The Mā‘alaea Triangle Association (MTA) has recently implemented innovative lighting solutions aimed at safeguarding native seabirds and sea turtles in their parking lot. This association oversees the management of shared common areas among neighboring businesses, including the Maui Ocean Center. The project aligns with the Maui County Council’s new plan to create outdoor lighting standards.
By minimizing blue light, this initiative positively impacts sea turtles, near-shore coral reef organisms, and seabirds. Young turtles can be easily distracted by bright lights, while nighttime illumination can disrupt the biological rhythms of the reef, as noted by Jennifer Learned from the
Seabirds, both adult birds and newly fledged chicks, tend to be drawn toward sources of light, often circling them until they exhaust themselves or collide with structures. Parking lots are of particular concern, as the reflection of light off the pavement can be especially confusing to these birds, potentially resembling water. Visitors to Maui Ocean Center can explore the new educational kiosk established by the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project in the park to learn more about these vital efforts.
