Meeting offers data
on native bird’s
critical habitat

A draft proposal sets aside areas
for the endangered elepaio

---

Star-Bulletin staff

Information about proposed critical habitat areas for the endangered Oahu elepaio will be provided and questions answered at a 7 p.m. meeting next Tuesday at McCoy Pavilion in Ala Moana Park.

A draft report says the habitat designations will have "no to modest" economic impact on people, mainly because the proposed areas are mountainous areas unsuited for development, according to a release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Critical habitat refers to geographic areas that are essential for conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management.

The designation does not set up a preserve or refuge and applies only to situations involving federal funding or permits. It has no impact on landowners taking action on their own land that do not involve federal funding or permits.

Most of the proposed critical habitat areas are owned by the state or major private landholders, while some portions are under military control, the release said.

The public may review the draft report at pacificislands.fws.gov/wesa/endspindex.html or by calling the Fish and Wildlife office at 541-3441.

Comments may be submitted until Sept. 5 to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Islands Office, 300 Ala Moana, Room 3-122, Box 50088, Honolulu, HI 96850.