StarBulletin.com

Maui ranch offers space for nene


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POSTED: Friday, March 27, 2009

A business on Maui is adding itself to the list of ranches wanting to provide space for the propagation of endangered nene birds.

The agreement between the state and Haleakala Ranch would establish a nene population on the ranch in a 10-year period.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed agreement within 60 days.

Other ranches with “;safe harbor”; agreements include Pu'u o Hoku Ranch on Molokai and Pi'iholo Ranch on Maui.

The agreement would allow state conservation officials access to a portion of the ranch to construct and maintain predator-proof pens.

State officials project the population could reach 200 in a 10-year-period with the initial release of 75 nene.