Twenty-four student groups recently participated in a video challenge showcasing the significance of Hawaiian forest birds. The top videos were submitted by Pearl City Highlands Elementary School, Kaimukī Middle School, and ‘Alo Kēhau o ka ʻĀina Mauna High School. Dr. Josh Atwood, Information and Education Specialist for DOFAW, expressed his admiration for the students' efforts, stating, “Seeing students share their voices to talk about the importance of native birds in Hawaiʻi is so inspiring. They did a lot of research to produce these videos. You get the sense from these videos that even if they haven’t seen these birds in person, the students take pride in them as part of what makes these islands special.”
During the award ceremony, Kaniele Tubon from ‘Alo Kēhau o ka ʻĀina Mauna on Hawaiʻi Island shared, “Participating in the contest was a way to further Hawaiian language and learn more about the birds of Hawaiʻi. Because they were one of the first inhabitants to live here, even before humans, it’s important to be able to protect them and help them live on.” Atwood added, “I love that people visiting our website can now learn about these birds directly from Hawaiʻi’s students. They are the future of conservation in Hawaiʻi – keiki who will grow up to inherit the results of our actions today. Who better to tell us what’s important to protect?”
The videos were part of the 2024 Student Video Challenge, and the finalists from various categories gathered at Hilton Hawaiian Village for ʻŌlelo’s award show. The event celebrated not only the creativity and dedication of the students but also their commitment to raising awareness about the protection of Hawaiian forest birds.
For more information and to view the videos and photographs from the event, visit the provided resources.