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3.2.3 Flora and Fauna Wetlands and Threatened and Endangered Species Flora and Fauna The project was inspected for biological resources in May of 1995. The entire parcel is dominated by alien vegetation, as would be expected in an urban setting that had experienced a variety of uses. The principal components are trees, especially chinese banyan (Ficus microphylla), octopus tree (Scheffiera actinoQhylla), guava (Psidium ua'ava), Christmas berry (Schinus terebinthifolia ), mango (Man ifera indica), and avocado (Persea americans . A large number of other ornamental and weedy trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses are also present. Notable for preservation is the large chinese banyan just mauka (uphill) of the Keawe -Puueo Bridge, various coconuts (Cocos nucifera ) and a few other palms, and a clump of green - striped bamboo (Bambusa vu[ aril var. aureo -varie ata makai (seaward) of the Wainaku Street Bridge. The disturbed site is poorly suited for native fauna habitat. Wetlands and Aquatic Habitat All land proposed for activity in the park is upland, and no wetlands or Waters of the U.S. would be built upon, dredged or filled as part of the project. Although no aquatic habitat is present in the areas proposed for clearing and improvements, the Wailuku River is directly adjacent. This stream provides habitat for a number of native stream and estuarine fish and invertebrates, and is a food source for native birds. Banks on both sides of the river are highly urbanized in the lower reaches. Threatened and Endangered Species Section 7 of the federal Endangered Species Act requires federal agencies undertaking actions that may affect listed or candidate endangered species to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This agency was consulted via letter regarding the potential presence of listed, candidate or proposed threatened or endangered animal or plant species in the area. According to their reply of IS April 199$ (see coordination letters, Appendix 1), there do not appear to be any wetlands or federally endangered threatened or candidate species directly within the project site. No listed, candidate or proposed endangered animal or plant species were found on the property. In terms of conservation value, no botanical or zoological resources requiring special protection are present. Because they are wide - ranging and adaptable species, the Hawaiian raptor `io (Buteo solitarius ) and Hawaii's only land mammal, Lasiurus cinereus semotus (the `ope`ape`a or Hawaiian hoary bat) may make occasional use of the area, although none were apparent during inspection and the County is not aware of any reported sightings. - 9