Mōlī – Laysan Albatross

Phoebastria nitripes
Stated-recognized Indigenous
NatureServe Heritage Rank G3 – Vulnerable
North American Waterbird
Conservation Plan
High Concern
IUCN Red List Ranking Vulnerable
Regional Seabird Conservation Plan
USFWS 2005
Kumulipo: Hawaiian Creation Chant

Hanau ka Moho, he makua
Born was the Rail, the parent
Puka kana keiki he Moli, lele
Out came its child a brown Albatross, and flew
-Line 311-312

The Kiamanu Project

Mōlī are revered through a traditional Hawaiian lifestyle practices and ceremonies. Many of those understandings are being re-awakened through the community, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Kiamanu Project.

mō.lī

n. 1. Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis). (KL. line 312.)
2. Any straight line separating designs in tattoo pattern.
3. Bone made into a tattooing needle, hence a tattooing needle.

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