Request for Renewal of the Incidental Take Permit and Short-Term Habitat Conservation Plan for Operation and Maintenance of Existing and Limited Future Facilities Associated With the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative on Kauai, Hawaii

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC, or applicant) has submitted an application to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for renewal of their incidental take permit (permit) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The permit is associated with KIUC's Short-Term Habitat Conservation Plan (Short-Term HCP) that addresses incidental take of three listed bird species caused by the operation and maintenance of KIUC's existing and anticipated electrical utility facilities on Kauai, Hawaii. The applicant is requesting renewal of the permit for an indefinite period until the Service renders a decision on a Long-Term HCP and permit application currently under development by KIUC. We are making the permit renewal application available for public review and comment.