HomeMy WebLinkAboutINDIVIDUAL COMMENT EMAIL - 128376Mori, Ashley
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Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2019 5:42 PM 4'
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To: General Plan W' =
Subject: comments regarding wildlife
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J' aAloha,
Thank you for preparing this General Plan update. It contains lots of great information and plans fdrAe fire
Needs Attention to Wildlife
In general, it seems very light in recognition of the threats to and needs of native wildlife. In the natural ----.—resources sections there is discussion of protecting and restoring certain types of ecosystems or habitats,-arid.""
discussion regarding controlling invasive species. These will be instrumental for native wildlife conservationtoo, of course. However, I see no mention of evaluating, identifying,protecting,restoring, etc. habitat
specifically for the purpose of wildlife conservation.Nor do I see any language regarding how developmentshouldproceedinordertominimizeimpactstonativewildlife. I would suggest that you take another look atnativewildlifeconsiderationsandhowtheyshouldbeincorporatedandaddressedwithinthisGeneralPlan. In
particular, each native species currently at risk should be addressed specifically,with specific objectives and
actions identified for their conservation.
Renewable Energy Balance with Wildlife NeedsTherearelotsofgoodgoals, objectives, and actions identified regarding GHGs and the intention to convert to
renewable energy" sources as much as possible. This is admirable,but I'm alarmed at the lack of any language
to qualify these plans so that they are implemented in balance with native wildlife needs (and other
environmental and human considerations). The General Plan should contain very clear policies and ACTIONS
regarding siting and operating renewable energy projects (and all development projects)to minimize impacts tonativewildlife. The Action statements should be very specific since policy statements, goals, and objectives are
easily disregarded due to lack of specificity, especially when there is money to be made.
Wind Energy Impacts to Bats and BirdsForexample,the wind energy industry is well known for causing high levels of mortality for birds and Hawaii's
only native land mammal, the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat. Even across the mainland where the hoary bat isnotlistedasthreatenedorendangered, it is predicted with high probability of going extinct within 50 years as
result of wind energy impacts (Frick et al 2017), and substantial population declines have been documented in
the pacific northwest as a result of wind energy impacts (Rodhouse et al 2019). In regard to wind energy
impacts to bats, some clear and simple Actions articulating the County's expectation that all wind farms be sited
in areas with low suitability for and detection ofhoary bats, and operated from day one using cut-in speeds that
are higher than wind speeds in which hoary bats typically fly. These types of Action statements would
streamline planning and approval processes,reduce planning and approval costs, attract suitable wind energyprojectsandcompanies, and protect Hawaii's native wildlife. I'd suggest that you solicit input from the USGS
biologists in Volcano studying the hoary bat and sensitive bird species that are heavily impacted by the wind
industry to help you craft meaningful language regarding wind energy development. This would help avoid theexcessivebatmortalitythatOahuisexperiencingrightnow. Wind energy may be renewable,but Hawaii's
wildlife is not unless they are afforded the protections they need for their populations to persist.
Don't Rely on Others to Protect the County's Resources
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The General Plan includes an action to develop HCPs. HCPs can be useful. However, HCPs can be extremely
long and expensive to develop, and the County should not rely on other agencies and mechanisms to protect the
County's resources when the County can do so more simply, cheaply, and effectively by including clear Actions
designed for conserving native wildlife in this General Plan.
Mahalo for conscientiously preparing this General Plan and considering my comments.
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