Patsy Mink said she has plans to introduce a bill to suspend the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s critical habitat proposal in Hawai’i until they can get enough funding to back up their proposal with solid scientific research. The U.S.
Patsy Mink said she has plans to introduce a bill to suspend the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s critical habitat proposal in Hawai’i until they can get enough funding to back up their proposal with solid scientific research.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was ordered by Hawai’i District Court to designate habitats in Hawaii for endangered plant and animal species. Kaua’i and Ni’ihau are the first islands to receive these land designations, totaling nearly 100,000 acres, or nearly one-fourth of the islands’ total area.
“If we cannot get satisfaction in our discussions with the Fish and Wildlife Service in terms of this designation, then the only thing we can do … is get Congress to vote on suspension of the court decision,” Mink said.
Mink was given nearly 2,500 signatures on a petition from the Concerned Citizens of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, a group made up of hunters, recreational land users and other Kaua’i residents who also oppose the critical habitat designation.
“I don’t think it’s honest for the federal government to say it doesn’t mean anything unless the people affected by this designation… are affected by some sort of federal program,” Mink said, “It means a great deal.”
Hawai’i is home to the most endangered species in the country, and Mink says there needs to be a plan to conserve and protect them.
Council chairman Ron Kouchi said he is disappointed with the lack of cooperation from the Fish and Wildlife Service, who has not incorporated the ideas and concerns from Kauai residents in their proposals. Kouchi said he is not opposed to the intent of critical habitat, but sees “a train wreck coming” and will support Mink in her proposed moratorium.
He said he plans to ask representatives to the National Association of Counties for support of Mink.
