from accessing the enclosure. 

A ceremony, Ho‘i Nā Manu I Kaupakuhale (the birds return to the highest perches of Mauna Kea), was conducted in partnership with researchers at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, DLNR DOFAW, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

“As stewards of ‘āina we’re dedicated to protecting and revitalizing our lands from mauka to makai,” said Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director Kali Watson. “Preserving our natural resources not only protects the land but also upholds our cultural traditions and identity as kanaka for the benefit of generations to come.”

Kuali‘i Camara, DHHL ‘Āina Mauna Resource Manager added, “‘Ua‘u were once an abundant cultural resource of Mauna Kea and an important part of the ecosystem, therefore the purpose of our ceremony is to call the ‘ua‘u home where they will be protected. Once ‘ua‘u were rediscovered on Mauna Kea we worked to quickly and collaboratively protect this vulnerable population; we’re working together to envision and manifest the health and abundance of ‘ua‘u on Mauna Kea once again.”