Krazy for Kolea Kontest Winners

Nene o Molokai press release

This year marked the 17^th annual Krazy for Kolea Kontest, and a kolea reported by Joe Kitagawa proved to be Molokai’s early bird, marking the beginning of the fall migration of the Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva). At 11:21 a.m. on July 29, a kolea flushed from a pasture at the Kamakou Preserve. Joe wins a Kolea Research Hawaii T-shirt from the Hawaii Audubon Society and a gift certificate for one scoop of ice cream at Kamoi Snack-N-Go.

The kolea is a swift flying shorebird and has been clocked migrating at 118 miles per hour, although an average of 56 to 60 mph is more typical. Females are first to leave breeding grounds in Alaska, with adult males arriving by the end of August and juveniles in October. The species is long-lived (25-plus years), and birds annually return to the same territory on winter grounds. Kolea on their northern migration may have aided ancient navigators with the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands, and the bird figured prominently in Hawaiian folklore: it was considered to be the embodiment of the god of healing, Koleamoku, and a messenger of high chiefs.

Runners-up in the Krazy for Kolea Kontest also receive recognition. The second place kolea was observed by Lily Jenkins at Kilohana Elementary School on July 31. Visitor Victoria Velinski, from Chicago, reported a kolea on territory at Duke Maliu Regional Park, taking third place. Other winners are Helen VonTempsky, Sarah Jenkins, Sarah Yerhot, Doug Beijers and Connie Bissell (tied), Kimberly Svetin and Mrs. Chieko MIkami (tied), and Diane Pike.

Mahalo for participating in the 17^th annual Krazy for Kolea Kontest.  All winners call Arleone at 553-5992 to receive your Kamoi Snack-N-Go ice cream gift certificate… and have a great treat with your kolea!