Wandering nene goose closes Maui’s only rifle range
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Two nene, like ones at left, have nested in Kahuku. Since the 1700s no nene had been seen in the wild on Oahu.
WAILUKU >> Maui’s only public rifle range is temporarily closing after an endangered goose was spotted wandering around the property.
A biologist also found a nene nest in the area.
Maui County said Wednesday a firearms instructor noticed a goose on Sunday and notified the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The department is recommending the county close the Ukumehame range while the goose lays eggs.
Biologists say it will be about a month and a half before the eggs hatch and the nene are mobile enough to be relocated or leave on their own.
The county says the rifle range can reopen once that happens.
The Ukumehame range is used by law enforcement agencies and the National Guard. It’s the only legal public range on Maui.
