The state plans to hold a hearing this week on a plan by Kaua'i's electric utility to minimize harm to protected native bird species.

The Kaua'i Island Utility Cooperative must apply to the state Department of Land and Natural Resource for a license to continue its operations because its operations may harm three bird species.

The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Líhu'e.

The Hawaiian petrel, or 'ua'u, is considered endangered under federal and state law. The Newell's shearwater, or 'a'o, is on the federal and state threatened species lists.

The last of the three, the band-rumped storm-petrel or 'ake'ake, is viewed as endangered by the state and is being considered for inclusion in the federal list.