U.S. Fish and Wildlife seeks feedback on long-term conservation plan for Kauaʻi

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public feedback on a long-term conservation plan aimed at safeguarding several endangered and threatened species on Kaua‘i.

The draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, developed by the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, was published in the Federal Register on Aug. 22, beginning a 60-day public comment period.

Public comments will be accepted through Oct. 21. Additionally, a virtual public meeting will be held on Oct. 15.

The 50-year plan was developed by the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, the Garden Isle’s only electricity provider, to address the effects of power lines and lighting infrastructure on native wildlife.

The utility is seeking what’s known as “incidental take” authorization, which permits limited harm to protected species as long as mitigation efforts are in place.

Nine federally listed species are included in the proposal: the ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel), ʻaʻo (Newell’s shearwater), ʻakēʻakē (band-rumped storm-petrel), nēnē (Hawaiian goose), koloa (Hawaiian duck), ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot), ʻalae ʻula (Hawaiian gallinule), aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt) and honu (green sea turtle).

The drafts are available here:

• Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative Second Draft HCP Volume I of II
• Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Second Draft HCP Volume II of II

Over the past several decades, the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative has worked to reduce its ecological footprint, including retrofitting streetlights and implementing rescue programs for downed seabirds, a press release said.

The proposed plan aims to formalize and expand these efforts over the next half-century.

Individuals interested in participating can review the documents and submit feedback by clicking here. Further details, including the meeting time and access link, will be available two weeks prior to the event.