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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, September 18, 2009

For seabirds' sake, outdoor lights at county sites out at 8

Advertiser Staff

Kaua'i County officials are reminding the public that for the next three months, lights at county-owned outdoor facilities must be turned off at 8 p.m.

The county implemented the measure three years ago in an effort to protect endangered seabirds during their fledgling season, from Sept. 15 to Dec. 15.

The young seabirds are frequently attracted to lights at night and become disoriented and sometimes fall to the ground.

County officials say the aim of the measure is to mitigate the risk of fines, up to $25,000 for each "take," which may be imposed under the Endangered Species Act. A "take" includes harassing or harming the birds.