James Campbell and Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuges, Oahu, HI, 72826-72828 [E8-28416]

Download as PDF 72826 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 231 / Monday, December 1, 2008 / Notices filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. Viewing the comments and DEA: To view the comments and DEA go to https://www.regulations.gov, select the Advanced Docket Search option on the right side of the screen, insert USCG– 2008–0126 in the Docket ID box, press Enter, and then click on the item in the Docket ID column. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility. Privacy Act: Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act, system of records notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316, Jan. 17, 2008). rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES Public Meetings We do not intend to hold any public meetings in association with this DEA. Background and Purpose In the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990, as reauthorized, and as amended by the National Invasive Species Act of 1996, Public Law 101–646 and Public Law 104–332, respectively, Congress directed the Coast Guard to prevent introduction of aquatic nonindigenous species from ballast water discharged by ships (16 U.S.C. 4711). To achieve this objective, the Coast Guard wrote new regulations in 33 CFR 151, subparts C and D (58 FR 18330, Apr. 8, 1993, and 69 FR 44952, Jul. 28, 2004, respectively). On December 8, 2004, the Coast Guard published a notice in the Federal Register (69 FR 71068, Dec. 8, 2004), announcing its Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP) for experimental shipboard ballast water treatment systems. The program goal is to promote development of alternatives to ballast water exchange as a means of preventing invasive species from entering U.S. waters through ships’ ballast water. The comments we VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:47 Nov 28, 2008 Jkt 217001 received support testing prototype treatment equipment and developing effective and practicable standards for approving this equipment. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Section 102(2)(c)), as implemented by the Council of Environmental Quality regulations in 40 CFR parts 1500–1508, and Coast Guard Commandant Instruction M16475.1D, ‘‘National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures and Policy for Considering Environmental Impacts’’, the Coast Guard prepared a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the STEP to evaluate the environmental impacts from installing and operating a limited number of prototype ballast water treatment systems (69 FR 71068, Dec. 8, 2004). The PEA can be found in docket USCG–2001–9267. That PEA addresses potential effects to the natural and human environments including fish, marine mammals, invertebrates, microorganisms and plankton, submerged and emergent species, threatened and endangered species, and essential fish habitat. It also requires each system to be evaluated for localized affects on the ports and waterways where a vessel involved in the program operates. We request your comments on the potential impacts of installing, using, and testing the Severn Trent De Nora BalPureTM Ballast Water Treatment System on the tank ship S/R AMERICAN PROGRESS, as analyzed in the DEA. We also request your comments on sources of data, reference material, or other information not included in the DEA. Your comments will be considered in preparing a Final Environmental Assessment for the S/R AMERICAN PROGRESS. Dated: November 21, 2008. Brian M. Salerno, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship. [FR Doc. E8–28463 Filed 11–28–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–R–2008–N0207; 1265000010137– S3] James Campbell and Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuges, Oahu, HI Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 environmental assessment; announcement of public open house meetings; and request for comments. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the James Campbell and Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuges (refuges). We will also prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate the effects of various CCP alternatives. This notice also announces two public open house meetings; see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for the details. Both refuges are located on the island of O‘ahu, HI. We furnish this notice in compliance with CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process. DATES: Please provide written comments by January 15, 2009. We will hold two public open house meetings to begin the CCP planning process; see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for date, time, and location. ADDRESSES: Send your written comments or requests for more information by any of the following methods. U.S. Mail: Sylvia Pelizza, Refuge Manager, O‘ahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 66–590 Kamehameha Highway, Hale’iwa, HI 96712. Fax: (808) 637–3578. E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ‘‘James Campbell and Pearl Harbor Refuges’’ in the subject line of the message. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sylvia Pelizza, Refuge Manager, phone (808) 637–6330. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: With this notice, we initiate the CCP planning process for the James Campbell and Pearl Harbor Refuges located on the island of Oahu, HI. Background The CCP Planning Process The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (Refuge Administration Act), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee), requires us to develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose of developing a CCP is to provide a refuge manager a 15-year plan for achieving refuge purposes, and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. E:\FR\FM\01DEN1.SGM 01DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 231 / Monday, December 1, 2008 / Notices In addition to outlining broad management direction for conserving wildlife and habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities compatible with each refuge’s establishing purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The Service will prepare an EA to evaluate the environmental effects of CCP alternatives in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ); NEPA Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); other Federal laws and regulations; and our policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations. Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is established for specific purposes. We use a refuge’s purposes to develop and prioritize its management goals and objectives within the National Wildlife Refuge System’s mission. The CCP planning process provides opportunities for the public to participate in evaluating our management goals and objectives for conserving important wildlife habitat while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with a refuge’s establishing purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Public Involvement We will conduct the CCP planning process for the refuges in a manner that will provide participation opportunities for the public; other Federal, State, and local government agencies; Native Hawaiian organizations; and other interested parties. We request your input regarding issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions important to you and the future management of the James Campbell and Pearl Harbor Refuges. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES An Overview of the Refuges The James Campbell and Pearl Harbor Refuges are part of the larger O‘ahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Both refuges encompass two or more units. A brief summary of each refuge and their units, and the habitat each unit contains, follows. James Campbell Refuge The James Campbell Refuge is located near O‘ahu’s North Shore, the northern most point on the island, it contains two ¯ wetland units, the Ki’i and Punamano Units. It was established in 1976 for the purpose of providing habitat for Hawai’i’s four endangered waterbirds, VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:47 Nov 28, 2008 Jkt 217001 the Hawaiian stilt, Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian moorhen, and Hawaiian duck. The Ki‘i Unit is a 126-acre remnant of a much larger historic marsh system, ¯ and the 134-acre Punamano Unit is a natural spring-fed marsh. Both units are managed to protect and provide habitat for Hawaii’s endangered waterbirds. Habitats found on these units include open water, freshwater marsh, mudflat, grassland, and shrubland. The James Campbell Expansion Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109–225), expanded the refuge’s boundary to approximately 1,100 acres, incorporating additional wetland acreage, and the last remaining intact coastal dune system on O‘ahu. The purpose of this expansion is to: Permanently protect an ecologically intact unit; provide habitat for migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, seabirds, endangered and native plant species, endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and green turtles; allow increased wildlifedependent public uses; and assist with reducing flood damage to the refuge and local community. The James Campbell Refuge contains one of the largest concentrations of wetland birds in Hawai‘i. It is an important breeding, feeding, and resting area for the Hawaiian stilt, Hawaiian coot, and Hawaiian moorhen. The Hawaiian duck is also found here. In addition, the refuge supports significant numbers of migrating and wintering bristle-thighed curlews. The refuge provides a strategic landfall for migratory birds coming from Alaska, Siberia, and Asia. It also supports a substantial variety of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wetland birds. Although these migratory populations are small by continental standards, they represent some of the largest concentrations in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Ocean. A total of 117 bird species has been documented on the refuge. The refuge is closed to general public access, however, guided tours and grade school educational programs are periodically offered. Pearl Harbor Refuge The Pearl Harbor Refuge is located on the southern coast of the island of O‘ahu and encompasses three units. Two wetland units, Honouliuli and Waiawa, are located on the shores of Pearl Harbor. The Kalaeloa Unit is a coastal upland unit located on O‘ahu’s southwestern point, on a portion of the decommissioned Barbers Point Naval Air Station. All units were established to protect and provide habitat for endangered species. The 37-acre Honouliuli Unit and the 25-acre Waiawa Unit were established in 1972 as mitigation for PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 72827 construction of the Honolulu International Airport’s Reef Runway, to protect and enhance habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. In addition, these refuge units support a variety of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wetland birds. Although small by continental standards, these units contain some of the largest concentrations of wetland birds found in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Ocean. The 38-acre Kalaeloa Unit was transferred in fee title to the Service from the U.S. Navy in 2001, to protect and enhance habitat for the endangered ’Ewa hinahina plant. This unit contains the largest remnant stand of ’Ewa hinahina, and a reintroduced population of the endangered ’akoko plant. The Kalaeloa Unit also contains a unique microhabitat called anchialine pools or sinkholes which support unique insects, plants, and animals including two imperiled species of native shrimp. Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities We have identified preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities that we may address in the CCP, including— methods for protecting the refuges’ resources for the long term while providing high quality opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation; wildlife and habitat management; inholdings acquisition; visitor services management; historic and cultural resources protection; floodwater management; and facilities maintenance. During public scoping we may identify additional issues. Public Open House Meetings Two public open house meetings will be held to provide information on the CCP and receive public comments. Opportunities for additional public input will be announced throughout the planning process. Details on the upcoming public meetings follow. 1. December 9, 2008, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Leeward Community College, 96– 045 Ala Ike, General Technology Bldg., Room 105, Pearl City, HI. 2. December 11, 2008, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Kahuku Community Center, 56–576 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, HI. Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While E:\FR\FM\01DEN1.SGM 01DEN1 72828 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 231 / Monday, December 1, 2008 / Notices you can ask us in your comments to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will make all comments part of the official public record. We will handle requests for such comments in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, NEPA, and Service and Departmental policies and procedures. DATES: Dated: November 24, 2008. David J. Wesley, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. E8–28416 Filed 11–28–08; 8:45 am] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R9-EA-2008-N0243; 97000-5612-0000 FY 2008] Tribal Wildlife Grants; Implementation Guidelines Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice to request public comments on the current implementation of Tribal Wildlife Grants Program and proposed changes to the program. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, propose to change our implementation guidelines for the Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) program. The program helps tribal agencies maintain and enhance sustainable, healthy populations of fish and wildlife, as well as the habitats that support them. The TWG program also supports the rich Native American cultural and spiritual heritage associated with fish and wildlife, as well as hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, conservation, and conservation education. If finalized, these proposed changes would help the TWG program support tribal agencies address new challenges such as global climate change, urban sprawl, implementing landscape-level conservation planning, and a society that is increasingly disconnected from the natural environment, while ensuring sound administration and oversight of TWG funds and activities in accordance with core values and applicable laws, policies, and regulations. We seek public comment on our proposed changes. Current information about the TWG program is located at https:// www.fws.gov/nativeamerican/ grants.html. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:47 Nov 28, 2008 Jkt 217001 To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by March 2, 2009 at the U.S. mail or e-mail address under ADDRESSES. ADDRESSES: Native American Liaison, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 330, Arlington, VA 22203; TWG_COMMENT@FWS.gov (email). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pat Durham, (703) 358-1728. I. Background In 2003, we launched two competitive grant programs for federally recognized Indian Tribes: the Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) program and the Tribal Landowner Incentive Program (TLIP). To date, we have provided more than $51 million to 167 Indian Tribes for 288 projects through TWG. Although TLIP has not been funded in the most recent fiscal years, TWG has become an important and highly successful component of our continually expanding effort to partner with tribal governments. II. Implementation Guidelines: Current Administrative Guidelines and Proposed Changes As the administrator of the TWG program, the Service’s Office of the Native American Liaison (NAL) is seeking comments from the public on the current implementation of the TWG program and proposed changes to the program. The goals of this public dialogue are to continue to improve the program’s effectiveness and efficiency in the following general areas: • Efficient and consistent administration. We will ensure sound administration and oversight of TWG funds and activities in accordance with core values and applicable laws, policies, and regulations. • Management of fish, wildlife, and their habitats. The TWG program helps tribal agencies to maintain and enhance sustainable, healthy populations of fish and wildlife, as well as the habitats that support them. • Utilization of fish, wildlife, and their habitats. The TWG program helps tribal agencies to support the rich Native American cultural and spiritual heritage associated with fish and wildlife, as well as hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, conservation, and conservation education. • New challenges and opportunities. To address global climate change, urban sprawl and a society that is increasingly disconnected from the natural environment, and to implement landscape-level conservation planning, PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the TWG program will support tribal agencies in efforts to connect people with nature, address the impacts of climate change, and strengthen and expand partnerships. We are seeking comments and input on the following five sections: 1. Current administrative guidance. 2. Proposed changes to current administrative guidance. 3. New challenges and opportunities. 4. Proposed performance measures. 5. Additional comments. At the beginning of each comment you submit, please tell us the section/ subsection number(s) to which your comment pertains. Section 1. Current Administrative Guidance 1.1. Who Can Apply for TWG Funding? Federally recognized tribal governments listed in ‘‘Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs,’’ which the Bureau of Indian Affairs published in the Federal Register on April 4, 2008 (73 FR 18553), are eligible to apply for TWG funding. Tribal organizations and other entities may participate as sub-grantees or contractors to federally recognized Tribes. 1.2. What Types of Projects May Receive Funding? 1.2.1. Eligible projects include those to develop and implement programs for the benefit of tribal wildlife and their habitat, including species of Native American cultural or traditional importance and species that are not hunted or fished. Activities may include, but are not limited to, planning for wildlife and habitat conservation, fish and wildlife conservation and management actions, fish and wildlife– related laboratory and field research, natural history studies, habitat mapping, field surveys and population monitoring, habitat preservation, conservation easements, and public education that is relevant to the project. 1.2.2. We are interested in tribal priorities, concerns, and approaches to the emerging science and potential impacts of climate change and implementing landscape-level conservation planning. Should climate change impacts be considered in the ranking criteria for proposals? If so, we welcome suggestions on how to consider climate change in the context of tribal priorities. 1.2.3. TWG funds can be used for environmental review, habitat evaluation, permit review (e.g., Section 404 under the Clean Water Act), and E:\FR\FM\01DEN1.SGM 01DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 231 (Monday, December 1, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72826-72828]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-28416]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2008-N0207; 1265000010137-S3]


James Campbell and Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuges, Oahu, 
HI

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan 
and environmental assessment; announcement of public open house 
meetings; and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to 
prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the James Campbell 
and Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuges (refuges). We will also 
prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate the effects of 
various CCP alternatives. This notice also announces two public open 
house meetings; see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for the details. Both 
refuges are located on the island of O`ahu, HI. We furnish this notice 
in compliance with CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public 
of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the 
scope of issues to consider in the planning process.

DATES: Please provide written comments by January 15, 2009. We will 
hold two public open house meetings to begin the CCP planning process; 
see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for date, time, and location.

ADDRESSES: Send your written comments or requests for more information 
by any of the following methods.
    U.S. Mail: Sylvia Pelizza, Refuge Manager, O`ahu National Wildlife 
Refuge Complex, 66-590 Kamehameha Highway, Hale'iwa, HI 96712.
    Fax: (808) 637-3578.
    E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ``James Campbell and 
Pearl Harbor Refuges'' in the subject line of the message.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sylvia Pelizza, Refuge Manager, phone 
(808) 637-6330.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: With this notice, we initiate the CCP 
planning process for the James Campbell and Pearl Harbor Refuges 
located on the island of Oahu, HI.

Background

The CCP Planning Process

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 
(Refuge Administration Act), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), requires us to 
develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose of 
developing a CCP is to provide a refuge manager a 15-year plan for 
achieving refuge purposes, and contributing toward the mission of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System consistent with sound principles of 
fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service 
policies.

[[Page 72827]]

    In addition to outlining broad management direction for conserving 
wildlife and habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-dependent recreational 
opportunities compatible with each refuge's establishing purposes and 
the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, including 
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife 
photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
    The Service will prepare an EA to evaluate the environmental 
effects of CCP alternatives in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq. ); NEPA Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); other Federal laws 
and regulations; and our policies and procedures for compliance with 
those laws and regulations.
    Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is established for 
specific purposes. We use a refuge's purposes to develop and prioritize 
its management goals and objectives within the National Wildlife Refuge 
System's mission. The CCP planning process provides opportunities for 
the public to participate in evaluating our management goals and 
objectives for conserving important wildlife habitat while providing 
for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible 
with a refuge's establishing purposes and the mission of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System.

Public Involvement

    We will conduct the CCP planning process for the refuges in a 
manner that will provide participation opportunities for the public; 
other Federal, State, and local government agencies; Native Hawaiian 
organizations; and other interested parties. We request your input 
regarding issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions important to you and 
the future management of the James Campbell and Pearl Harbor Refuges.

An Overview of the Refuges

    The James Campbell and Pearl Harbor Refuges are part of the larger 
O`ahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Both refuges encompass two or 
more units. A brief summary of each refuge and their units, and the 
habitat each unit contains, follows.

James Campbell Refuge

    The James Campbell Refuge is located near O`ahu's North Shore, the 
northern most point on the island, it contains two wetland units, the 
Ki'i and Punamano Units. It was established in 1976 for the purpose of 
providing habitat for Hawai'i's four endangered waterbirds, the 
Hawaiian stilt, Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian moorhen, and Hawaiian duck.
    The Ki`i Unit is a 126-acre remnant of a much larger historic marsh 
system, and the 134-acre Punamano Unit is a natural spring-fed marsh. 
Both units are managed to protect and provide habitat for Hawaii's 
endangered waterbirds. Habitats found on these units include open 
water, freshwater marsh, mudflat, grassland, and shrubland.
    The James Campbell Expansion Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-225), 
expanded the refuge's boundary to approximately 1,100 acres, 
incorporating additional wetland acreage, and the last remaining intact 
coastal dune system on O`ahu. The purpose of this expansion is to: 
Permanently protect an ecologically intact unit; provide habitat for 
migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, seabirds, endangered and native plant 
species, endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and green turtles; allow 
increased wildlife-dependent public uses; and assist with reducing 
flood damage to the refuge and local community.
    The James Campbell Refuge contains one of the largest 
concentrations of wetland birds in Hawai`i. It is an important 
breeding, feeding, and resting area for the Hawaiian stilt, Hawaiian 
coot, and Hawaiian moorhen. The Hawaiian duck is also found here. In 
addition, the refuge supports significant numbers of migrating and 
wintering bristle-thighed curlews. The refuge provides a strategic 
landfall for migratory birds coming from Alaska, Siberia, and Asia. It 
also supports a substantial variety of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, 
and other wetland birds. Although these migratory populations are small 
by continental standards, they represent some of the largest 
concentrations in Hawai`i and the Pacific Ocean. A total of 117 bird 
species has been documented on the refuge. The refuge is closed to 
general public access, however, guided tours and grade school 
educational programs are periodically offered.

Pearl Harbor Refuge

    The Pearl Harbor Refuge is located on the southern coast of the 
island of O`ahu and encompasses three units. Two wetland units, 
Honouliuli and Waiawa, are located on the shores of Pearl Harbor. The 
Kalaeloa Unit is a coastal upland unit located on O`ahu's southwestern 
point, on a portion of the decommissioned Barbers Point Naval Air 
Station.
    All units were established to protect and provide habitat for 
endangered species. The 37-acre Honouliuli Unit and the 25-acre Waiawa 
Unit were established in 1972 as mitigation for construction of the 
Honolulu International Airport's Reef Runway, to protect and enhance 
habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. In addition, these refuge 
units support a variety of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and other 
wetland birds. Although small by continental standards, these units 
contain some of the largest concentrations of wetland birds found in 
Hawai`i and the Pacific Ocean.
    The 38-acre Kalaeloa Unit was transferred in fee title to the 
Service from the U.S. Navy in 2001, to protect and enhance habitat for 
the endangered 'Ewa hinahina plant. This unit contains the largest 
remnant stand of 'Ewa hinahina, and a reintroduced population of the 
endangered 'akoko plant. The Kalaeloa Unit also contains a unique 
microhabitat called anchialine pools or sinkholes which support unique 
insects, plants, and animals including two imperiled species of native 
shrimp.

Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities

    We have identified preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities 
that we may address in the CCP, including--methods for protecting the 
refuges' resources for the long term while providing high quality 
opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation; wildlife and habitat 
management; inholdings acquisition; visitor services management; 
historic and cultural resources protection; floodwater management; and 
facilities maintenance. During public scoping we may identify 
additional issues.

Public Open House Meetings

    Two public open house meetings will be held to provide information 
on the CCP and receive public comments. Opportunities for additional 
public input will be announced throughout the planning process. Details 
on the upcoming public meetings follow.
    1. December 9, 2008, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Leeward Community 
College, 96-045 Ala Ike, General Technology Bldg., Room 105, Pearl 
City, HI.
    2. December 11, 2008, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Kahuku Community 
Center, 56-576 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, HI.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, or other personal 
identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your 
entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be 
made publicly available at any time. While

[[Page 72828]]

you can ask us in your comments to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.
    We will make all comments part of the official public record. We 
will handle requests for such comments in accordance with the Freedom 
of Information Act, NEPA, and Service and Departmental policies and 
procedures.

    Dated: November 24, 2008.
David J. Wesley,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
 [FR Doc. E8-28416 Filed 11-28-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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