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Completed Project

Keaukaha Speed Study

A completed research and advocacy project that led to significant infrastructure improvements and speed limit changes to protect nēnē in the Keaukaha area.

Between 2021 and 2023, at least nine nēnē have died due to vehicle collisions in the stretch between Liliuokalani Park and Kings Landing. This study has led to crucial changes in speed limits and infrastructure.

Project Overview

As nēnē populations increase and their range expands, they become exposed to more threats. In Keaukaha, we have observed sightings of 23 banded individuals and two goslings who utilize the stretch between Liliuokalani Park and Kings Landing. Organizations such as ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative, Kamehameha Kumuola, and Hui Hoʻoleimaluō have restored areas along the coastline, which have attracted native species back to their natural range.

Government Response & Implementation

In June 2023, our Executive Director Jordan Lerma presented an update on the state of Nēnē on Hawaiʻi Island to the Hawaiʻi County Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets. In response to our presentation and collected data, significant changes were implemented:

  • The County adopted a resolution to reduce the speed to 25mph along the affected stretch
  • Hawaii County Public Works created a site plan to install:
  • Six speed tables
  • Two raised crosswalks

Data Collection & Analysis

In May, our team engaged in the construction, testing, and deployment of custom-built radar speed data loggers along Kalaianaole St. This initiative aimed to:

  • Gain deeper understanding of driver behavior
  • Monitor speed compliance on the critical road stretch
  • Validate on-site observations with quantitative data
  • Provide evidence-based recommendations for infrastructure improvements

Project Impact

23
Banded Nēnē Identified
25
MPH New Speed Limit
8
Speed Tables

Project Documentation

Speed study equipment setup
Speed study data collection
Nēnē crossing area in Keaukaha
Nēnē habitat in Keaukaha

Press Coverage

Project Partners

  • ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
  • Kamehameha Kumuola
  • Hui Hoʻoleimaluō
  • Hawaii County Public Works
  • Hawaii County Policy Committee

Project Status

Implementation
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