The best way to protect Hawaii’s unique flora and fauna is before they are listed as endangered. Fifty years ago, on Dec. 28, 1973, Congress passed a revised Endangered Species Act. The landmark environmental law offered the highest levels of protection to the country’s most vulnerable species. The Kauai ‘ō‘ō, a black honeyeater with beautiful flute-like calls, and the nēnē (Hawaiian goose), both appeared on the first list — as did many other native Hawaiian plants and animals.
