Hawai?i is known nationally and internationally as paradise: an idyllic landscape of beauty on land and at sea. Yet the native landscape of Hawai?i has been transformed by the colonial introduction of non-native plants and wildlife, altering local landscapes and causing native species endangerment and extinction. Plants native to the Hawaiian Islands make up 44% of Endangered Species Act listed plant species and more than half of the islands? native birds have gone extinct.

Yet landscapes remain where species have the chance to recover. With your support, we can fund the purchase of native plants and needed materials to help restore habitat for native pollinating birds and the plants they rely on. 

One of the most vital habitats for native pollinating birds, like the ?akepa featured in our design, is Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. Located on the windward slopes of Mauna Kea, Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge contains some of the finest remaining stands of native montane rain forest in Hawai?i. The 32,830 acres of the Refuge provide important habitat for 29 critically endangered species including seven birds, one insect, one mammal and 20 plants found nowhere else in the world. Our Bonfire campaign will directly support Hakalau Forest, by funding the purchase of native plants and materials for habitat restoration.

Our shirt features original artwork by California high school student Fiona L., who created a painting of an ?akepa and a stylized ?o?hia blossom. Here?s Fiona, sharing why she created the artwork:

?Vibrant orange and chirpy in behavior, the Hawai?i ?akepa is a bird species currently listed as Endangered. My art of the Hawai?i ?akepa raises awareness of the bird?s endangerment, a condition shared by other native Hawaiian species whose existence is under threat. Through bright paints, textured brush strokes, and meticulous technique, I hope to capture the bird?s beauty and show that it is vital to save our endangered species, because we risk losing them forever. ?

We hope you will be as inspired as we are by the beauty of the ?akepa and the ?o?hia featured in this design. Thank you for your donation to support native Hawaiian birds and plants at Hakalau Forest!