Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 39, Number 9, 1 Kepakemapa 2022 — A Kāhea to thc Community to Mālama the 'Io [ARTICLE]

A Kāhea to thc Community to Mālama the 'Io

Ihe sad truth is that, despite its venerated status as an 'aumakua and symbol of our ali'i, and despite its important role in our native ecosystem, 'io are often shot - especially by people trying to protect their chickens. "It's a problem," said Chillingworth who sees the need to educate people - native and non-native - to understand the significance of what they're doing. "I know they're protecting their own interests, but they need to be educated to the fact that they're damaging a larger portion of the wildlife here by doing what they're doing. They need to consider other ways to protect their chickens instead of shooting our native hawks." "People who see the 'io as a threat to their animals or domestic birds need to understand the 'io was here in Hawai'i 700,000 years before humans. They are beautiful native birds of prey. Hunting is their normal behavior. Education and awareness is critical to protect the 'io from extinction," said Blakemore. "We ean live together by keeping our pets and chickens safe within their own roofed enclosures." "The natural thing for the 'io to do is to hunt," said Kaleimamahu. "Killing 'io is very wrong. It steps on traditions - it's almost like destroying our ancestral lineage. It's very disrespectful to our people." "People don't know enough about the 'io so they don't respect it," added Keawe. "I hear about ['io being killed] and I feel terrible. It probably killed a ehieken or something, but that is what they do. I feel connected to the 'io and so I feel very sad. It's such a royal bird. We need to educate people about its importance." "Because 'io are only found on this island they are precious to the world's biodiversity," said Elliott. "They're very important to the food ehain and in keeping populations under control, helping to keep them healthy." When 'io and other native birds arrive hurt at the Hawai'i Wildlife Center it's stressful and painful for the animals and also for the staff. "Our whole purpose is to make sure sick and injured native wildlife are returned back home healthy and able to eontinue their lives and raise their young," said Elliott. ' And when [they're hurt] because of humans we have to make that right. "Our happiest moments are on release day when they fly away, and they don't look back. They're just gone and doing what they should be doing naturally, normally, in their own way without our presence. That's when we feel grateful. When we've been able to return them home." He 'io au, he manu i ka lewa lani. I am an 'io, the bird that soars in the heavenly space. ■ Mahalo to Kalani Akana, Ph.D.,for his research on the cultural significance ofthe 'io.