HONOLULU � The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on a draft habitat conservation plan (HCP) and draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative’s long-term habitat conservation plan. The plans seek to reduce impacts on nine federally protected species affected by power lines and lighting across the island.
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, the island’s electricity provider, has spent several decades developing a 50-year habitat conservation plan to address the impacts of its power systems and lighting infrastructure on threatened and endangered waterbirds and seabirds and one reptile.
The utility corporation is seeking incidental take coverage for several federally listed species, including the ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel), ʻaʻo (Newell’s shearwater), ʻakēʻakē (band-rumped storm-petrel), nēnē (Hawaiian goose), koloa (Hawaiian duck), ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot), ʻalae ʻula (Hawaiian gallinule), aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt) and honu (green sea turtle).
The draft HCP and draft EIS will publish in the Federal Register on August 22, 2025, opening a 60-day public comment period. The Service will review and consider all comments received on or before October 21, 2025. For more information and instructions to submit comments, please visit , docket number .
The Service will hold an open house and public scoping meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Kauaʻi Philippine Cultural Center from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit /project/kauai-island-utility-cooperative-habitat-conservation-plan.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/pacificislands, or connect with us through any of these social media channels at , , or .
