I represent Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, and we have worked for a lighting ordinance to help protect our night skies and wildlife for decades. We are excited about this grant to help educate the public about our native seabirds and are in full support.
Mahalo nui,
Hannah Bernard
Executive Director
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund
Growing up in Kihei, I remember the streetlights being installed for the first time where I lived as a child. My parents and neighbors strongly opposed it, but we adapted, buying stronger blinds that mitigated the light from entering our bedrooms. The first few months my parents could not sleep but after a while they adapted and learned to simply accept it. As time passed, I saw development increase, buildings obstructing the ocean and Haleakala. With that development, of course more lights came with it. It bugged me so much I wrote a paper in the 7th grade about light pollution in Hawaii. This was in 2006. 16 years later, I am beginning to forget the way things were. Yet, I still remember the dark night sky and the light I did see was coming only from the stars and the moon. It was peaceful and quiet. Being able to hear the waves and see nothing but the faint lines of Haleakala. The dark night should never become a privilege that only some benefit in. It is a natural resource that we all should have and needs to be protected in these fast and changing times. With that said, I am in full support of the outdoor lighting ordinance.
I represent Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, and we have worked for a lighting ordinance to help protect our night skies and wildlife for decades. We are excited about this grant to help educate the public about our native seabirds and are in full support.
Mahalo nui,
Hannah Bernard
Executive Director
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund
Growing up in Kihei, I remember the streetlights being installed for the first time where I lived as a child. My parents and neighbors strongly opposed it, but we adapted, buying stronger blinds that mitigated the light from entering our bedrooms. The first few months my parents could not sleep but after a while they adapted and learned to simply accept it. As time passed, I saw development increase, buildings obstructing the ocean and Haleakala. With that development, of course more lights came with it. It bugged me so much I wrote a paper in the 7th grade about light pollution in Hawaii. This was in 2006. 16 years later, I am beginning to forget the way things were. Yet, I still remember the dark night sky and the light I did see was coming only from the stars and the moon. It was peaceful and quiet. Being able to hear the waves and see nothing but the faint lines of Haleakala. The dark night should never become a privilege that only some benefit in. It is a natural resource that we all should have and needs to be protected in these fast and changing times. With that said, I am in full support of the outdoor lighting ordinance.