LIHU‘E — The Wailua-Kapa‘a Neighborhood Association’s June meeting will feature a free talk on Kaua‘i endangered seabirds Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kapa‘a Public Library, a release states. Officials from the state Department of Land and
LIHU‘E — The Wailua-Kapa‘a Neighborhood Association’s June meeting will feature a free talk on Kaua‘i endangered seabirds Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kapa‘a Public Library, a release states.
Officials from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Adam Griesemer and Paul Belson, lead the discussion.
The Newell’s shearwater and Hawaiian petrel populations are dramatically declining on Kaua‘i due to threats from outdoor lights and overhead utility lines in proximity to their coastal flyways, the release states.
Griesemer and Belson will discuss mitigation actions that will help restore and protect these seabird populations.
The Kaua‘i Seabird Habitat Conservation Plan, a joint project of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and DOFAW, is under development to help conserve endangered and threatened seabirds and to protect businesses and county agencies from liability if they choose to participate, the release states.
Plans are also underway to underground power lines along the Wailua corridor of Kuhio Highway.
Other measures include the rescue and rehabilitation of downed fledglings, efforts to shade resort lighting and streetlights, and strengthening permit regulations for wind turbines and towers.
Recently, conservation groups have filed two lawsuits against the St. Regis Princeville Resort and the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative to pursue the protections afforded to these birds under the federal Endangered Species Act.
A portion of the meeting will include updates on local issues and recognition of Carol Yasutake, winner of the Neighborhood Pride Award for June.
For more information, visit www.wkna.org or contact association secretary Sid Jackson at 821-2837.
