Comment sought on
helping local wildlife

Open-house meetings to gather public comment on ways to conserve Hawaii's native wildlife start tomorrow on Kauai and conclude July 7 on Oahu.

"This is the first time for Hawaii to have a statewide strategy for native wildlife conservation that includes species from the mountains to the sea, from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to the main Hawaiian Islands. This is an historic endeavor," said Peter Young, director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which will host the meetings.

"Hawaii has over 10,000 species -- terrestrial, marine and freshwater -- that can be found nowhere else on earth. This wildlife conservation strategy is an opportunity for the people of Hawaii to proactively ensure these species continue to be here for future generations," Young said.

Congress requires such statewide plans be completed by Oct. 1 for each state to receive federal conservation dollars.

The strategies identify wildlife species in Hawaii, where they live, threats to their existence or habitats, conservation and monitoring work on them, coordination among public and private agencies and public involvement. Marine and land animals of all types, including birds and invertebrates, are included.

Meetings will be held 6-9 p.m. at the following locations:

» Kauai, tomorrow, Eleele School cafeteria;

» Molokai, June 21, Mitchell Pauole Center;

» Maui, June 22, Maui Waena Intermediate School cafeteria;

» Lanai, June 23, Lanai High School cafeteria;

» Big Island, June 28, Kealakehe Intermediate School cafeteria; and June 29, Hilo High School cafeteria;

» Oahu, July 7, Washington Middle School cafeteria.

Anyone unable to attend the meetings can still obtain materials and provide comments. Contact: Scott Fretz at 587-4187 or Dwayne Meadows at 342-0380.

Visit the Web site at www.dofaw.net/cwcs, or e-mail wildlife.strategy@hawaii.gov.