The Department of Land and Natural Resources joined Bishop Museum, ‘Iolani School, Le Jardin Academy, and other government officials at Washington Place to watch Governor Green sign House Bill 1899 into law. The bill designates nine native snail species as official state snails. Rather than designating a single species,  multiple species, that are emblematic of the distinctive flora and fauna of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and each island in the state, received the distinction.

“Land snails are among the most threatened creatures in the world, with more recorded extinctions than birds and mammals combined,” said Governor Green. “Last year, I proclaimed the ‘Year of the Kāhuli’ to help bring attention to the plight of our native snails, which have significant roles in Hawaiian culture. They are symbols of romance and omens. And I am proud of the many youth who fought hard for this legislation. It gives me great hope for Hawai‘i’s future.”

“Kāhuli are true jewels of nature and culture,” said Dr. David Sischo, who leads the Snail Extinction Prevention Program at the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). “Knowing that their importance is now enshrined in law brings a new level of focus and pride to the collective work to prevent extinctions of the island’s irreplaceable animals and plants.”

“The students’ advocacy for their snails was remarkable. Witnessing them testify to legislators and engage with the Governor fills me with hope that they will persist in raising their voices and shaping our future,” commented Le Jardin Academy teacher Serena Marsden.

To read more about this momentous bill-signing ceremony, visit https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2024/04/15/nr24-36/.