Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan - U.S. Fish and Wildlife ...

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Appropriate Uses Justification, Attachment 1
Date: September 21, 2010
Refuge: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
Project: Commercial Photography, Videography, Filming, or Audio Recording
Summary: The Refuge allows a small number of commercial photographers and videographers, on
a case-by-case basis, access to Hakalau Forest NWR to obtain still images and video or film to
support environmental education for the general public. Commercial photographers and
videographers are regulated through Special Use Permitting and permit conditions that are strict and
protective of resident wildlife and habitats. The benefit to the Refuge comes with the increased
exposure to the public of images and film that may result in an increased appreciation for the rare
species found on the Refuge. Credit must be given to the Service as the source for access to Hakalau
Forest NWR as a permit condition, and further requirements for sharing images and digital film
media obtained for Service educational purposes are included as permit conditions.
The State of Hawai‘i DLNR was invited on two occasions to participate on core planning teams, but
declined due to insufficient staffing. However, as this Appropriate Use Justification does not propose
a significant deviation from the status quo, and no comments on this topic were received from the
State during the comment period, we believe additional coordination was not necessary.
For each of the findings listed on FWS Form 3-2319, a justification has been provided below:
a. Do we have jurisdiction over the use?
The permitted activities take place within Refuge boundaries in clearly specified limited areas. The
Refuge has jurisdiction over those visits that are sited within Refuge boundaries.
b. Does the use comply with applicable laws and regulations (Federal, State, tribal, and local)?
All permitted activities comply with applicable laws and regulations and any restrictions or
qualifications that are required to comply with law and regulations are specified in the SUP.
c. Is the use consistent with applicable Executive orders and Department and Service policies?
Through Refuge staff review and monitoring of the proposed activity, review of permittee proposals
and letters of request on corporate letterheads, and a case-by-case review process, a limited capacity
for commercial usage is maintained. The Refuge ensures that all visits are consistent with applicable
policies through SUP conditions. No fees beyond permit application fees are presently charged.
d. Is the use consistent with public safety?
Through individual permit review, the Refuge will ensure that each permittee’s activities are
consistent with public safety. If necessary, additional stipulations to ensure public safety will be
included in the permittee’s SUP. Permittees will be provided clear information on Refuge
boundaries to further ensure their safety and protect the property rights of neighboring landowners.
B-4 Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations