COM 0455.017 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~N~ PRODUCTIONS LTD April 28, 2004 Sidney Fuke Planning Consultant 100 Pauahi Street, Suite 212 Hilo, Hawaii 96720. Re: Lehua Lani Project; TMK: 7-5-20: 71 & 72 - Potential Hawaiian Hawk Issues. Dear Mr. Fuke. As you requested, I am responding to the observations and assertions contained in a comment letter generated in response to the Lehua Lani Environmental Assessment regarding; (a) the sighting of a Hawaiian Hawk (Buteo solitarius) an endangered species, on the property immediately adjacent to the subject property, and (b) the assertion that thF proposed development should not be permitted, because the developmen+ of the pazcel will result in adverse impacts to this listed species. I offer the following discussion and conclusions. Species Background The Hawaiian Hawk, or i'o as it is known locally, is the only extant falconif~rm in Hawar`i. iY is currently considered endemic to the island of Hawaii. Sub-fossil remains indicate that it was also formerly found on Molokai, and Kauai. Several incidental unconfirmed sightings of this species exist from Kaua"i, and Maui. This species was first mentioned in the western literature by Cook and King in 1784, and was scientifically described by Peale in 1848, from a specimen collected in Kealakekua. The Hawaiian Hawk was first listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1967. The USFWS published a proposal to down-list the species tiom endangered to tlueatened in 1993, however, without down-listing the species, they retracted their 1993 proposal in 1994. Currently it is listed as an endangered species under both the federal and the State of Hawai`i's endangered species programs. Current population estimates exaapelate that there are 1,457 Hawa?ran Hawks, which is likely equal 'o, or higher than population levels present in pre-contact times. PHONE: (80H)329-9141 Fnx: (808)329-1245 P.O.BOx 1371 KAILUA-KONA, Hawnii 96745