With only ~700 individuals left in the wild, this special waterbird needs your voice (and your votes).
- Click https://oedinnovationgrant2026.consider.it/
- Choose "creative industries"
- Vote for: “An innovative new partnership to uplift the ʻalae ʻula, a native Hawaiian waterbird while benefiting local businesses”.
Not only are ʻalae ʻula unique to Hawaiʻi, they also play a significant role in Hawaiian culture and history. They used to be easily seen in wetlands and loʻi but are now declining rapidly.
Thankfully, we mostly know what they need to thrive: great wetland habitat and protection from predators. Since the birds evolved without predators, they are particularly vulnerable to attack, particularly by outdoor cats, dogs off the leash, and mongoose. Road collisions are another major threat. Improved conservation efforts to address these threats could turn the tide on this species' population numbers. Our project, if it moves forward, will advance these efforts.
Every vote makes a difference — mahalo for helping us celebrate the ʻalae ʻula! 
