Kaua‘i Lagoons project hearing set for tonight

LIHU‘E — Community members are invited to share their thoughts with the state tonight on a developer’s proposed efforts to protect several endangered species during and after construction of a 772-unit resort residential project and 27-hole golf course complex in Lihu‘e.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is hosting a public hearing on Kaua‘i Lagoons’ draft Habitat Conservation Plan starting at 7 p.m. at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School cafeteria in Puhi.

Kaua‘i Lagoons expects the project’s impact will directly result in the deaths of several endangered birds annually, according to the draft HCP. An Incidental Take License legally allows an entity to “take” a certain number of endangered animals each year.

The birds covered in the plan include nene, Hawaiian moorhen, Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian duck, Hawaiian stilt, Newell’s shearwater, Hawaiian petrel and band-rumped storm petrel.

The project involves the construction of 707 condominium and time-share units and 65 single-family residential lots. Combined with the proposed golf course, clubhouse, operations building and other facilities, the project will result in the disturbance of some 230 acres of land near the Lihu‘e Airport, according to the draft HCP.

As of early-2010, roughly 56 percent of the total project grading and infrastructure construction had been completed, the draft HCP states. The remainder of the work is expected to continue through at least 2018.

Some of the development will replace structures damaged by Hurricane Iniki in 1992 and some will replace part of the property’s original golf courses.

The appointed hearing officer will be Dr. Scott Fretz, wildlife program manager in the Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

Copies of the 87-page draft Habitat Conservation Plan are available for review at the Lihu‘e Public Library and online at www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw in the HCP section.