Koholalele Hamakua EA PBR Final TMK No. 4-2-005:001

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HAMAKUA LAND SALE: KOHOLALELE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 3.8 FAUNA A Fauna Survey was conducted in conjunction with the Botanical Survey. The Fauna Survey is found in Appendix A, Flora and Fauna Survey and Assessment. Nine site visits were conducted, including four during the evening to detect occurrence of the Hawaiian hoary bat (`ope `ape `a, Lasiurus cinereus semotus). `Ope`ape`a were detected at high elevation (2,400 ft.), mid- elevation (1,800 ft.) and lowest elevation (800 ft.) portions of the Site. The Fauna Survey presents the observation that the bats appeared to be drawn to the open, mowed base yard located at the Site's lowest elevation adjacent to Mamalahoa Highway. The report describes that evidence of feral pig (Sus Scrofa) was everywhere on the property, and particularly most prevalent in the gulches. Additionally, a few mongoose were sighted. The report indicates that while not sighted, feral cats (felis catus), rats (Rattus spp.) and mice (Mus domesticus), are also likely present on site. In general, the report finds that due to the overwhelming colonization of Guinea grass and ironwood trees, bird life was relatively sparse in both diversity and number. Although native and endemic birds such as the Hawaiian Hawk (`io, Buteo solitarius) and Hawaiian owl (pueo, Asio flammeus sandwichensis) were specifically looked for, none were sighted. While not sighted, the `io and pueo are known to be found in the Hamakua district and could be expected to occasionally use this site. Additionally, no native seabirds such as the threatened Newell's shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newellii) or the Endangered petrel (Pterodronma sandirichensis) were found, nor were any shearwater burrows found. A complete list of the ten, non - native bird species that were sighted is included with the Flora and Fauna Survey (Appendix A). The Fauna Survey also looked for insects which have been listed as Federally Endangered such as Blackburn's sphinx moth (Manduca blackburni) and three endemic picture -wing flies (Drosophila heteroneura), (D. mulli) and D. ochrobasis). None of these insects or their larvae were observed, nor were any of the host plant species normally associated with these insects found on site. The Fauna Survey concludes that due to the low quality of habitat characterized by the dominance of Guinea grass and common ironwood, there is little to attract a diversity of mammal and bird species. The only species that is common throughout the property is the feral pig and the dense vegetation makes it difficult for hunters to be effective at controlling the population. Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures Due to the degraded habitat, there are no reasons from a faunal standpoint to preserve and keep the Site in public ownership. The Fauna Survey Report does not recommend any special measures be taken with the proposed sale. 3-15