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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Use: Commercial Photography, Videography, Filming, or Audio Recording
Refuge Name: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
City/County and State: Hawai‘i County, State of Hawai‘i
Establishing and Acquisition Authority:
Hakalau Forest NWR was established on October 29, 1985, under the authority of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1534.
Refuge Purpose(s):
The Administration Act directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to manage each refuge to
fulfill the Refuge System mission, to maintain and, where appropriate, restore the refuge’s ecological
integrity, and achieve the specific purpose(s) for which the refuge was established.
Hakalau Forest Unit
The purpose of Hakalau Forest NWR is “... to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as
endangered species or threatened species ....or (B) plants ...” 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1534 (ESA).
Kona Forest Unit
The purpose of Kona Forest Unit is “... to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as
endangered species or threatened species ....or (B) plants ...” 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1534 (ESA). More
specifically, the unit was established to provide habitat for the ‘alalā and to assist the ‘Alalā
Recovery Program’s repatriation efforts.
National Wildlife Refuge System Mission:
To administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where
appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United
States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans (the Administration Act of
1966).
Description of Use(s):
Commercial photography, video, filming, and audio recording (“recording”) are considered in this
compatibility determination. This use has occurred at Hakalau Forest NWR for almost 20 years, and
future requests are expected to increase. Commercial recording activities not related to natural,
historic, or cultural subjects are not covered under this compatibility determination. The Refuge has
averaged 2-4 permits for this use annually during the last 5 years. The use typically involves creating
a documentary film, taking still photographs, or recording wildlife sounds for commercial purposes.
For example, the permittee may wish to take photographs of endangered forest birds or rare plants
most easily seen at the Refuge. Afterwards, the permittee would attempt to sell the photos to a
Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations B-37