COM 0894.000 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Susan Kunz 5 disorientation, fallout, and injury or mortality. These seabirds are attracted to lights and after circling the lights they may become exhausted and collide with nearby wires, buildings, or other structures or they may land on the ground. Downed seabirds are subject to increased mortality from colliding with automobiles, starvation, and predation by dogs, cats, and other predators. Young birds (fledglings)traversing the project area between September 15 and December 15, in their first flights from their mountain nests to the sea, are particularly vulnerable to light attraction. The following measures will be implemented to avoid adverse effects to Hawaiian seabirds: • Nighttime construction will be avoided during the seabird fledging period, from September 15 through December 15. • All permanent lighting will conform to the Hawaii Count Outdoor Lighting Ordinance (Hawai`i County Code Chapter 9, Article 14),which requires shielding of exterior lights to lower the ambient glare caused by unshielded lighting. • The project will utilize energy efficient outdoor lamps with warmer colors (less blue light) and energy efficient fixtures on an operational basis after buildings are constructed. Hawaiian seabirds may fly over the development during and after construction. However, because lighting will be installed in a manner which minimizes the risk of seabird fallout, we do not expect any seabirds would be injured, killed, or experience reduced reproductive success associated with the proposed housing development. Therefore, effects to Hawaiian seabirds are extremely unlikely to occur, and are discountable. Ae`o The ae`o are currently found in a variety of wetland habitats including freshwater marshes and ponds, coastal estuaries and ponds, artificial reservoirs, kalo or taro (Colocasia esculenta) lo`i or patches,irrigation ditches, sewage treatment ponds, or wherever ephemeral or persistent standing water may occur. Based on the project details provided,your project may result in the creation of standing water or open water that could attract ae`o to the project site, especially the ae`o because it is known to nest in sub-optimal locations (e.g., any ponding water), if water is present. Ae`o attracted to sub-optimal habitat may suffer adverse impacts, such as predation and reduced reproductive success, and thus the project may create an attractive nuisance. The following measures will be implemented to avoid adverse effects to the ae`o: • Signage will be posted, and reduced speed limits implemented to inform project personnel and contractors about the presence of endangered species on-site when it occurs. • A biological monitor that is familiar with the species' biology will survey for ae`o nests or breeding birds where appropriate habitat occurs within the vicinity of the proposed project site prior to project initiation. Surveys will be repeated again within 3 days of project initiation and after any subsequent delay of work of 3 or more days (during which the birds may attempt to nest). If a nest or active brood is found: o The Service will be contacted within 48 hours for further guidance.