forest calls

FOREST CALLS

Forest Calls is a media project that came about in 2022, as a result of a ‘Request for Proposal’ brought forth by the County of Kauaʻi – Office of Economic Development, through its ‘Innovation-Community Grant 2023’ program.

As the County of Kauaʻi was looking at ways to support new programs or projects that advance innovation by identifying and solving local problems in the areas of small business, technology, education, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies and tourism in Kauaʻi County, Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project (KFBRP), Diegmann Science Services (DSS) and 4D media (4D) teamed up and submitted a proposal for a media project centered around the extraordinary conservation efforts that were being planned for 2023 to rescue the ʻakikiki from extinction.

Multiple proposals were submitted to the county by many local non-profits, and the county in turn sought the input of the general public online.

‘Forest Calls: The Story of the ʻAkikiki’ submission received the greatest support, and was thus funded.

Pre-production began in the fall of 2022, and a media team composed of seven young Kauaʻi-based media professionals was set up in January 2023. The goal of the team was two-fold: tell a compelling story around the ‘akikiki as humans fight for its survival, as well as document and record as much audio and video of the species in its natural habitat before it goes extinct. Because of logistical issues limiting access and the number of people in the field, the media team was broken into smaller units, and four projects were developed and subsequently made: a full-length documentary film (“When Silence Becomes The Song”), a short documentary film (“Realm Of The Gods”), a book (“Last Chance To See The ʻAkikiki”), and this website.

Forest Calls is a collaborative media effort that documents and highlights a collaborative conservation effort. It brings awareness to the threats native Hawaiian honeycreepers face by telling the story of the ‘akikiki, and the conservation efforts carried out on Kauaʻi to save this, and other bird species found only on the Garden Island.

Background Information

(Taken from the original OED submission)

Hawaiʻi is a globally renowned biodiversity hotspot, yet over 50% of prehistoric bird species are extinct. On Kauaʻi, five of thirteen existing forest bird species have vanished in the last 40 years, and three others, including the ‘akikiki, are critically endangered.

Today, the ‘akikiki, one of Kauaʻi’s endemic Honeycreeper species, numbers fewer than 40 individuals in the wild and likely will go extinct by 2024. The prominent reason is a disease called avian malaria, transmitted by introduced mosquitoes that are now found in all elevations of Kauaʻi’s forests. We propose to produce a documentary film about the story of the ‘akikiki, capturing their behavior, song, and appearance. This will serve as an archive for scientists, conservationists, and cultural practitioners. It will also allow us all to remember and experience these birds in the wild.

Na Manu ʻEhā

Ka ʻImi Naʻauao O Hawaiʻi Nei, a Kauaʻi-based hula halau marked the launch of the 2023 conservation season and special ‘akikiki conservation effort with a mele and hula kahiko, which was recorded in Kokeʻe State Park, on the footsteps of the Alakaʻi Plateau where the remaining Kauaʻi forest birds live.

The mele and hula recognize and celebrate four endangered Hawaiian birds: the ʻākohekohe, the kiwikiu, the ʻakikiki and the ʻakekeʻe.

Na Manu ‘Ehā video

Na Manu ‘Ehā lyrics

Lele a`e ka `ākohekohe i ki`eki`e o Waiakamoi

hulu a`ea`e a`ehu pua i ke po`o pūpū kīnohi la

Kau i ka `iu ke kiwikiu i ka wēkiu o Hanawī

`ōlenalena nā ku`e maka nuku makili i ka la`au

Ua kapalili `o `akeke`e pūnana `ia i Mōhihi

mele ma`o me he makaki`I `ōkiki mū `ana i ka pā`ina

Eō mai e ka lehulehu `o `ākohekohe `o kiwikiu,

`o `akikiki a `o `akeke`e e ho`oheno i

nā manu `ehā

For a complete list of events, please go to:

https://kauaiforestbirds.org/calendar-of-events/

Kauaʻi supported and continues to support the ʻAkikiki conservation project and ‘Forest Calls’.

Here’s a sample of what people said:

“The story of the ‘akikiki needs to be documented before the last one is gone. Hopefully the Kaua’i Forest Bird Recovery project can save it from extinction. But much help is needed.”

– Sabra Kauka

“Akikiki’s story is sad for all of us. 20 birds in one area of Kokee last year and only 4 this year. We need to document their struggle and bring awareness of their continuing fight.”

– Susan Ahlfield

“Protecting native birds is crucial to the preservation of native land.”

– Anya Yushchenko

“This is a one-time chance to document akikiki in the wild for posterity. Both to engage our communities, record our culture, and inform conservation efforts.”

– Lisa Crampton

“Better safe than sorry.”

–Jeff

We must work to preserve biodiversity in our native forest.”

– Drew Cohick

“Extinction is forever. Documenting the life of the ‘Akikiki before it is gone honors this species and serve as a reminder that unintended consequences can be devastating.”

– Wrbarchet

“Every plant and animal occupies a critical niche.”

– Al

“Not to mention the effect it has on the entire ecosystem if one more species disappears. Education helps bring more support for these important projects.”

– SKumaran