As you explore Hawaii, there is a unique sign that catches your eye by the roadside.

It is the yellow sign that says 'NeNe Crossing'. 

Animal warning signs indicating that cows, deer, and rabbits cross the road are common on the mainland, but the word 'NeNe' may feel a bit unfamiliar. NeNe is a bird designated as the State Bird of Hawaii and is a native species of goose.

At first glance, the NeNe may look similar to the Canada Goose, but it can be easily distinguished by its short wings and distinct striped pattern on its neck. Once, thousands of them lived throughout Hawaii, but due to human development and the invasion of non-native animals, by the mid-20th century, only about 30 remained, putting them on the brink of extinction. Since then, with the implementation of protection policies and restoration programs, their population has increased to over 3,000. Nevertheless, they are still classified as an 'endangered protected species'.

To protect the NeNe, Hawaii has placed 'NeNe Crossing' signs along the roads. These signs are often seen in relatively well-preserved natural areas like the Big Island and Kauai.

Especially around Volcanoes National Park or while driving through the plains of Kauai, you can easily spot signs with a cute goose illustration and the words 'NeNe Crossing' on a yellow background.

The NeNe usually moves to find food in the morning and evening, and due to their short wings, they often cross the road slowly rather than flying over it. Therefore, drivers need to slow down when passing through these areas and stop to wait if there is a bird on the road.

In fact, it is common to see NeNe leisurely walking on the road while cars line up waiting. The people of Hawaii do not find this inconvenient. Instead, when a NeNe appears, they smile and say, "Ah, the NeNe is peacefully going about today," and naturally wait.

I first saw that sign while traveling in Kauai. At first, I thought it was cute, but shortly after, I witnessed a real family of NeNe crossing the road. The mother bird led the way, and the young birds followed, creating a scene that felt like a small parade. At that moment, a car coming from the opposite direction also stopped to wait.

The 'NeNe Crossing' sign is not just a traffic sign. It is also a symbol of how much Hawaii respects its environment and ecology. The NeNe is regarded by the people of Hawaii as a 'symbol of birth and recovery' because it is a bird that came back to life through human efforts after being on the brink of extinction.

Even now, the Hawaii state government is installing fences around NeNe habitats and designating 'slow zones' to protect them. In some areas, they even set a 'NeNe awareness period' to remind drivers to be cautious.