USFWS Announces Final EA for the Hanalei Valley Viewpoint Project

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has published the Hanalei Valley Viewpoint at Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact, according to a recent USFW press release.

The viewpoint project will provide the community with increased opportunities for interpretation and access to the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge.

The County of Kaua‘i is a partner on the project, as well as the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, which is providing support and proposing improvements to the Kūhi‘o Highway as part of the project.

The proposed Hanalei Valley Viewpoint at Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge is on an approximately 5.4-acre parcel. The site will include two viewpoints with views of the greater Hanalei Valley and Bay, Hanalei NWR, and the mountains of the Halele‘a Forest Reserve.

The ‘alae ke‘oke‘o or Hawaiian coot is a small waterbird endemic to Hawai‘i. Photo courtesy of USFWS

It would also include parking for approximately 25 cars, short-term parking for a maximum of three tour buses, perimeter fencing, security gate, signs, interpretive displays, simple restroom facilities, seating, and landscaping with native and non-invasive plants.

The viewpoint will be open during daylight hours only.

The Draft EA was available for public review and comment for 30 days during May and June. The public comment period also included a public meeting.

The Final EA and FONSI is available on the refuge website (www.fws.gov/refuge/hanalei/) by clicking on the following link: https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_1/NWRS/Zone_1/Kauai_Complex/Hanalei/Documents/FINAL-Hanalei-Valley-Viewpoint-EA-FONSI_%2020191126.pdf