They were brought here to grow in the very rich volcanic soils that yield better than in other lands. These birds are relatives to the honeycreepers and geese of North America, but they have evolved with the islands and have developed into a separate group of birds. When visiting the islands, look past the imported stuff like the golf courses and the water slides. Invest time and walk the back trails. Listen to the sound of the wind in the forest.
Hawaiian culture is threatened by the mere fact of numbers.
Native Hawaiians are outnumbered five to one in our own homeland and the imbalance created by the demands of non-natives limits the native voice. Often, it's Hawaiian nature to not voice an opinion because of shame or humility. This sacrifice of not delivering the traditions as they have been handed down for generations is threatening the culture in the most severe manner. So now, returning to old traditions is becoming very common. The keeping of protocol that the ancestors valued, the respect for nature and the ability to work together in harmony, and the speaking of the native tongue has strengthened the native Hawaiians and their stand in today's quickly paced world.