Alakaʻi Wilderness & Hanapepe
Organization(s): Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project / 4D Media
Application Deadline: December 30th, 2022
Location: Alakaʻi Wilderness & Hanapepe, Kauaʻi
Duration: February 1st to May 30th 2023, with a stipend of $750. Housing, while not in the field, will not be provided.
Must be either 16+ or 18+ years of age (depending on position)
Project Description
INTERNS needed to work with the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project (KFBRP) and 4D media on a documentary film project.
Context
Kauaʻi's forest birds are disappearing right in front of our eyes. Five of 13 species have vanished in the last 40 years, and three others, the puaiohi, ‘akikiki, and ‘akeke’e, are critically endangered. Most of these species disappeared without any records of song, behavior, or appearance, making this loss even more devastating not only to scientists, conservationists, and cultural practitioners but to all of us. Today, the ‘akikiki, one of Kauaʻi's endemic Honeycreeper species, numbers fewer than 40 individuals in the wild and is predicted to go extinct in the wild by early 2024. The Kaua’i Forest Bird Recovery Project will collect the last individuals in Spring 2023 to keep them safe in captivity from their No.1 threat, avian malaria, a disease transmitted to the birds by introduced mosquitoes.
KFBRP is producing a documentary, in collaboration with 4D Media, about the story of the ‘akikiki, capturing their behavior, song and appearance. This will serve as an archive for scientists, conservationists, cultural practitioners, and all of us to be able to remember and experience these birds in the wild. The video will also document KFBRP’s heroic efforts to prevent this species’ extinction.
Qualifications Required:
Applicants must have a strong interest in nature conservation and media production. This project involves working in the field, often in rainy and chilly weather for up to 8 days in a row. The ideal candidates must be physically fit, and able to navigate rugged and complex terrain off-trail. Abundant enthusiasm for conserving Hawaii’s native species is essential, as are self-motivation, the ability to work well in a small team, a positive attitude, and willingness to live in remote field camps for more than a week at a time.
We have three paid internship positions available:
TO APPLY
Applications will be accepted until December 30th 2022 and will be reviewed as they are received. Required materials include a current CV (with related experience), cover letter, and contact information for three references. Please email applications and/or questions to: community@kauaiforestbirds.org
The Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project aims to promote knowledge, appreciation, and conservation of Kaua‘i’s native forest birds. The organization focuses on one threatened (‘I’iwi) and three federally endangered species (Puaiohi, ‘Akikiki, and ‘Akeke’e), with the goal of facilitating recovery of their populations in the wild.
4D media is a media production company, based in Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi. The company has been in operation since July 2011, focusing primarily on local educational / youth-based community media projects and performances.
4D media is a key stakeholder of Hawaiʻi’s media landscape, both at county and state level. The production company’s latest media projects include a 30-minute documentary film for Hui Makaʻainana o Makana titled “ʻĀina Momona”, as well as being the official media producer, hired by HCA (Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance / NTBG) to document and produce video assets (e.g. video trailers, video profiles, etc.) of Hawaiʻi’s participation at the last World Conservation Congress (IUCN) in Marseille, France.
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