Notice of Intent To Conduct a Public Scoping Meeting and Perform an Environmental Review for the Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative Habitat Conservation Plan, Kaua`i Island, HI

Résumé

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to conduct public scoping necessary to gather information to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) (collectively referred to as "environmental document") for a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) being prepared by the Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC). The draft HCP is being prepared under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). KIUC intends to apply for an incidental take permit under the ESA to authorize take of the federally endangered Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), the federally threatened Newell's Shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newelli), and the Band-rumped Storm- Petrel (Oceanodroma castro), a Federal candidate for listing that could become listed during the term of the permit (collectively referred to as the "Covered Species"). This notice is provided to (1) describe the proposed action and possible alternatives; (2) advise other Federal and State agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an environmental document; (3) announce the initiation of a public scoping period