Oh Well, Blame It
On Some Human ...

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii — Bummer. What is a self-respecting eco-type to do when one of the government’s protected species kills another of the government’s protected species?

Wildlife officials say two `alala, or Hawaiian crows, were apparently killed last week by an `io, or Hawaiian hawk.

Paul Conry of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said it was one of those rare situations where one endangered species is preying on another.

There was no apparent cause of death for a third recently discovered dead `alala.

The three dead birds were raised in captivity and released into the wild in 1996. Their deaths bring the total number of `alala deaths in the wild during 1998 to eight.

Paul Smith, Pacific Islands manager of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said field biologists on Wednesday recaptured two young `alala in an attempt to ensure they aren't lost as well.

Meanwhile, two other birds released last year are being held in an aviary after being attacked by an `io last week.

There is no apparent truth to rumors that government bureaucrats are contemplating sensitivity training for the hawks.