What's Being Discussed
The Endangered Species Recovery Committee (ESRC), part of Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources, is holding a public meeting on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The meeting takes place at the Kalanimoku Building in Honolulu and is also available to attend online via Zoom or YouTube.

Meeting minutes review: The committee will look over draft notes from its previous meetings on December 18, 2025, and January 16, 2026.
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) Habitat Conservation Plan: The main topic is a continued review of chapters 4 through 8 of a draft plan submitted by KIUC. A Habitat Conservation Plan outlines how a business or organization will avoid, reduce, or offset harm to endangered species while carrying out its operations. Both state staff and KIUC representatives will present, followed by committee discussion.

Decisions Expected

The committee will vote to approve or revise the meeting minutes from the two previous sessions.
No final decision on the KIUC plan is expected at this meeting — this is an ongoing review. The committee will discuss and provide comments on the draft chapters.
The committee may briefly meet privately with its attorney to discuss legal matters related to the committee's responsibilities.

Who Should Pay Attention

Kauaʻi residents and businesses who may be affected by how KIUC manages its operations in relation to endangered wildlife
Environmental and conservation advocates concerned about endangered species protections in Hawaii
Anyone interested in how utility companies plan around Hawaii's native and endangered species

The public can attend in person, join via Zoom, or submit written testimony by email to dofaw.hcp@hawaii.gov at least 24 hours before the meeting.