2024-10-21 PL-REZ-2024-000064 DLNR DOFAW Comments_v1

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avoided for any construction because bats can become ensnared and killed by such fencing material during flight. Artificial lighting can adversely impact seabirds that may pass through the area at night by causing them to become disoriented. This disorientation can result in their collision with manmade structures or the grounding of birds. For nighttime work that might be required, DOFAW recommends that all lights used be fully shielded to minimize the attraction of seabirds. Nighttime work that requires outdoor lighting should be avoided during the seabird fledging season, from September 15 through December 15, when young seabirds make their maiden voyage to sea. If nighttime construction is required during the seabird fledgling season (September 15 to December 15), we recommend that a qualified biologist be present at the project site to monitor and assess the risk of seabirds being attracted or grounded due to the lighting. If seabirds are seen circling around the area, lights should then be turned off. If a downed seabird is detected, please follow DOFAW's recommended response protocol by visiting https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/seabird-fallout-season/ Permanent lighting also poses a risk of seabird attraction, and as such should be minimized or eliminated to protect seabird flyways and preserve the night sky. For illustrations and guidance related to seabird -friendly light styles that also protect seabirds and the dark starry skies of Hawaii please visit https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/files/2016/03/DOC439.pdf. The endemic pueo or Hawaiian Short -Eared Owl (Asio flammeus sandwichensis) could potentially nest in the project area. Before any potential vegetative alteration, especially ground- based disturbance, we recommend that line transect surveys are conducted during crepuscular hours through the project area. If a pueo nest is discovered, a minimum buffer distance of 100 meters from the nest should be established until chicks are capable of flight. The State listed lo or Hawaiian Hawk (Buteo solitarius) may occur in the project vicinity. Prior to undertaking vegetation clearing, DOFAW recommends that pre -construction surveys of the area be conducted by a qualified biologist following appropriate survey methods (Gorressen et al., 2008) to ensure no Hawaiian Hawk nests are present, which may occur during the breeding season from March to September. The survey should be conducted at least 10 days prior to the start of construction. If an lo nest is detected, a buffer zone of 100 meters (330 feet) should be established around it where no construction shall occur until the chick or chicks have fledged, or the nest is abandoned and DOFAW staff should be immediately notified. If adult individuals are detected in the area during construction, all activities within 30 meters (100 feet) of the bird should cease. Work may continue when the bird has left the area on its own. DOFAW recommends minimizing the movement of plant or soil material between worksites. Soil and plant material may contain detrimental fungal pathogens (e.g., Rapid `Ohi`a Death), vertebrate and invertebrate pests (e.g., Little Fire Ants, Coqui Frogs, etc.), or invasive plant parts (e.g., African Tulip, Octopus Tree, Trumpet Tree, etc.) that could harm our native species and ecosystems. We recommend consulting the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) at (808) 933-3340 to help plan, design, and construct the project, learn of any high-risk invasive species in the area, and ways to mitigate their spread. All equipment, materials, and personnel should be cleaned of excess soil and debris to minimize the risk of spreading invasive species.