State of the Society For 2007

By John Harrison, 2007 President

continued, page 4

Grants and Scholarships: Two of the HAS summer/ffall research grants were awarded in 2007. Bobby Huang-Suo Hsu of UH Hilo received a grant in support of his research on the transfer of maternal antibodies in Hawai`i `Amakihi (`Elepaio 67:6, August/September 2007).. Jacqueline Gaudioso of UH Hilo received a grant for her study on the plumage coloration of Hawai`i `Amakihi (`Elepaio 67:6, August/September 2007).. Nancy Chaney of UH Hilo was awarded the 2007 winter/spring research grant to assist her study on the role of larval development in determining the population structure of Hawaiian micro-gastropods `Elepaio 68:1, February 2008).

Usha Herold was awarded HAS's Rose Schuster Taylor full tuition scholarship to the University of Hawai`i for the 2007-2008 school year. Usha is a senior at UH Hilo majoring in agroecology and environmental quality, and minoring in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology, with a certificate in environmental studies (`Elepaio 67:6, August/September 2007).

Other HAS Activities: Hundreds of HAS members and other interested individuals have signed up for the HAS "Events Email List " through which recipients are sent HAS announcements via email. In addition to receiving timely information on field trips, program meetings, volunteer opportunities, and other announcements, participants can become a part of HAS's "Birder's Network" which connects local and visiting birders, giving them the opportunity to arrange excursions outside of the Society's scheduled field activities.

HAS also promoted participation in the annual Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest, a project of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service.

HAS was acknowledged by the City and County of Honolulu and Mayor Mufi Hannemann and was awarded an official proclamation at the April 2, 2007 naming of Manu o Ku (white tern, Gygis alba ) as the official bird of the City and County of Honolulu `Elepaio 67:4, May 07).

Products : Hawaii's Birds is a definitive, full color, soft cover field guide published by HAS. Now in its sixth edition, this field guide serves as an important educational tool for thousands of residents, visitors, educators, and decision makers. In 2007 the State Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement (DOCARE) acquired a number of Hawaii's Birds books for the purposes of training new Conservation Officers, and to assist and encourage them in their duty to protect Hawaii 'swildlife and natural resources (`Elepaio 7:4, ay 07).

Other educational products produced by HAS include the companion cassette set Voices of Hawaii's Birds, the Hidden Treasures of O`ahu map featuring locations and detailed information on sites for exploring nature and ancient Hawaiian culture, Hawaii 'srare and endangered birds greeting cards with artwork by Patrick Ching, current checklists of the Birds of Hawai`i, Micronesia, and the Mariana Islands, a field check card of Hawaii's birds, and The Edge of Forever poster, an art- quality, limited edition print featuring two endangered nene. HAS also offers several T-shirt designs, an embroidered patch featuring the `elepaio, and polo shirts embroidered with the HAS logo. Sales proceeds go to support HAS efforts to protect and conserve native species and habitats in Hawai`i and the Pacific.

Special Mention: On July 29, 2007, Robert L. Pyle passed away. Bob may have single-handedly done more for the Society than any other individual, having served repeatedly as HAS President, and as a member of the HAS Board of Directors intermittently between 1955 and 1983. Bob received the HAS Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995 and an Honorary Life Membership in 2001. He created the "Checklist of the Birds of Hawai`i" and the HAS field check card, and he was the bird sightings collector for the state. He remained active with HAS as long as he was able, serving as the source for an endless supply of expert information and opinion (`Elepaio 67:77, October 2007). I had the pleasure and honor of serving with Bob as an HAS Director for a number of years, and it was always a delight to be a beneficiary of his vast repertoire of knowledge, both of avian biology and of the long and storied history of the HAS.

We all remember and give abundant thanks for the time Bob shared with us.

Looking to the Future: The HAS Officers, Directors, and other leaders gathered in January 2008 for the Annual Chapter Leaders' Retreat to discuss the state of HAS and how best to guide the organization in the coming year. We look forward to building capacity by expanding our membership and services through the active pursuit of grants and through efforts to increase the visibility and accessibility of our programs. We also hope to continue expanding educational opportunities, with a particular focus on reaching out to young people. Finally, taking full advantage of the incredible opportunities at Black Point, we anticipate a year of exciting challenges and accomplishments in our conservation efforts through more service trips to the Seabird Preserve, as well as continued opportunities to build and expand conservation partnerships. On behalf of my fellow Officers and Directors, I sincerely thank each and every one of our members and supporters, and I look forward to another year of continued accomplishments.