Posted on: Wednesday, April 3, 2002

Snail habitat study sees little economic impact

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The establishment of several inland Kaua'i streams as critical habitat for the Newcomb's snail should have minimal economic impact, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The agency has prepared a draft economic impact analysis of its proposal to designate critical habitat for the endangered snail.

"The draft analysis reports that the lands included within the proposed critical habitat are largely unsuitable for development and occur within the mountainous interior of Kaua'i, where existing land-use controls already limit many activities," the agency said.

The region includes known habitat in the mid-elevation waters of the Kalalau, Lumaha'i, Hanalei, Waipahe'e and Makaleha streams and the north fork of the Wailua River. It also includes former habitat where the €-inch brown snails no longer are found in the Hanakoa and Hanakapi'ai streams and Wainiha River.

Six sites are on state land, and the three on private land are within the state conservation district. Alexander & Baldwin owns land on Wainiha River and operates a hydroelectric plant there.

A public meeting concerning the critical habit is set for 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. April 17 at the Radisson Kaua'i Beach Hotel. A public hearing will follow from 6 to 8 p.m.

Federal law requires the Fish and Wildlife Service to designate critical habitat for endangered species, including land necessary for the species' proliferation and ultimate removal from the endangered list.

Any future projects on such land that involve federal money or federal permitting must be reviewed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

For more information, call the agency in Honolulu at 541-3441.