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: University of Hawai‘i Field Station
Summary: The UH operates a biological field station located on the Hakalau Forest NWR
Administrative Site. Operation of the field station is described in a Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA), dated October 29, 1985 (Contract No. 14-48-0001-95500) between the Service and UH. The
field station is used to house and support UH faculty, students, and visiting scientists conducting
research supporting the conservation and restoration of native species and habitats at Hakalau Forest
NWR.
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 and review of permittee reports, 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 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-16 Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations