Public input sought on future of environmental education, interpretation at Hulē’ia National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is working on a new draft compatibility determination for public review and comment on environmental education and interpretation at Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge on Kaua‘i.

The draft compatibility determination is now available for a 14-day public comment period.

Environmental education and interpretation are designed to teach the community the history and importance of conservation and the scientific knowledge of the nation’s natural resources.

Existing uses at the refuge are being re-evaluated and now include Native Hawaiian organization Mālama Hulē‘ia cultural and environmental stewardship programs.

The 14-day public comment period is from Dec. 12-26. The draft compatibility determination is available online.

Concerns expressed during the public comment period will be addressed in the final compatibility determination.

Comments can be sent by email to Jennifer_Waipa@fws.gov.

They can also be mailed to: Attn: Draft Compatibility Determination, Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex, PO Box 1128, Kīlauea, HI 96754.

Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1973 to aid in the recovery of threatened and endangered species on Kaua‘i.

The 241-acre refuge provides secluded habitat for endangered waterbirds and threatened nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, in a river valley surrounded by steep wooded hillsides.

The topography not only makes the Hulē‘ia Valley a unique refuge for birds, it also shaped the area’s rich history.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

For more information, click here or connect with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Facebook, X and Flickr.