Plans for Monk Seal Recovery

NOAA Fisheries Service News Release

The native endangered Hawaiian monk seals are being seen more frequently on Molokai and in the Main Hawaiian Islands. However, the species is still on the brink of survival, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has formulated a draft plan to help the seals. The Draft Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Actions Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) is now available to the public, and community hearings will be held around the state to get public input on the issue.
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a division of NOAA, is proposing to implement specific management actions and administer the associated research and enhancement program for Hawaiian monk seals in the Hawaiian Islands. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, NMFS prepared the Draft PEIS to evaluate reasonable alternatives, potential impacts, and propose mitigation for this action.

An informal question and answer town hall meeting will be held on Molokai on Aug. 24 at Hale Mahaolu Home Pumehana from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Public comments for the record will not be taken at this meeting.

A public hearing will be held on Molokai on Sept. 13 at Hale Mahaolu, Home Pumehana, with an open house from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and the public hearing from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

The purpose of the public hearings is to provide an opportunity for you to offer comments on the Draft PEIS. The open house sessions allow the public to view project information and speak with members of the project team in preparation for verbal testimony. You can sign up for each hearing in person beginning 30 minutes prior to and during that hearing.

Paper copies of the Draft PEIS will be available for review at the Molokai Public Library or online at nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/hawaiianmonksealeis.htm

Comments on the Draft Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Actions PEIS will be accepted until Oct. 17 and can be submitted in writing and mailed to NMFS PIRO, Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Actions PEIS at 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814 or emailed to monkseal@noaa.gov.