The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service yesterday declared critical habitat designations for only 272 acres in Koloa for two federally protected and endangered cave invertebrates. The number of acres targeted for the protection of the Kauai wolf spider and the
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service yesterday declared critical habitat designations for only 272 acres in Koloa for two federally protected and endangered cave invertebrates.
The number of acres targeted for the protection of the Kauai wolf spider and the Kauai cave amphipod is a 94 percent reduction from the 4,193-acres that Fish and Wildlife had proposed in March 2002.
Koloa is the only place in the world where the species are found.
Input from landowners in Koloa and new scientific information on the whereabouts of the species contributed to the decision by Fish and Wildlife to dramatically back the acres for use as critical habitats.
“I want to thank the private landowners in the area who shared so much new information with us,” said Paul Henson, field supervisor for the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife office in Honolulu.
“Due to their assistance, we have a much better knowledge base about these two cave species and their habitats.”
Drilling records, archaeological surveys, photographs and biological surveys were also made available to Fish and Wildlife, resulting in elimination of land that had been under consideration for use as critical habitats, Fish and Wildlife officials said.
Agency officials said they were cognizant that the critical habitat designations were proposed in a “highly developable resort area.”
South Kaua’i businesses voiced concerns about an economic development report released last year that said the plan, employing 4,193-acres for critical habitat protection, could cost the area up to $1.9 bilion in commercial and residential growth.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials said that figure could become a reality in a “worse case scenario.”
With the smaller area now designated as critical habitats, the direct economic impacts have been revised to $260,000 to $429,000 over a period of 18 years, Fish and Wildlife said.
Potential indirect costs over the same period are $4.5 million to $6.1 million, agency officials said. The indirect costs are related to perceived loss of development potential.
Related to the land set aside now for protection, scientists said they found two additional caves where the invertebrates live. The find increases the number of caves known to be occupied by the species to seven.
The critical habitat designations do not set up a preserve or a refuge, and only applies to situations where federal funding or permits are required.
The designations would require other federal agencies to contact Fish and Wildlife for projects they would propose within the protected areas.
The protected areas are home to a spider that is blind and is about 1 1/2 inches long.
The amphipod is believed to be a food source for the spider.
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net
