The Poʻouli, known as the black-faced honeycreeper, was a small bird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and specifically found in the forests of Maui. By the early 2000s, the population of the Poʻouli had dwindled dramatically due to habitat loss, introduced predators, and diseases such as avian malaria. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting and breeding these rare birds were underway at the Maui Bird Conservation Center, located in Olinda. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the last known individual, a male Poʻouli, succumbed to avian malaria, a disease that poses a severe threat to many Hawaiian birds due to the presence of mosquito populations that carry the infection in low-elevation areas of the islands.

The death of this individual not only symbolized the probable extinction of the Poʻouli but also highlighted the larger issue of biodiversity loss in Hawaii, which is considered one of the global hotspots for endangered species. The conservation community reacted with sorrow and urgency, recognizing that immediate action on various fronts, including habitat protection and disease management, was crucial to prevent further extinctions. The loss of the Poʻouli served as a stark reminder of the fragility of ecosystems and the devastating impact of human actions and introduced species on native wildlife.

In the wake of the Poʻouli's death, conservationists intensified their efforts to save other endangered species in Hawaii. The event sparked discussions about the need for more comprehensive conservation strategies that address both habitat preservation and the control of invasive species. As a result, it underscored the importance of funding and supporting avian conservation programs to prevent the loss of more native Hawaiian birds.