Hawaiian Electric, conservation groups reach settlement to protect native seabirds

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaiian Electric and conservation groups have reached a settlement to protect local seabirds.
A three-year agreement was made to reduce the risk of seabirds collisions with power lines on Maui and Lanai.
The utility company agreed to install diverters on powerlines, making the lines easier for the birds to see.
They’ll also lower powerlines on Haleakala, provide more than $480,000 to enhance uau habitats, and conduct more studies on the impacts of powerlines on seabirds.
The agreement was reached as work continues to implement long-term solutions.
“We appreciate Hawaiian Electric’s willingness to work with us to reach a settlement that gives the ‘ua’u and ‘a’o the best chance for survival and recovery,” said Earthjustice Attorney David Henkin, who represents the conservation groups. “It’s long past time for Maui County to do the same and address the ongoing harm that the County’s streetlights inflict on these critically imperiled species.”
Mathew McNeff, Hawaiian Electric’s director of Maui County, said the agreement hopes to ensure native seabirds can survive and flourish.
“Hawaiian Electric’s commitment to protecting Hawaii’s seabirds aligns with our efforts to be good stewards of our island environment while providing reliable electric service,” he said.
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