Mahalo to our Arborist 'Ohana!

Yesterday, Hui Manu o Kū partnered with the Hawai'i Audubon Society to host a hands-on workshop for arborists who care for the urban canopy across greater Honolulu. The goal was simple and vital: to make sure arborists are aware of the critical role they play in the lives of our Manu o Kū, to share best practices for working safely around nesting birds, and to let them know just how deeply their work is appreciated by the entire Manu o Kū ʻOhana.

The more we learn about Honolulu’s remarkable Manu o Kū population, the clearer it becomes just how essential our arborists are in making this city such an attractive and safe place for these terns to spend their lives and raise their young.

More than 40 arborists from tree-care companies across O‘ahu joined us for the workshop, which included a demonstration of recommended tools and trimming techniques that minimize disturbance to nesting birds.

A very special mahalo to the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program for the grant that made this workshop possible; to Kapi‘olani Community College for generously hosting the event; and to our collaborating partners— Aloha Arborist Association, DLNR/DOFAW, and Pacific Rim Conservation—for working with us to develop and deliver this training.

Extra mahalo to Tree Solutions Hawai‘i and Donahue Arborists for providing the live trimming demonstration—an invaluable part of the hands-on learning.
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And finally, Mahalo Nui to the arborists themselves, whose skill, care, and vigilance are essential to ensuring Honolulu remains a safe and thriving breeding habitat for our Manu o Kū!