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 Tour Operation/Conservation and Education Group Visits
Summary: The Refuge operates in partnership with a small number of commercial tour operators to
provide limited access and environmental education to the general public through guided tours on
Refuge lands. Tour operators are regulated through Special Use Permitting and permit conditions
protective of resident wildlife and habitats. The benefit to the Refuge comes with the access and
educational experience made possible through collaboration with these operators. Refuge staffing
levels are not sufficient to provide ongoing public education experiences with rare exceptions.
Currently no fees are charged for this access.
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 proposed activities would 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 staff monitoring of the proposed program, review of permittee reports, and a predetermined
annual carrying capacity for visitors, the Refuge would ensure that they are consistent with
applicable policies.
d. Is the use consistent with public safety?
Through individual permit review, the Refuge will ensure that each guide’s activities are consistent
with public safety. If necessary, additional stipulations to ensure public safety will be included in the
permitte’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-8 Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations