HI HCR96

Requests the United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service to work with affected persons and counties in establishing critical habitat designations for endangered species in Hawaii.

Removed provisions suggesting an environmental impact statement should be considered before finalizing critical habitat designations.

Removed provisions projecting potentially adverse impacts on landowners from proposed critical habitat designations.

Expresses Legislature's concern that critical habitat designations may harm the relationship between counties and the federal government.

Recommends that the Committee on Water & Land consider urging the Fish and Wildlife Service to reopen consultation with counties and affected residents on this matter.