The public comment period on a proposal to remove the Hawaiian hawk, or 'io, from the federal Endangered Species List has been extended until April 13.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also has released a draft monitoring plan for the species after it is delisted, it said in a news release.

The agency proposes removing the 'io from the Endangered Species list because of factors that include its stable population of about 3,000 birds on the Big Island for 20 or more years and the lack of serious threats to its continued survival.

The birds would continue to be protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a federal law that prohibits killing, selling, or otherwise harming migratory birds, their nests, or eggs.

Options for commenting include: www.regulations.gov, or Public Comments Processing, Attn: RIN 1018-AU96; Division of Policy and Directives Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203.

The proposed rule and draft post delisting monitoring plan can be downloaded from www.fws.gov/pacificislands or requested by calling 808 792-9400.