Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Determinations of Prudency and Proposed Designations of Critical Habitat for Plant Species From the Island of Lanai, HI

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AH10

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Determinations of Prudency and Proposed Designations of Critical Habitat for Plant Species From the Island of Lanai, HI

AGENCY:

Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:

Revised proposed rule and notice of determinations of whether designations of critical habitat is prudent.

SUMMARY:

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose critical habitat for 32 of the 37 species listed under the Endangered Species Act, known historically from the island of Lanai within 8 critical habitat units totaling approximately 7,853 hectares (ha) (19,405 acres (ac)) on the island of Lanai.

If this proposal is made final, section 7 of the Act requires Federal agencies to ensure that actions they carry out, fund, or authorize do not destroy or adversely modify critical habitat to the extent that the action appreciably diminishes the value of the critical habitat for the survival and recovery of the species. Section 4 of the Act requires us to consider economic and other relevant impacts of specifying any particular area as critical habitat.

We solicit data and comments from the public on all aspects of this proposal, including data on the economic and other impacts of the designations. We may revise or further refine this rule, including critical habitat boundaries, prior to final designation based on habitat and plant surveys, public comment on the revised proposed critical habitat rule, and new scientific and commercial information.

DATES:

We will accept comments until May 3, 2002. Public hearing requests must be received by April 18, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

If you wish to comment, you may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposal by any one of several methods:

You may submit written comments and information to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Islands Office, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 3-122, P.O. Box 50088, Honolulu, HI 96850-0001.

You may hand-deliver written comments to our Pacific Islands Office at the address given above.

You may view comments and materials received, as well as supporting documentation used in the preparation of this proposed rule, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Paul Henson, Field Supervisor, Pacific Islands Office (see

ADDRESSES

section) (telephone 808/541-3441; facsimile 808/541-3470).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The 32 species for which we propose critical habitat are

Abutilon eremitopetalum, Adenophorus periens, Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha, Bonamia menziesii, Brighamia rockii, Cenchrus agrimonioides, Centaurium sebaeoides, Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis, Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana, Cyanea lobata, Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii, Cyperus trachysanthos, Cyrtandra munroi, Diellia erecta, Diplazium molokaiense, Gahnia lanaiensis, Hedyotis mannii, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi, Hesperomannia arborescens, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis, Melicope munroi, Neraudia sericea, Portulaca sclerocarpa, Sesbania tomentosa, Solanum incompletum, Spermolepis hawaiiensis, Tetramolopium remyi, Vigna o-wahuensis,

and

Viola lanaiensis.

Critical habitat is not proposed for 4 (

Mariscus fauriei, Silene lanceolata, Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum, and Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

) of the 37 species which no longer occur on the island of Lanai, and for which we are unable to identify any habitat that is essential to their conservation on the island of Lanai. Prudency determinations for these species were contained in previous proposals published in the

Federal Register

on November 7, 2000, December 18, 2000, December 27, 2000, December 29, 2000, and January 28, 2002. Critical habitat is not proposed for

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis,

for which we determined that critical habitat designation is not prudent because it has not been seen recently in the wild, and no viable genetic material of this species is known.

Background

In the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Plants (50 CFR 17.12), there are 37 plant species that, at the time of listing, were reported from the island of Lanai (Table 1). Seven of these species are endemic to the island of Lanai, while 30 species are reported from one or more other islands, as well as Lanai. Each of these species is described in more detail below in the section, “Discussion of Plant Taxa.”

Table 1.—Summary of Island Distribution of 37 Species From Lanai

Species

Island Distribution

Kauai

Oahu

Molokai

Lanai

Maui

Hawaii

NW. Isles, Kahoolawe Niihau

Abutilon eremitopetalum

(NCN*)

C

Adenophorus periens

(pendant kihi fern)

C

H

C

R

R

C

Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha

(kookoolau)

H

C

Bonamia menziesii

(NCN)

C

C

H

C

C

C

Brighamia rockii

(pua ala)

C

H

H

Cenchrus agrimonioides

(kamanomano, sandbur, agrimony)

C

H

C

R

NW Isles (H)

Centaurium sebaeoides

(awiwi)

C

C

C

C

C

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis

(oha wai)

C

C

Ctenitis squamigera

(pauoa)

H

C

C

C

C

H

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

(haha)

C

C

C

C

Cyanea lobata

(haha)

H

C

Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii

(NCN)

C

Cyperus trachysanthos

(puukaa)

C

C

H

H

Ni (C)

Cyrtandra munroi

(haiwale)

C

C

Diellia erecta

(NCN)

C

C

C

H

C

C

Diplazium molokaiense

(asplenium-leaved asplenium)

H

H

H

H

C

Gahnia lanaiensis

(NCN)

C

Hedyotis mannii

(pilo)

C

C

C

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi

(kopa)

C

Hesperomannia arborescens

(NCN)

C

C

H

C

Hibiscus brackenridgei

(mao hau hele)

H

C

H

C

C

C

Ka (R)

Isodendrion pyrifolium

(wahine noho kula)

H

H

H

H

C

Ni (H)

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis

(kamakahala)

C

Mariscus fauriei

(NCN)

C

H

C

Melicope munroi

(alani)

H

C

Neraudia sericea

(NCN)

C

H

C

Ka (H)

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

(NCN)

H

Portulaca sclerocarpa

(poe)

C

C

Sesbania tomentosa

(ohai)

C

C

C

H

C

C

Ni (H), ka (C), NW Isles (C)

Silene lanceolata

(NCN)

H

C

C

H

C

Solanum incompletum

(popolo ku mai)

H

H

H

H

C

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

(NCN)

C

C

C

C

C

C

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

(NCN)

C

H

Tetramolopium remyi

(NCN)

C

H

Vigna o-wahuensis

(NCN)

H

C

C

C

C

Ni (H), Ka (C)

Viola lanaiensis

(NCN)

C

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

(ae)

C

C

H

C

C

KEY:

C (Current)—population last observed within the past 30 years.

H (Historical)—population not seen for more than 30 years.

R (Reported)—reported from undocumented observations.

* NCN—No Common Name.

We determined that designation of critical habitat was prudent for six plants from the island of Lanai on December 27, 2000 (65 FR 82086). These species are:

Abutilon eremitopetalum, Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii, Gahnia lanaiensis, Portulaca sclerocarpa, Tetramolopium remyi,

and

Viola lanaiensis.

In proposals published on November 7, 2000 (65 FR 66808), and December 18, 2000 (65 FR 79192), we determined that designation of critical habitat was prudent for ten plants that are reported from Lanai as well as from Kauai, Niihau, Maui, or Kahoolawe. These ten plants are:

Bonamia menziesii, Centarium sebaeoides, Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis, Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana, Cyrtandra munroi, Hedyotis mannii, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Spermolepis hawaiiensis,

and

Vigna o-wahuensis.

In addition, at the time we listed

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi, Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis,

and

Melicope munroi,

on September 3, 1999 (64 FR 48307), we determined that designation of critical habitat was prudent for these three taxa from Lanai. No change is made to these 19 prudency determinations in this revised proposal and they are hereby incorporated by reference (64 FR 48307, 65 FR 66808, 65 FR 79192).

In the December 27, 2000, proposal we determined that critical habitat was not prudent for

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis,

a species known only from Lanai, because it had not been seen in the wild on Lanai since 1914 and no viable genetic material of this species is known to exist. Therefore, such designation would not be beneficial to this species. No change is made here to the December 27, 2000, not prudent determination for

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

and it is hereby incorporated by reference (65 FR 82086).

In the December 27, 2000, proposal we proposed designation of critical habitat for 18 plants from the island of Lanai. These species are:

Abutilon eremitopetalum, Bonamia menziesii, Centaurium sebaeoides, Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis,

Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana, Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii, Cyrtandra munroi, Gahnia lanaiensis, Hedyotis mannii, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis, Melicope munroi, Portulaca sclerocarpa, Spermolepis hawaiiensis, Tetramolopium remyi,

and

Viola lanaiensis.

In this proposal we have revised the proposed designations for these 18 plants based on new information and to address comments received during the comment periods on the December 27, 2000, proposal.

In the December 27, 2000, proposal we did not propose designation of critical habitat for 17 species that no longer occur on Lanai but are reported from one or more other islands. We determined that critical habitat was prudent for 16 of these species (

Adenophorus periens, Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha, Brighamia rockii, Cenchrus agrimonioides, Cyanea lobata, Cyperus trachysanthos, Diellia erecta, Diplazium molokaiense, Hesperomannia arborescens, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Mariscus faurei, Neraudia sericea, Sesbania tomentosa, Silene lanceolata, Solanum incompletum,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

) in other proposed rules published on November 7, 2000 (Kauai), December 18, 2000 (Maui and Kahoolawe), December 29, 2000 (Molokai), and January 28, 2002 (Kauai revised proposal). No change is made to these prudency determinations for these 16 species in this proposal and they are hereby incorporated by reference (65 FR 66808, 65 FR 79192, 65 FR 83158, and 67 FR 3940). In this proposal, we propose designation of critical habitat

for

Adenophorus periens, Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha, Brighamia rockii, Cenchrus agrimonioides, Cyanea lobata, Cyperus trachysanthos, Diellia erecta, Diplazium molokaiense, Hesperomannia arborescens, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Neraudia sericea, Sesbania tomentosa,

and

Solanum incompletum

on the island of Lanai, based on new information, including information received during the comment periods on the December 27, 2000, proposal. Critical habitat is not proposed for

Mariscus faurei, Silene lanceolata,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

on the island of Lanai because these plants no longer occur on Lanai and we are unable to determine habitat which is essential to their conservation on this island. However, proposed critical habitat designations for these species may be included in other future Hawaiian plants proposed critical habitat rules (Table 2).

Table 2.—List of Proposed Rules in Which Critical Habitat Decisions Will Be Made for Four Species for Which We Are Unable To Determine Habitat Which Is Essential for Their Conservation on the Island of Lanai

Species

Proposed rules in which critical habitat designations will be made

Mariscus fauriei

Molokai, Hawaii.

Silene lanceolata

Molokai, Hawaii, and Oahu.

Tetramolopium lepidotum ssp. lepidotum

Oahu.

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii.

In this proposal, we determine that critical habitat is prudent for one species (

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

) for which a prudency determination has not been made previously, and that no longer occurs on Lanai but is reported from one other island (Oahu). This plant was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) in 1991. At the time this plant was listed, we determined that designation of critical habitat was not prudent because designation would increase the degree of threat to this species and would not benefit the plant. We determine that designation of critical habitat is prudent for

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

because we now believe that such designation would be beneficial to this species. Critical habitat is not proposed at this time for

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

on the island of Lanai because the species no longer occurs on Lanai and we are unable to determine habitat which is essential to its conservation on this island. However, proposed critical habitat designation, or non-designation, for this species will be included in other future Hawaiian plants proposed critical habitat rules (Table 2).

Critical habitat for 32 of the 37 species from the island of Lanai is proposed at this time. These species are:

Abutilon eremitopetalum, Adenophorus periens, Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha, Bonamia menziesii, Brighamia rockii, Cenchrus agrimonioides, Centaurium sebaeoides, Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis, Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana, Cyanea lobata, Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii, Cyperus trachysanthos, Cyrtandra munroi, Diellia erecta, Diplazium molokaiense, Gahnia lanaiensis, Hedyotis mannii, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi, Hesperomannia arborescens, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis, Melicope munroi, Neraudia sericea, Portulaca sclerocarpa, Sesbania tomentosa, Solanum incompletum, Spermolepis hawaiiensis, Tetramolopium remyi, Vigna o-wahuensis,

and

Viola lanaiensis.

Critical habitat is not proposed for four of the 37 species (

Mariscus fauriei, Silene lanceolata, Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

) which no longer occur on the island of Lanai, and for which we are unable to determine any habitat that is essential to their conservation on the island of Lanai. However, proposed critical habitat designations for these species may be included in other future Hawaiian plants proposed critical habitat rules (Table 2). Critical habitat is not proposed for

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

for which we determined, on December 27, 2000, that critical habitat designation is not prudent because it had not been seen recently in the wild, and no viable genetic material of this species is known to exist. No change is made to this prudency determination here, and it is hereby incorporated by reference (65 FR 82086).

The Island of Lanai

Lanai is a small island totaling about 360 square kilometers (sq km) (139 square miles (sq mi)) in area. Hidden from the trade winds in the lee or rain shadow of the more massive West Maui Mountains, Lanai was formed from a single shield volcano built by eruptions at its summit and along three rift zones. The principal rift zone runs in a northwesterly direction and forms a broad ridge whose highest point, Lanaihale, has an elevation of 1,027 meters (m) (3,370 feet (ft)). The entire ridge is commonly called Lanaihale, after its highest point. Annual rainfall on the summit of Lanaihale is 760 to 1,015 millimeters (mm) (30 to 40 inches (in)), but is considerably less, 250 to 500 mm (10 to 20 in), over much of the rest of the island (Department of Geography 1998).

Geologically, Lanai is part of the four island complex comprising Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe, known collectively as Maui Nui (Greater Maui). During the last Ice Age about 12,000 years ago when sea levels were about 160 m (525 ft) less than their present level, these four islands were connected by a broad lowland plain. This land bridge allowed the movement and interaction of each island's flora and fauna and contributed to the present close relationships of their biota (Department of Geography 1998).

Changes in Lanai's ecosystem began with the arrival of the first Polynesians about 1,500 years ago. In the 1800s, goats (

Capra hircus

) and sheep (

Ovis aries

) were first introduced to the island. Native vegetation was soon decimated by these non-native ungulates, and erosion from wind and rain caused further damage to the native forests. Formal ranching was begun in 1902, and by 1910, the Territory forester helped to revegetate the island. By 1911, a ranch manager from New Zealand, George Munro, instituted a forest management practice to recover the native forests and bird species which included fencing and eradication of sheep and goats from the mountains. By the 1920s, Castle and Cooke had acquired more than 98 percent of the island and established a 6,500 ha (16,000 ac) pineapple plantation

surrounding its company town, Lanai City. In the early 1990s, the pineapple plantation closed, and luxury hotels were developed by the private landowner, sustaining the island's economy today (Hobdy 1993).

There are no military installations on the island of Lanai.

Discussion of Plant Taxa

Species Endemic to Lanai

Abutilon eremitopetalum (NCN)

Abutilon eremitopetalum

is a long-lived shrub in the mallow family (Malvaceae) with grayish-green, densely hairy, and heart-shaped leaves. It is the only

Abutilon

on Lanai whose flowers have green petals hidden within the calyx (the outside leaf-like part of the flower) (Bates 1999).

Abutilon eremitopetalum

is known to flower during February. Little else is known about the life history of

Abutilon eremitopetalum.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1995).

Historically,

Abutilon eremitopetalum

was found in small, widely scattered colonies in the ahupuaa (geographical areas) of Kalulu, Mahana, Maunalei, Mamaki, and Paawili on the northern, northeastern, and eastern parts of Lanai. Currently, about seven individuals are known from a single population on privately owned land in Kahea Gulch on the northeastern part of the island (Caum 1933; Hawaii Natural Heritage Program (HINHP) Database 2000; Service 1995; Geographic Decision Systems International (GDSI) 2000).

Abutilon eremitopetalum

is found in lowland dry forest at elevations between 108 and 660 m (354 and 2,165 ft), on a moderately steep north-facing slope on red sandy soil and rock.

Erythrina sandwicensis

(wili wili) and

Diospyros sandwichensis

(lama) are the dominant trees in open forest of the area. Other associated native species include

Psydrax odoratum

(alahee),

Dodonaea viscosa

(aalii),

Nesoluma polynesicum

(keahi),

Rauvolfia sandwicensis

(hao),

Sida fallax

(ilima), and

Wikstroemia

sp. (akia) (Service 1995; HINHP Database 2000).

The threats to

Abutilon eremitopetalum

are habitat degradation and competition by encroaching alien plant species such as

Lantana camara

(lantana),

Leucaena leucocephala

(koa haole), and

Pluchea carolinensis

(sourbush); browsing by axis deer (

Axis axis

); soil erosion caused by feral ungulate grazing on grasses and forbs; and the small number of extant individuals, as the limited gene pool may depress reproductive vigor, or a single natural or man-caused environmental disturbance could destroy the only known existing population. Fire is another potential threat because the area is dry much of the year (HINHP Database 2000; 56 FR 47686; Service 1995).

Cyanea macrostegia ssp. gibsonii (NCN)

Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii,

a long-lived perennial and a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), is a palm-like tree 1 to 7 m (3 to 23 ft) tall with elliptic or oblong leaves that have fine hairs covering the lower surface. The following combination of characters separates this taxon from the other members of the genus on Lanai: calyx lobes are oblong, narrowly oblong, or ovate in shape; and the calyx and corolla (petals of a flower) are both more than 0.5 centimeters (cm) (0.2 in) wide (Lammers 1999; 56 FR 47686).

Limited observations suggest

Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii

flowers during the month of July. Pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity of plants and seeds, specific environmental requirements, and other limiting factors are unknown (Service 1995).

Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii

has been is documented from the summit of Lanaihale and the upper parts of Mahana, Kaiholena, and Maunalei Valleys of Lanai. There are currently only two populations containing 74 individuals. One population is located north of Lanaihale and the second population is north of Puu aalii on privately owned land (Lammers 1999; 56 FR 47686; GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000).

The habitat of

Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii

is lowland wet

Metrosideros polymorpha

(ohia) forest or

Diplopterygium pinnatum

(uluhe lau nui)-

Metrosideros polymorpha

shrubland between elevations of 738 and 1,032 m (2,421 and 3,385 ft). It has been observed to grow on flat to moderate or steep slopes, usually on lower gulch slopes or gulch bottoms, often at edges of streambanks, probably due to vulnerability to ungulate damage at more accessible locations. Associated vegetation includes

Dicranopteris linearis

(uluhe),

Perrottetia sandwicensis

(olomea),

Scaevola chamissoniana

(naupaka kuahiwi),

Pipturus albidus

(mamaki),

Antidesma platyphyllum

(hame),

Cheirodendron trigynum

(olapa),

Freycinetia arborea

(ieie),

Psychotria

sp. (kopiko),

Cyrtandra

sp. (haiwale),

Broussaisia arguta

(kanawao),

Clermontia

sp. (oha wai),

Dubautia

sp. (naenae),

Hedyotis

sp. (NCN),

Ilex anomala

(kawau),

Labordia

sp. (kamakahala),

Melicope

sp. (alani),

Pneumatopteris sandwicensis

(NCN), and

Sadleria

sp. (amau) (Service 1995; HINHP Database 2000; Joel Lau, Hawaii Natural Heritage Program, pers. comm., 2001).

The threats to

Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii

are browsing by deer; competition with the alien plant

Hedychium gardnerianum

(kahili ginger); and the small number of extant individuals, as the limited gene pool may depress reproductive vigor, or any natural or man-caused environmental disturbance could destroy the existing populations (HINHP Database 2000; Service 1995; 56 FR 47686).

Gahnia lanaiensis (NCN)

Gahnia lanaiensis,

a short-lived perennial and a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae), is a tall (1.5 to 3 m (5 to 10 ft)), tufted, grass-like plant. This sedge may be distinguished from grasses and other genera of sedges on Lanai by its spirally arranged flowers, its solid stems, and its numerous, three-ranked leaves.

Gahnia lanaiensis

differs from the other members of the genus on the island by its achenes (seed-like fruits), which are 0.36 to 0.46 cm (0.14 to 0.18 in) long and purplish-black when mature (Koyama 1999).

July has been described as the “end of the flowering season” for

Gahnia lanaiensis.

Plants of this species have been observed with fruit in October. Pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity of plants and seeds, specific environmental requirements, and other limiting factors are unknown (Degener

et al.,

1964; 56 FR 47686).

Gahnia lanaiensis

is known from one population containing 47 individuals on privately owned land along the summit of Lanaihale in the Haalelepaakai area and on the eastern edge of Hauola Gulch. The population is found between 915 and 1,030 m (3,000 and 3,380 ft) in elevation. This distribution encompasses the entire known historic range of the species (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000).

The habitat of

Gahnia lanaiensis

is lowland wet forest (shrubby rainforest to open scrubby fog belt or degraded lowland mesic forest), wet

Diplopterygium pinnatum-Dicranopteris linearis-Metrosideros polymorpha

shrubland, or wet

Metrosideros polymorpha-Dicranopteris linearis

shrubland at elevations between 737 and 1,032 m (2,417 and 3,385 ft). It occurs on flat to gentle ridgecrest topography in moist to wet clay or other soil substrate in open areas or in moderate shade. Associated species include native mat ferns,

Doodia

sp.

(okupukupu laulii),

Odontosoria chinensis

(palaa),

Ilex anomala

(kawau),

Hedyotis terminalis

(manono),

Sadleria

spp. (amau),

Coprosma

sp. (pilo),

Lycopodium

sp. (wawaeiole),

Scaevola

sp. (naupaka), and

Styphelia tameiameiae

(pukiawe) (Service 1995).

The primary threats to this species are the small number of plants and their restricted distribution, which increase the potential for extinction from naturally occurring events. In addition,

Gahnia lanaiensis

is threatened by habitat destruction resulting from the planned development of the island, and competition with

Leptospermum scoparium

(manuka), a weedy tree introduced from New Zealand, which is spreading along Lanaihale, but has not yet reached the area where

Gahnia

is found (Service 1995; HINHP Database 2000).

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi (kopa)

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi,

a short-lived perennial and a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae), is a few-branched subshrub from 60 to 600 cm (24 to 240 in) long, with weakly erect or climbing stems that may be somewhat square, smooth, and glaucous (with a fine waxy coating that imparts a whitish or bluish hue to the stem). The species is distinguished from others in the genus by the distance between leaves and the length of the sprawling or climbing stems, and the variety

remyi

is distinguished from

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

schlechtendahliana

by the leaf shape, presence of narrow flowering stalks, and flower color (Wagner

et al.,

1999).

Pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity of plants and seeds, specific environmental requirements, and other limiting factors are unknown for

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi

(Service 2001).

Historically,

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi

was known from five locations on the northwestern portion of Lanaihale. Currently, this species is known from eight individuals in two populations on privately owned land on Kaiholeha-Hulupoe Ridge, Kapohaku drainage, and Waiapaa drainage on Lanaihale (64 FR 48307; GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000).

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi

typically grows on or near ridge crests in mesic windswept shrubland with a mixture of dominant plant species that may include

Metrosideros polymorpha, Dicranopteris linearis,

or

Styphelia tameiameiae

at elevations between 558 and 1,032 m (1,830 and 3,385 ft). Associated plant species include

Dodonaea viscosa, Odontosoria chinensis, Sadleria

spp.,

Dubautia

spp., and

Myrsine

sp. (kolea) (HINHP Database 2000; 64 FR 48307).

The primary threats to

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi

are habitat degradation and destruction by axis deer; competition with alien plant species, such as

Psidium cattleianum

(strawberry guava),

Myrica faya

(firetree),

Leptospermum scoparium,

and

Schinus terebinthifolius

(christmasberry); and random environmental events or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of remaining individuals and populations (HINHP Database 2000; 64 FR 48307).

Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis (kamakahala)

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis,

a short-lived perennial in the logan family (Loganiaceae), is an erect shrub or small tree 1.2 to 15 m (4 to 49 ft) tall. The stems branch regularly into two forks of nearly equal size. This subspecies differs from the other species in this endemic Hawaiian genus by having larger capsules (a dry, generally many seeded fruit) and smaller corollas (petals, whorl of flower parts) (Wagner

et al.,

1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 2001).

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis

was historically known from the entire length of the summit ridge of Lanaihale. Currently,

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis

is known from only one population on privately owned land at the southeastern end of the summit ridge of Lanaihale. This population totals 300 to 800 scattered individuals (HINHP Database 2000; GDSI 2000; Service 2001).

The typical habitat of

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis

is gulch slopes in lowland mesic forest. Associated native species include

Diospyros sandwicensis, Bobea elatior

(ahakea launui),

Myrsine lessertiana

(kolea),

Pipturus albidus, Pittosporum confertiflorum

(hoawa),

Pleomele fernaldii

(hala pepe),

Sadleria cyatheoides, Scaevola chamissoniana, Xylosma hawaiiense

(maua),

Cyrtandra grayii

(haiwale) and

Cyrtandra grayana

(haiwale),

Diplopterygium pinnatum, Hedyotis acuminata

(au),

Clermontia

spp.,

Alyxia oliviformis

(maile),

Coprosma

spp.,

Dicranopteris linearis, Freycinetia arborea, Melicope

spp.,

Perrottetia sandwicensis, Pouteria sandwicensis

(alaa), and

Psychotria

spp.,

Dicranopteris linearis,

and

Scaevola chamissoniana,

at elevations between 558 and 1,013 m (1,830 and 3,323 ft) (HINHP Database 2000; 64 FR 48307; Service 2001).

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis

is threatened by axis deer and several alien plant species. The species is also threatened by random environmental factors because of the small population (64 FR 48307; Service 2001).

Phyllostegia glabra var. lanaiensis (NCN)

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

is a robust, erect to decumbent (reclining, with the end ascending), glabrous, short-lived perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its leaves are thin, narrow, lance-shaped, 8 to 24 cm (3.2 to 9.5 in) long and 1.6 to 2.5 cm (0.63 to 0.98 in) wide, often red-tinged or with red veins, and toothed at the edges. The flowers are in clusters of six to ten per leaf axil, mostly at the ends of branches. The flowers are white, occasionally tinged with purple, and are variable in size, about 1 to 2.5 cm (0.39 to 0.98 in) long. The fruit consists of four small, fleshy nutlets. This variety is very similar to

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

glabra;

it may be difficult to differentiate between the two species without flowers (Wagner

et al.,

1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1995).

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

is known from only two collections from Lanai (one near Kaiholena) and was last collected in 1914 (two fertile specimens). A report of this plant from the early 1980s probably was erroneous and should be referred to as

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

glabra

(Robert Hobdy, DOFAW, pers. comm., 1992; Service 1995).

Nothing is known of the preferred habitat of or native plant species associated with

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

on the island of Lanai (Service 1995).

Nothing is known of the threats to

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

on the island of Lanai (Service 1995).

Viola lanaiensis (NCN)

Viola lanaiensis,

a short-lived perennial of the violet family (Violaceae), is a small, erect, unbranched or little-branched subshrub. The leaves, which are clustered toward the upper part of the stem, are lance-shaped with a pair of narrow,

membranous stipules (leaf-like appendages arising from the base of a leaf) below each leaf axis. The flowers are small and white with purple tinged or purple veins, and occur singly or up to four per upper leaf axil. The fruit is a capsule, about 1.0 to 1.3 cm (0.4 to 0.5 in) long. It is the only member of the genus on Lanai (Wagner

et al.,

1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Viola lanaiensis.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1995).

Viola lanaiensis

was known historically from scattered sites on the summit, ridges, and upper slopes of Lanaihale (from near the head of Kaiolena and Hookio Gulches to the vicinity of Haalelepaakai, a distance of about 4 km (2.5 mi), at elevations of approximately 850 to 975 m (2,790 to 3,200 ft). An occurrence of

V. lanaiensis

was known in the late 1970s along the summit road near the head of Waialala Gulch where a population of approximately 20 individuals flourished. That population has since disappeared due to habitat disturbance. Two populations are currently known from privately owned land on southern Lanai: in Kunoa Gulch; between Kunoa and Waialala Gulches; in the upper end of the northernmost drainage of Awehi Gulch; in Hauola Gulch; and along Hauola Trail. It is estimated that the populations total less than 500 plants (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000).

The habitat of

Viola lanaiensis

is

Metrosideros polymorpha-Dicranopteris linearis

lowland wet forest or lowland mesic shrubland. It has been observed on moderate to steep slopes from lower gulches to ridgetops, at elevations between 639 and 1,032 m (2,096 and 3,385 ft), with a soil and decomposed rock substrate in open to shaded areas. It was once observed growing from crevices in drier soil on a mostly open rock area near a recent landslide. Associated vegetation includes ferns and short windswept shrubs or other diverse mesic community members, such as

Scaevola chamissoniana, Hedyotis terminalis, Hedyotis centranthoides

(NCN),

Styphelia tameiameiae, Carex

sp. (NCN),

Ilex anomala, Psychotria

spp.,

Antidesma

spp. (hame),

Coprosma

spp.,

Freycinetia arborea, Myrsine

spp.,

Nestegis

sp. (olopua),

Psychotria

spp., and Xylosma sp. (maua) (Service 1995; 56 FR 47686).

The main threats to

Viola lanaiensis

include browsing and habitat disturbance by axis deer; encroaching alien plant species, such as

Leptospermum

sp. (NCN); depressed reproductive vigor due to a limited local gene pool; the probable loss of appropriate pollinators; and predation by slugs (Midax gigetes) (Service 1995; 56 FR 47686).

Multi-Island Species

Adenophorus periens (pendent kihi fern)

Adenophorus periens,

a member of the grammitis family (Grammitidaceae), is a small, pendant, epiphytic (not rooted on the ground), and short-lived perennial fern. This species differs from other species in this endemic Hawaiian genus by having hairs along the pinna (a leaflet) margins, pinnae at right angles to the midrib axis, placement of the sori on the pinnae, and by the degree of dissection of each pinna (Linney 1989).

Little is known about the life history of

Adenophorus periens,

which seems to grow only in closed canopy dense forest with high humidity. Its breeding system is unknown, but outbreeding is very likely to be the predominant mode of reproduction. Spores may be dispersed by wind, water, or perhaps on the feet of birds or insects. Spores lack a thick resistant coat, which may indicate their longevity is brief, probably measured in days at most. Due to the weak differences between the seasons, there seems to be no evidence of seasonality in growth or reproduction. Additional information on reproductive cycles, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors is not known (Linney 1989; Service 1999).

Historically,

Adenophorus periens

was known from Kauai, Oahu, and the island of Hawaii, with undocumented reports from Lanai and Maui. Currently, it is known from several locations on Kauai, Molokai, and Hawaii. On Lanai, it was last seen in the 1860s (59 FR 56333; GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; Service 1999).

This species, an epiphyte (a plant that derives moisture and nutrients from the air and rain) usually growing on

Metrosideros polymorpha

trunks, is found in riparian banks of stream systems in well-developed, closed canopy that provides deep shade or high humidity in

Metrosideros polymorpha-Dicranopteris linearis-Diplopterygium pinnatum

wet forests, open

Metrosideros polymorpha

montane wet forest, or

Metrosideros polymorpha-Dicranopteris linearis

lowland wet forest at elevations between 763 and 1,032 m (2,503 and 3,385 ft). Associated native plant species include

Machaerina angustifolia

(uki),

Cheirodendron trigynum, Sadleria

spp.,

Clermontia

spp.,

Psychotria

spp.,

Melicope

spp.,

Freycinetia arborea, Broussaisia arguta, Syzygium sandwicensis

(ohia ha), and

Hedyotis terminalis

(59 FR 56333; Linney 1989; Kennith Wood, National Tropical Botanical Garden, pers. comm., 2001; Service 1999).

Nothing is known of the threats to

Adenophorus periens

on the island of Lanai because the species was last seen there in the 1860s.

Bidens micrantha ssp. kalealaha (kookoolau)

Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha,

a short-lived member of the aster family (Asteraceae), is an erect perennial herb. This subspecies can be distinguished from other subspecies by the shape of the seeds, the density of the flower clusters, the numbers of ray and disk florets per head, differences in leaf surfaces, and other characteristics (57 FR 20772; Ganders and Nagata 1999).

Bidens micrantha

is known to hybridize with other native

Bidens,

such as

B. mauiensis

and

B. menziesii,

and possibly

B. conjuncta.

Little else is known about the life history of

Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha.

Flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, and specific environmental requirements are unknown (Ganders and Nagata 1999; Service 1997; 57 FR 20772).

Historically,

Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha

was known from Lanai and Maui. Currently, this taxon remains only on East Maui. It was last seen on Lanai in the 1960s (Ganders and Nagata 1999; HINHP Database 2000; Service 1997; 57 FR 20772; GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000).

The habitat of

Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha

is gulch slopes in dry

Dodonaea viscosa

shrubland at elevations between 409 and 771 m (1,342 and 2,529 ft) (J. Lau, pers. comm., 2001).

The threats to this species on Lanai included habitat destruction by feral goats, pigs, and deer; competition from a variety of alien plant species; and fire (Service 1997; 57 FR 20772).

Bonamia menziesii (NCN)

Bonamia menziesii,

a short-lived perennial and a member of the morning-glory family (Convolvulaceae), is a vine with twining branches that are fuzzy when young. This species is the only member of the genus that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and differs from other genera in the family by its two styles (narrowed top of ovary), longer stems and petioles (a stalk that supports a leaf), and rounder leaves (Austin 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Bonamia menziesii.

Its flowering

cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999).

Historically,

Bonamia menziesii

was known from Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, West Maui, and Hawaii. Currently, this species is known from Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, and Lanai. On Lanai, the three populations, containing a total of 14 individual plants, are found on privately owned land in the Ahakea and Kanepuu Units of Kanepuu Preserve, and on Puhielelu Ridge (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000).

Bonamia menziesii

is found in dry

Nestegis sandwicensis-Diospyros

sp. (lama) forest and dry

Dodonea viscosa

shrubland at elevations between 315 and 885 m (1,033 and 2,903 ft). Associated species include

Bobea

sp. (ahakea),

Nesoluma polynesicum, Erythrina sandwicensis, Rauvolfia sandwicensis, Metrosideros polymorpha, Psydrax odoratum, Dienella sandwicensis

(uki uki),

Diospyros sandwicensis

(lama),

Hedyotis terminalis, Melicope

sp.,

Myoporum sandwicense

(naio),

Nestegis sandwicensis

(olopua),

Pisonia

sp. (papala kepau),

Pittosporum

sp. (hoawa),

Pouteria sandwicensis,

and

Sapindus oahuensis

(lonomea) (HINHP Database 2000; 59 FR 56333).

The primary threats to this species on Lanai are habitat degradation and possible predation by feral pigs, goats, and axis deer; competition with a variety of alien plant species, such as

Lantana camara, Leucaena leucocephala

and

Schinus terebinthifolius;

and an alien beetle (

Physomerus grossipes

) (Service 1999; 59 FR 56333).

Brighamia rockii (pua ala)

Brighamia rockii,

a long-lived perennial member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), grows as an unbranched stem succulent with a thickened stem that tapers from the base. This species is a member of a unique endemic Hawaiian genus with only one other species, found on Kauai, from which it differs by the color of its petals, its longer calyx (fused sepals) lobes, and its shorter flower stalks (Lammers 1999).

Observations of

Brighamia rockii

have provided the following information: the reproductive system is protandrous, meaning there is a temporal separation between the production of male and female gametes, in this case a separation of several days; only 5 percent of the flowers produce pollen; very few fruits are produced per inflorescence; there are 20 to 60 seeds per capsule; and plants in cultivation have been known to flower at nine months. This species was observed in flower during August. Little else is known about the life history of

Brighamia rockii.

Flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (HINHP Database 2000; Service 1996b; 57 FR 46325).

Historically,

Brighamia rockii

ranged along the northern coast of East Molokai from Kalaupapa to Halawa and may possibly have grown on Maui, and it was last seen on Lanai in 1911 (Lammers 1999; HINHP Database 2000; K. Wood,

in litt.

2000; Service 1996b; 57 FR 46325). Currently, it is extant only on Molokai.

On Lanai,

Brighamia rockii

occurred on sparsely vegetated ledges of steep, rocky, dry cliffs, at elevations between 119 and 756 m (390 and 2,480 ft) with native grasses, sedges, herbs and shrubs (J. Lau, pers. comm., 2001; Service 1996b; 57 FR 46325).

Threats to

Brighamia rockii

on the island of Lanai included habitat destruction from deer and goats, and competition with alien plants (Service 1996b).

Cenchrus agrimonioides (kamanomano (= sandbur, agrimony))

Cenchrus agrimonioides

is a short-lived perennial member of the grass family (Poaceae) with leaf blades that are flat or folded and have a prominent midrib. There are two varieties,

Cenchrus agrimonioides

var.

laysanensis

and

Cenchrus agrimonioides

var.

agrimonioides.

They differ from each other in that var.

agrimonioides

has smaller burs, shorter stems, and narrower leaves. This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the cylindrical to lance-shaped bur and the arrangement and position of the bristles (O'Connor 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Cenchrus agrimonioides.

Flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown. This species has been observed to produce fruit year round (Service 1999; 61 FR 53108).

Historically,

Cenchrus agrimonioides

var.

agrimonioides

was known from Oahu, Lanai, Maui, and an undocumented report from the Island of Hawaii. Historically,

C. agrimonioides

var.

laysanensis

was known from Laysan, Kure, and Midway, all within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This variety has not been seen since 1973. Currently,

Cenchrus agrimonioides

var.

agrimonioides

is known from Oahu and Maui. On Lanai it was last seen in 1915 (Service 1999; 61 FR 53108; HINHP Database 2000).

Cenchrus agrimonioides

var.

agrimonioides

was found on slopes in mesic

Metrosideros polymorpha

forest and shrubland at elevations between 583 and 878 m (1,912 and 2,880 ft) (Service 1999; 61 FR 53108; HINHP Database 2000; R. Hobdy

et al.,

pers. comm., 2001).

The major threats to

Cenchrus agrimonioides

var.

agrimonioides

on Lanai included competition with alien plant species, and browsing and habitat degradation by goats and cattle (

Bos taurus

) (Service 1999; 61 FR 53108).

Centaurium sebaeoides (awiwi)

Centaurium sebaeoides

, a member of the gentian family (Gentianaceae), is an annual herb with fleshy leaves and stalkless flowers. This species is distinguished from

Centaurium erythraea

, which is naturalized in Hawaii, by its fleshy leaves and the unbranched arrangement of the flower cluster (Wagner

et al

., 1999).

Centaurium sebaeoides

has been observed flowering in April. Flowering may be induced by heavy rainfall. Populations are found in dry areas, and plants are more likely to be found following heavy rains. Little else is known about the life history of

Centaurium sebaeoides

. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999).

Centaurium sebaeoides

was historically and is currently known from Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. On Lanai, there is one population containing between 20 and 30 individual plants in Maunalei Valley on privately owned land (HINHP Database 2000).

This species is found on dry ledges at elevations between 39 and 331 m (128 and 1,086 ft). Associated species include

Hibiscus brackenridgei

(HINHP Database 2000).

The major threats to this species on Lanai are competition from alien plant species, depressed reproductive vigor, and natural or human-caused environmental disturbance that could easily be catastrophic to the only known population due to the small number of remaining individuals and the limited and scattered distribution of the species (Service 1999; HINHP Database 2000).

Clermontia oblongifolia ssp. mauiensis (oha wai)

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis

, a short-lived perennial and a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), is a shrub or tree with oblong to lance-shaped leaves on leaf stalks (petioles).

Clermontia oblongifolia

is distinguished from other members of the genus by its calyx and corolla, which are similar in color and are each fused into a curved tube that falls off as the flower ages. The species is also distinguished by the leaf shape, the male floral parts, the shape of the flower buds, and the lengths of the leaf and flower stalks, the flower, and the smooth green basal portion of the flower (the hypanthium).

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis

is reported from Maui and Lanai, while

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

oblongifolia

is only known from Oahu, and

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes

is only known from Molokai (Lammers 1988, 1999; 57 FR 20772).

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis

is known to flower from November to July. Little else is known about the life history of

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis

. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1997; Rock 1919).

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis

was historically and is currently known from Lanai and Maui. On Lanai, an unknown number of individuals are reported from Kaiholena Gulch on privately owned land (Lammers 1999; 57 FR 20772; HINHP Database 2000).

This plant typically grows in gulch bottoms in mesic forests at elevations between 700 and 1,032 m (2,296 and 3,385 ft) (HINHP Database 2000).

The threats to this species on Lanai are its vulnerability to extinction from a single natural or human-caused environmental disturbance; depressed reproductive vigor; and habitat degradation by feral pigs (57 FR 20772; Service 1997).

Ctenitis squamigera (pauoa)

Ctenitis squamigera

is a short-lived perennial and a member of the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae). It has a rhizome (horizontal stem), creeping above the ground and densely covered with scales similar to those on the lower part of the leaf stalk. It can be readily distinguished from other Hawaiian species of

Ctenitis

by the dense covering of tan-colored scales on its frond (Wagner and Wagner 1992).

Little is known about the life history of

Ctenitis squamigera.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1998a).

Historically,

Ctenitis squamigera

was recorded from Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Lanai, and the island of Hawaii. Currently, it is found on Oahu, Lanai, Maui, and Molokai. On Lanai, there are two populations totaling 42 individual plants on privately owned land in the Waiapaa-Kapohaku area on the leeward side of the island, and in the Lopa and Waiopa Gulches on the windward side (59 FR 49025; GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000).

This species is found in the forest understory at elevations between 640 and 944 m (2,099 and 3,096 ft) in diverse mesic forest and scrubby mixed mesic forest (HINHP Database 2000). Associated native plant species include

Nestegis sandwicensis, Coprosma

spp.,

Sadleria

spp.,

Selaginella

sp. (lepelepe a moa),

Carex meyenii

(NCN),

Blechnum occidentale

(NCN),

Pipturus

spp.,

Melicope

spp.,

Pneumatopteris sandwicensis, Pittosporum

spp.,

Alyxia oliviformis, Freycinetia arborea, Antidesma

spp.,

Cyrtandra

spp.,

Peperomia

sp. (ala ala wai nui),

Myrsine

spp.,

Psychotria

spp.,

Metrosideros polymorpha, Syzygium sandwicensis, Wikstroemia

spp.,

Microlepia

sp. (NCN),

Doodia

spp.,

Boehmeria grandis

(akolea),

Nephrolepis

sp. (kupukupu),

Perrotettia sandwicensis

, and

Xylosma

sp. (HINHP Database 2000, 59 FR 49025).

The primary threats to this species on Lanai are habitat degradation by feral pigs, goats, and axis deer; competition with alien plant species, especially Psidium cattleianum and

Schinus terebinthifolius;

fire; decreased reproductive vigor; and extinction from naturally occurring events due to the small number of existing populations and individuals (Service 1998a; Culliney 1988; HINHP Database 2000; 59 FR 49025).

Cyanea grimesiana ssp. grimesiana (haha)

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

, a short-lived perennial and a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), is a shrub with pinnately divided leaves. This species is distinguished from others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the pinnately lobed leaf margins and the width of the leaf blades. This subspecies is distinguished from the other two subspecies by the shape and size of the calyx lobes, which overlap at the base (Lammers 1999).

On Molokai, flowering plants have been reported in July and August. Little else is known about the life history of

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999).

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

was historically and is currently known from Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. Currently, on Lanai there are two populations with at least three individuals on privately owned land in Kaiholena Gulch and Waiakeakua Gulch (61 FR 53108; Service 1999; HINHP Database 2000).

This species is typically found in mesic forest often dominated by

Metrosideros polymorpha

or

Metrosideros polymorpha

and

Acacia koa

(koa), or on rocky or steep slopes of stream banks, at elevations between 667 and 1,032 m (2,188 and 3,385 ft). Associated plants include

Antidesma

spp.,

Bobea

spp.,

Myrsine

spp.,

Nestegis sandwicensis, Psychotria

spp., and

Xylosma

sp. (61 FR 53108; Service 1999).

The threats to this species on Lanai are habitat degradation and/or destruction caused by feral axis deer, goats, and pigs; competition with various alien plants; randomly naturally occurring events causing extinction due to the small number of existing individuals; fire; landslides; and predation by rats (Rattus rattus) and various slugs (59 FR 53108; Service 1999).

Cyanea lobata (haha)

Cyanea lobata,

a short-lived member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), is a sparingly branched perennial shrub with smooth to somewhat rough stems and oblong, irregularly lobed leaves. This species is distinguished from other species of

Cyanea

by the size of the flower and the irregularly lobed leaves with petioles (Lammers 1990).

Cyanea lobata

is known to flower from August to February, even in individuals as small as 50 cm (20 in) in height. Little else is known about the life history of

Cyanea lobata

. Flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Rock 1919; Degener 1936; Service 1997; 57 FR 20772).

Historically,

Cyanea lobata

was known from Lanai and West Maui. It was last seen on Lanai in 1934 (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; Service 1997; 57 FR 20772).

This species occurs in gulches in mesic to wet forest and shrubland at elevations between 664 and 1,032 m (2,178 and 3,385 ft) and containing one or more of the following associated native plant species:

Freycinetia arborea, Touchardia latifolia

(olona),

Morinda trimera

(noni kuahiwi),

Metrosideros polymorpha, Clermontia kakeana

(oha wai),

Cyrtandra

spp.,

Xylosma

spp.,

Psychotria

spp.,

Antidesma

spp.,

Pipturus albidus, Peperomia

spp.,

Pleomele

spp. (halapepe), and

Athyrium

spp. (akolea) (J. Lau, pers. comm., 2001; Service 1997; 57 FR 20772; HINHP Database 2000; R. Hobdy

et al

., pers. comm., 2001).

The threats to this species on Lanai included habitat degradation by feral pigs (Service 1997; 57 FR 20772).

Cyperus trachysanthos (puukaa)

Cyperus trachysanthos

, a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae), is a short-lived perennial grass-like plant with a short rhizome. The culms are densely tufted, obtusely triangular in cross section, tall, sticky, and leafy at the base. This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the short rhizome, the leaf sheath with partitions at the nodes, the shape of the glumes, and the length of the culms (Koyama 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Cyperus trachysanthos.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999).

Historically,

Cyperus trachysanthos

was known on Niihau and Kauai, and from scattered locations on Oahu, Molokai, and Lanai. Currently it is found on Kauai, Niihau and Oahu. It was last observed on Lanai in 1919 (HINHP Database 2000; GDSI 2000).

Cyperus trachysanthos

is usually found in seasonally wet sites (mud flats, wet clay soil, or wet cliff seeps) on seepy flats or talus slopes in

Heteropogon contortus

(pili) grassland at elevations between 0 and 46 m (0 and 151 ft).

Hibiscus tiliaceus

(hau) is often found in association with this species (J. Lau, pers. comm., 2001; 61 FR 53108; Koyama 1999; K. Wood, pers. comm., 2001).

On Lanai, the threats to this species included the loss of wetlands (61 FR 53108; Service 1999).

Cyrtandra munroi (haiwale)

Cyrtandra munroi

is a short-lived perennial and a member of the African violet family (Gesneriaceae). It is a shrub with opposite, elliptic to almost circular leaves that are sparsely to moderately hairy on the upper surface and covered with velvety, rust-colored hairs underneath. This species is distinguished from other species of the genus by the broad opposite leaves, the length of the flower cluster stalks, the size of the flowers, and the amount of hair on various parts of the plant (Wagner

et

al., 1999).

Some work has been done on the reproductive biology of some species of

Cyrtandra

, but not on

Cyrtandra munroi

specifically. These studies of other members of the genus suggest that a specific pollinator may be necessary for successful pollination. Seed dispersal may be via birds, which eat the fruits. Flowering time, longevity of plants and seeds, specific environmental requirements, and other limiting factors are unknown (Service 1995).

Cyrtandra munroi

was historically and is currently known from Lanai and Maui. Currently, on Lanai there are a total of two populations containing 17 individuals on privately owned land in the Kapohaku/Waiapaa area, and in the gulch between Kunoa and Waialala gulches (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000).

The habitat of this species is diverse mesic forest, wet

Metrosideros polymorpha

forest, and mixed mesic

Metrosideros polymorpha

forest, typically on rich, moderately steep gulch slopes at elevations between 667 and 1,016 m (2,188 and 3,332 ft). It occurs on soil and rock substrates on slopes from watercourses in gulch bottoms and up the sides of gulch slopes to near ridgetops. Associated native species include,

Diospyros sandwicensis, Bobea elatior, Myrsine lessertiana, Pipturus albidus, Pittosporum confertiflorum, Pleomele fernaldii, Sadleria cyatheoides, Scaevola chamissoniana, Xylosma hawaiiense, Cyrtandra grayii, Cyrtandra grayana Diplopterygium pinnatum, Hedyotis acuminata

(au),

Clermontia

spp.,

Alyxia oliviformis, Coprosma

spp.,

Dicranopteris linearis, Freycinetia arborea, Melicope

spp.,

Perrottetia sandwicensis, Pouteria sandwicensis

, and

Psychotria

spp. (HINHP Database 2000; Service 1995).

The threats to this species on Lanai are browsing and habitat disturbance by axis deer; competition with the alien plant species

Psidium cattleianum, Myrica faya, Leptospermum scoparium, Pluchea symphytifolia

(sourbush),

Melinis minutiflora

(molasses grass),

Rubus rosifolius

(thimbleberry), and

Paspalum conjugatum

(Hilo grass); depressed reproductive vigor; and loss of appropriate pollinators (Service 1995; 57 FR 20772).

Diellia erecta (NCN)

Diellia erecta

, a short-lived perennial fern in the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae), grows in tufts of three to nine lance-shaped fronds emerging from a rhizome covered with brown to dark gray scales. This species differs from other members of the genus in having large brown or dark gray scales, fused or separate sori along both margins, shiny black midribs that have a hardened surface, and veins that do not usually encircle the sori (Degener and Greenwell 1950; Wagner 1952).

Little is known about the life history of

Diellia erecta

. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999).

Historically,

Diellia erecta

was known on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. Currently, it is known from Molokai, Maui, Oahu, and the island of Hawaii and was recently rediscovered on Kauai. On Lanai it was last seen in 1929 (Service 1999; HINHP Database 2000).

This species is found in brown granular soil with leaf litter and occasional terrestrial moss on north facing slopes in deep shade on steep slopes or gulch bottoms in

Pisonia

spp. forest at elevations between 651 and 955 m (2,135 and 3,132 ft). Associated native plant species include native grasses and ferns (J. Lau, pers. comm., 2001; Service 1999; HINHP Database 2000; K. Wood, pers. comm., 2001).

The major threats to

Diellia erecta

on Lanai included habitat degradation by pigs and goats, and competition with alien plant species (59 FR 56333; Service 1999).

Diplazium molokaiense (asplenium-leaved asplenium)

Diplazium molokaiense

, a short-lived perennial member of the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae), has a short prostrate rhizome and green or straw-colored leaf stalks with thin-textured fronds. This species can be distinguished from other species of

Diplazium

in the Hawaiian Islands by a combination of characteristics, including venation pattern, the length and arrangement of the sori, frond shape, and the degree of dissection of the frond (Wagner and Wagner 1992).

Little is known about the life history of

Diplazium molokaiense

. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1998a).

Historically,

Diplazium molokaiense

was found on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. Currently, this species is known only from Maui. It was last seen on Lanai in 1914 (HINHP Database 2000).

This species occurs in shady, damp places in wet forests at elevations between 737 and 1,032 m (2,417 and 3,385 ft) (J. Lau, pers. comm., 2001; Service 1998a; HINHP Database 2000).

The primary threats to

Diplazium molokaiense

on Lanai included habitat degradation by feral goats and pigs and competition with alien plant species (59 FR 49025; Service 1998a; HINHP Database 2000).

Hedyotis mannii (pilo)

Hedyotis mannii

is a short-lived perennial and a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae). It has smooth, usually erect stems 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) long, which are woody at the base and four-angled or -winged. This species' growth habit; its quadrangular or winged stems; the shape, size, and texture of its leaves; and its dry capsule, which opens when mature, separate it from other species of the genus (Wagner

et al.

, 1999).

Little is known about the life history of this plant. Reproductive cycles, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996b).

Hedyotis mannii

was once widely scattered on Lanai, West Maui, and Molokai. After a hiatus of 50 years, this species was rediscovered in 1987 by Steve Perlman on Molokai. In addition, a population was discovered on Maui and two populations, now numbering between 35 and 40 individual plants, were discovered on Lanai in 1991 on privately owned land in Maunalei and Hauola gulches (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; Service 1996b).

Hedyotis mannii

typically grows on dark, narrow, rocky gulch walls and on steep stream banks in wet forests between 711 and 1,032 m (2,332 and 3,385 ft) in elevation. Associated plant species include

Thelypteris sandwicensis, Sadleria

spp.,

Cyrtandra grayii, Scaevola chamissoniana, Freycinetia arborea

, and

Carex meyenii

(J. Lau, pers. comm., 2001; HINHP Database 2000; Service 1996b).

The limited number of individuals of

Hedyotis mannii

makes it extremely vulnerable to extinction from random environmental events. Feral pigs and alien plants, such as

Melinis minutiflora, Psidium cattleianum

, and

Rubus rosifolius

, degrade the habitat of this species and contribute to its vulnerability (57 FR 46325).

Hesperomannia arborescens (NCN)

Hesperomannia arborescens

, a long-lived perennial of the aster family (Asteraceae), is a small shrubby tree that usually stands 1.5 to 5 m (5 to 16 ft) tall. This member of an endemic Hawaiian genus differs from other

Hesperomannia

species in having the following combination of characteristics: erect to ascending flower heads, thick flower head stalks, and usually hairless and relatively narrow leaves (Wagner

et al.

, 1999).

This species has been observed in flower from April through June and fruit during March and June. Little else is known about the life history of

Hesperomannia arborescens

. Flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1998b; 59 FR 14482).

Hesperomannia arborescens

was formerly known from Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu. This species is now known from Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. It was last seen on Lanai in 1940 (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; Service 1998b; 59 FR 14482).

Hesperomannia arborescens

is found on slopes or ridges in lowland mesic or wet forest at elevations between 737 and 1,032 m (2,417 and 3,385 ft) and containing one or more of the following associated native plant species:

Metrosideros polymorpha, Myrsine sandwicensis

(kolea),

Isachne distichophylla, Pipturus

spp.,

Antidesma

spp.,

Psychotria

spp.,

Clermontia

spp.,

Cibotium

spp. (hapuu),

Dicranopteris linearis, Bobea

spp.,

Coprosma

spp.,

Sadleria

spp.,

Melicope

spp.,

Machaerina

spp. (uki),

Cheirodendron

spp. (olapa), or

Freycinetia arborea

(HINHP Database 2000; Service 1998b; 59 FR 14482; R. Hobdy

et al.

, pers. comm., 2001).

The major threats to

Hesperomannia arborescens

on Lanai included habitat degradation by feral pigs and goats, and competition with alien plant species (Service 1998b; 59 FR 14482; HINHP Database 2000).

Hibiscus brackenridgei (mao hau hele)

Hibiscus brackenridgei

, a short-lived perennial and a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), is a sprawling to erect shrub or small tree. This species differs from other members of the genus in having the following combination of characteristics: yellow petals, a calyx consisting of triangular lobes with raised veins and a single midrib, bracts attached below the calyx, and thin stipules that fall off, leaving an elliptic scar.

Two subspecies are currently recognized,

H. brackenridgei

ssp.

brackenridgei

and

H. brackenridgei

ssp.

mokuleianus

(Bates 1999).

Hibiscus brackenridgei

is known to flower continuously from early February through late May, and intermittently at other times of year. Intermittent flowering may possibly be tied to day length. Little else is known about the life history of this plant. Pollination biology, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999).

Historically,

Hibiscus brackenridgei

was known from the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and the island of Hawaii.

Hibiscus brackenridgei

was collected from an undocumented site on Kahoolawe, though the subspecies has never been determined. Currently,

Hibiscus brackenridgei

ssp.

mokuleianus

is only known from Oahu.

Hibiscus brackenridgei

ssp.

brackenridgei

is currently known from Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. On Lanai, there are two populations containing an unknown number of individuals on privately owned land; one population is known from Keamuku Road, one from a fenced area on the dry plains of Kaena Point. Outplanted individuals that were initially planted in Kanepuu Preserve now appear to be reproducing naturally (Service 1999; GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; Wesley Wong, Jr., formerly of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife,

in litt

. 1998).

Hibiscus brackenridgei

ssp.

brackenridgei

occurs in lowland dry to mesic forest and shrubland between 0 and 645 m (0 and 2,116 ft) in elevation. Associated plant species include

Dodonea viscosa, Psydrax odoratum, Eurya sandwicensis

(anini),

Isachne distichophylla

, and

Sida fallax

(HINHP Database 2000; Service 1999).

The primary threats to

Hibiscus brackenridgei

ssp.

brackenridgei

on Lanai are habitat degradation; possible predation by pigs, goats, axis deer, and rats (

Rattus rattus

); competition with alien plant species; fire; and susceptibility to extinction caused by naturally occurring events or reduced reproductive vigor (59 FR 56333; Service 1999).

Isodendrion pyrifolium (wahine noho kula)

Isodendrion pyrifolium

, a short-lived perennial of the violet family (Violaceae), is a small, branched shrub with elliptic to lance-shaped leaf blades. The papery-textured blade is moderately hairy beneath (at least on the veins) and stalked. The petiole (stalk) is subtended

by oval, hairy stipules. Fragrant, bilaterally symmetrical flowers are solitary. The flower stalk is white-hairy, and subtended by two bracts. Bracts arise at the tip of the main flower stalk. The five sepals are lance-shaped, membranous-edged and fringed with white hairs. Five green-yellow petals are somewhat unequal, and lobed, the upper being the shortest and the lower the longest. The fruit is a three-lobed, oval capsule, which splits to release olive-colored seeds.

Isodendrion pyrifolium

is distinguished from other species in the genus by its smaller, green-yellow flowers, and hairy stipules and leaf veins (Wagner

et al.

, 1999).

During periods of drought, this species will drop all but the newest leaves. After sufficient rains, the plants produce flowers with seeds ripening one to two months later. Little else is known about the life history of

Isodendrion pyrifolium

. Flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a; 59 FR 10305).

Isodendrion pyrifolium

was historically found on six of the Hawaiian Islands: Niihau, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. Currently it is found only on the island of Hawaii. It was last seen on Lanai in 1870 (Service 1996a; 59 FR 10305; GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000).

On Lanai,

Isodendrion pyrifolium

occured in dry shrubland at elevations between 132 and 574 m (433 and 1,883 ft) with one or more of the following associated native plant species:

Dodonaea viscosa, Lipochaeta

spp. (nehe),

Heteropogon contortus

, and

Wikstroemia oahuensis

(akia) (J. Lau, pers. comm., 2001; Service 1996a; 59 FR 10305; R. Hobdy

et al.

, pers. comm., 2001).

Nothing is known of the threats to

Isodendrion pyrifolium

on the island of Lanai because the species was last seen there in 1870.

Mariscus fauriei (NCN)

Mariscus fauriei

, a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae), is a short-lived perennial plant with somewhat enlarged underground stems and three-angled, single or grouped aerial stems 10 to 50 cm (4 to 20 in) tall. It has leaves shorter than or the same length as the stems and 1 to 3.5 mm (0.04 to 0.1 in) wide. This species differs from others in the genus in Hawaii by its smaller size and its more narrow, flattened, and more spreading spikelets (Koyama 1990; 59 FR 10305).

Little is known about the life history of

Mariscus fauriei

. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (USFWS 1996a).

Historically,

Mariscus fauriei

was found on Molokai, Lanai, and the island of Hawaii. It currently occurs on Molokai and the island of Hawaii. It was last seen on Lanai in 1929 (59 FR 10305; HINHP Database 2000; GDSI 2000; Service 1996a).

Nothing is known of the preferred habitat of or native plant species associated with

Mariscus fauriei

on the island of Lanai (Service 1996a).

Nothing is known of the threats to

Mariscus fauriei

on the island of Lanai (Service 1996a).

Melicope munroi (alani)

Melicope munroi

, a long-lived perennial of the rue (citrus) family (Rutaceae), is a sprawling shrub up to 3 m (10 ft) tall. The new growth of this species is minutely hairy. This species differs from other Hawaiian members of the genus in the shape of the leaf and the length of the inflorescence (a flower cluster) stalk (Stone

et al.

, 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Melicope munroi

. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 2001).

Historically, this species was known from the Lanaihale summit ridge of Lanai and above Kamalo on Molokai. Currently,

Melicope munroi

is known only from the Lanaihale summit ridge on Lanai. There are two populations totaling an estimated 300 to 800 individuals on privately owned land on the Lanaihale summit, head of Hauola gulch, Waialala gulch, and the ridge of Waialala gulch (HINHP Database 2000; 64 FR 48307; GDSI 2000; Service 2001).

Melicope munroi

is typically found on slopes in lowland wet shrublands, at elevations of 701 and 1,032 m (2,299 and 3,385 ft). Associated native plant species include

Diplopterygium pinnatum, Dicranopteris linearis, Metrosideros polymorpha, Cheirodendron trigynum, Coprosma

spp.,

Broussaisia arguta

, other

Melicope

spp., and

Machaerina angustifolia

(HINHP Database 2000; Service 2001).

The major threats to

Melicope munroi

on Lanai are trampling, browsing, and habitat degradation by axis deer and competition with the alien plant species

Leptospermum scoparium

and

Psidium cattleianum

. Random environmental events also threaten the two remaining populations (HINHP Database 2000; 64 FR 48307; Service 2001).

Neraudia sericea (NCN)

Neraudia sericea

, a short-lived perennial member of the nettle family (Urticaceae), is a 3 to 5 m (10 to 16 ft) tall shrub with densely hairy branches. The elliptic or oval leaves have smooth margins or slightly toothed margins on young leaves. The upper leaf surface is moderately hairy and the lower leaf surface is densely covered with irregularly curved, silky gray to white hairs along the veins. The male flowers may be stalkless or have short stalks. The female flowers are stalkless and have a densely hairy calyx that is either toothed, collar-like, or divided into narrow unequal segments. The fruits are achenes with the apical section separated from the basal portion by a deep constriction. Seeds are oval with a constriction across the upper half.

N. sericea

differs from the other four closely related species of this endemic Hawaiian genus by the density, length, color, and posture of the hairs on the lower leaf surface and by its mostly entire leaf margins (Wagner

et al.

, 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Neraudia sericea

. Flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999; 59 FR 56333).

Neraudia sericea

was historically found on Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Kahoolawe. Currently, this species is extant on Molokai and Maui. It was last seen on Lanai in 1913 (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; Service 1999; 59 FR 56333).

Neraudia sericea

generally occurs in gulch slopes or gulch bottoms in dry-mesic or mesic forest at elevations between 693 and 869 m (2,273 and 2,850 ft) and containing one or more of the following associated native plant species:

Metrosideros polymorpha, Diospyros sandwicensis, Nestegis sandwicensis

, and

Dodonaea viscosa

(HINHP Database 2000; 59 FR 56333; J. Lau, pers. comm., 2001).

The primary threats to

Neraudia sericea

on Lanai included habitat degradation by feral pigs and goats, and competition with alien plant species (Service 1999; 59 FR 56333).

Portulaca sclerocarpa (poe)

Portulaca sclerocarpa

of the purslane family (Portulacaceae) is a short-lived perennial herb with a fleshy tuberous taproot, which becomes woody and has stems up to about 20 cm (8 in) long. The stalkless, succulent, grayish-green leaves are almost circular in cross-

section. Dense tufts of hairs are located in each leaf axil (point of divergence between a branch or leaf) and underneath the tight clusters of three to six stalkless flowers grouped at the ends of the stems. Sepals (one of the modified leaves comprising a flower calyx) have membranous edges and the petals are white, pink, or pink with a white base. The hardened capsules open very late or not at all, and contain glossy, dark reddish-brown seeds. This species differs from other native and naturalized species of the genus in Hawaii by its woody taproot, its narrow leaves, and the colors of its petals and seeds. Its closest relative,

P. villosa

, differs mainly in its thinner-walled, opening capsule (Wagner

et al.

, 1999).

This species was observed in flower during March 1977, December 1977, and June 1978. The presence of juveniles indicated that pollination and germination were occurring. Pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity of plants and seeds, specific environmental requirements, and other limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

Portulaca sclerocarpa

was historically and is currently found on the island of Hawaii, and on an islet (Poopoo Islet) off the south coast of the island of Lanai. The population on privately owned land on Poopoo Islet contains about 10 plants (HINHP Database 2000; GDSI 2000; Service 1996a). Poopoo Islet is a small rocky outcrop, 1 ha (2.4 ac) in area and approximately 200 m (600 ft) from the south shoreline of Lanai, and is considered part of the island of Lanai.

This species grows on exposed ledges in thin soil in coastal communities at elevations between 0 and 82 m (0 and 269 ft) (Wagner

et al.,

1999; HINHP Database 2000).

The major threats to

Portulaca sclerocarpa

on Lanai are herbivory (feeding on plants) by the larvae of an introduced sphinx moth (

Hyles lineata

); competition from alien plants; and fire (Frank Howarth, Bishop Museum,

in litt.

2000; 59 FR 10305; Service 1996a).

Sesbania tomentosa (ohai)

Sesbania tomentosa

, a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), is typically a sprawling short-lived perennial shrub, but may also be a small tree. Each compound leaf consists of 18 to 38 oblong to elliptic leaflets, which are usually sparsely to densely covered with silky hairs. The flowers are salmon color tinged with yellow, orange-red, scarlet or, rarely, pure yellow.

Sesbania tomentosa

is the only endemic Hawaiian species in the genus, differing from the naturalized

S. sesban

by the color of the flowers, the longer petals and calyx, and the number of seeds per pod (Geesink

et al.

, 1999).

The pollination biology of

Sesbania tomentosa

is being studied by David Hopper, a graduate student in the Department of Zoology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. His preliminary findings suggest that although many insects visit

Sesbania

flowers, the majority of successful pollination is accomplished by native bees of the genus,

Hylaeus,

and that populations at Kaena Point on Oahu are probably pollinator-limited. Flowering at Kaena Point is highest during the winter-spring rains, and gradually declines throughout the rest of the year. Other aspects of this plant's life history are unknown (Service 1999).

Currently,

Sesbania tomentosa

occurs on six of the eight main Hawaiian Islands (Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii) and on two islands in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (Nihoa and Necker). Although once found on Niihau and Lanai, it is no longer extant on these islands. It was last seen on Lanai in 1957 (59 FR 56333; HINHP Database 2000; GDSI 2000).

Sesbania tomentosa

is found on sandy beaches, dunes, or pond margins at elevations between 44 and 221 m (144 and 725 ft). It commonly occurs in coastal dry shrublands or mixed coastal dry cliffs with the associated native plant species

Chamaesyce celastroides

(akoko),

Cuscuta sandwichiana

(kaunaoa),

Dodonaea viscosa, Heteropogon contortus, Myoporum sandwicense, Nama sandwicensis

(nama),

Scaevola sericea

(naupaka kahakai),

Sida fallax, Sporobolus virginicus

(akiaki),

Vitex rotundifolia

(kolokolo kahakai) or

Waltheria indica

(uhaloa) (Service 1999; HINHP Database 2000; K. Wood, pers. comm., 2001).

The primary threats to

Sesbania tomentosa

on Lanai included habitat degradation caused by competition with various alien plant species; lack of adequate pollination; seed predation by rats, mice (

Mus musculus

) and, potentially, alien insects; and fire (59 FR 56333; Service 1999).

Silene lanceolata (NCN)

Silene lanceolata

, a member of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), is an upright, short-lived perennial plant with stems 15 to 51 cm (6 to 20 in) long, which are woody at the base. The narrow leaves are smooth except for a fringe of hairs near the base. Flowers are arranged in open clusters. The flowers are white with deeply lobed, clawed petals. The capsule opens at the top to release reddish-brown seeds. This species is distinguished from

Silene alexandri

by its smaller flowers and capsules and its stamens, which are shorter than the sepals (Wagner

et al.

, 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Silene lanceolata

. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (57 FR 46325; Service 1996b).

The historical range of

Silene lanceolata

includes five Hawaiian Islands: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii.

Silene lanceolata

is presently extant on the islands of Molokai, Oahu, and Hawaii. It was last observed on Lanai in 1930 (57 FR 46325; GDSI 2000; Service 1996b).

Nothing is known of the preferred habitat of or native plant species associated with

Silene lanceolata

on the island of Lanai (Service 1996b).

Nothing is known of the threats to

Silene lanceolata

on the island of Lanai (Service 1996b).

Solanum incompletum (popolo ku mai)

Solanum incompletum

, a short-lived perennial member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), is a woody shrub. Its stems and lower leaf surfaces are covered with prominent reddish prickles or sometimes with yellow fuzzy hairs on young plant parts and lower leaf surfaces. The oval to elliptic leaves have prominent veins on the lower surface and lobed leaf margins. Numerous flowers grow in loose branching clusters with each flower on a stalk. This species differs from other native members of the genus by being generally prickly and having loosely clustered white flowers, curved anthers about 2 mm (0.08 in) long, and berries 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) in diameter (Symon 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Solanum incompletum

. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (59 FR 56333; Service 1999).

Historically,

Solanum incompletum

was known on Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. According to David Symon (1999), the known distribution of

Solanum incompletum

also extended to the islands of Kauai and Molokai. Currently,

Solanum incompletum

is only known from the island of Hawaii. It was last seen on Lanai in 1925 (HINHP Database 2000; Service 1999).

On Lanai,

Solanum incompletum

occurred on broad, gently sloping ridges in dry,

Dodonaea viscosa

shrubland, at elevations between 151 and 372 m (495 and 1,220 ft) with one or more of the

following associated native plant species:

Heteropogon contortus, Lipochaeta

spp., and

Wikstroemia oahuensis

(Service 1999; J. Lau pers comm., 2001).

On Lanai, the threats to

Solanum incompletum

included habitat destruction by goats and competition with various alien plants (Service 1999).

Spermolepis hawaiiensis (NCN)

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

, a member of the parsley family (Apiaceae), is a slender annual herb with few branches. Its leaves, dissected into narrow, lance-shaped divisions, are oblong to somewhat oval in outline and grow on stalks. Flowers are arranged in a loose, compound umbrella-shaped inflorescence arising from the stem, opposite the leaves.

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

is the only member of the genus native to Hawaii. It is distinguished from other native members of the family by being a non-succulent annual with an umbrella-shaped inflorescence (Constance and Affolter 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

. Reproductive cycles, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999).

Historically,

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

was known from Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, and the island of Hawaii. Based on recent collections it is now known to be extant on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. On Lanai, this species is known from three populations of 570 to 620 individuals on privately owned land: in the southern edge of Kapoho Gulch, Kamiki Ridge, and approximately 274 m (900 ft) downslope of Puu Manu (59 FR 56333; HINHP Database 2000; R Hobdy, pers. comm., 2000; Service 1999).

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

is known from gulch slopes and ridge tops in dry forests dominated by

Diospyros sandwicensis

, or shrublands dominated by

Dodonaea viscosa

at elevations between 402 and 711 m (1,319 and 2,332 ft). Associated native plant species include

Nestegis sandwicensis, Nesoluma polynesicum, Psydrax odorata,

and

Rauvolfia sandwicensis

(J. Lau, pers. comm., 2001; HINHP Database 2000; R. Hobdy, pers. comm., 2000; Service 1999).

The primary threats to

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

on Lanai are habitat degradation by feral goats, competition with various alien plants, such as

Lantana camara

; and erosion, landslides, and rockslides due to natural weathering, which result in the death of individual plants as well as habitat destruction (59 FR 56333; Service 1999; R. Hobdy, pers. comm., 2000; Service 1999).

Tetramolopium lepidotum ssp. lepidotum (NCN)

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

, a member of the aster family (Asteraceae), is an erect shrub 12 to 36 cm (4.7 to 14 in) tall, branching near the ends of the stems. Leaves of this taxon are lance-shaped, wider at the leaf tip, and measure 1.0 to 1.8 in (25 to 45 mm) long and 0.04 to 0.3 in (1 to 7 mm) wide. Flower heads are arranged in groups of six to 12. The involucre is bell-shaped and less than 0.2 in (4 mm) high. Florets are either female or bisexual, with both occurring on the same plant. There are 21 to 40 white to pinkish-lavender ray florets 0.04 to 0.08 in (1 to 2 mm) long on the periphery of each head. In the center of each head there are four to eleven maroon to pale salmon disk florets. The fruits are achenes, 0.06 to 0.1 in (1.6 to 2.5 mm) long and 0.02 to 0.03 in (0.5 to 0.8 mm) wide. This taxon can be distinguished from the other extant species on Oahu by its hermaphroditic disk flowers and its inflorescence of six to 12 heads (Lowrey 1999).

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

is a short-lived perennial that has been observed producing fruit and flowers from April through July. No further information is available on reproductive cycles, longevity, specific environmental requirements, or limiting factors (56 FR 55770; Service 1998b).

Historically,

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

was known from Oahu and Lanai. It currently occurs only on Oahu. It was last seen on Lanai in 1928 (56 FR 55770; Service 1998b HINHP Database 2000; GDSI 2000; EDA Database 2001).

Nothing is known of the preferred habitat of or native plant species associated with

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

on the island of Lanai (Service 1998b).

Nothing is known of the threats to

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

on the island of Lanai (Service 1998b).

Tetramolopium remyi (NCN)

Tetramolopium remyi,

a short-lived perennial member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae), is a many branched, decumbent (reclining, with the end ascending) or occasionally erect shrub up to about 38 cm (15 in) tall. Its leaves are firm, very narrow, and with the edges rolled inward when the leaf is mature. There is a single flower head per branch. The heads are each comprised of 70 to 100 yellow disk and 150 to 250 white ray florets. The stems, leaves, flower bracts, and fruit are covered with sticky hairs.

Tetramolopium remyi

has the largest flower heads in the genus. Two other species of the genus are known historically from Lanai, but both have purplish rather than yellow disk florets and from 4 to 60 rather than 1 flower head per branch (Lowrey 1999).

Tetramolopium remyi

flowers between April and January. Field observations suggest that the population size of the species can be profoundly affected by variability in annual precipitation; the adult plants may succumb to prolonged drought, but apparently there is a seedbank in the soil that can replenish the population during favorable conditions. Such seed banks are of great importance for arid-dwelling plants to allow populations to persist through adverse conditions. The aridity of the area, possibly coupled with human-induced changes in the habitat and subsequent lack of availability of suitable sites for seedling establishment, may be a factor limiting population growth and expansion. Requirements of this taxon in these areas are not known, but success in greenhouse cultivation of these plants with much higher water availability implies that, although these plants are drought-tolerant, perhaps the dry conditions in which they currently exist are not optimum. Individual plants are probably not long-lived. Pollination is hypothesized to be by butterflies, bees, or flies. Seed dispersal agents, environmental requirements, and other limiting factors are unknown (Lowrey 1986; Service 1995).

Historically, the species was known from Maui and Lanai. Currently,

Tetramolopium remyi

is known only from two populations on Lanai on privately owned land, one near Awalua Road and the other near Awehi Road, with a total of approximately 66 plants (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000).

Tetramolopium remyi

is found in red, sandy, loam soil in dry

Dodonea viscosa-Heteropogon contortus

communities at elevations between 65 and 485 m (213 and 1,591 ft). Commonly associated native species include

Bidens mauiensis

(kookoolau),

Waltheria indica, Wikstroemia oahuensis,

and

Lipochaeta lavarum

(nehe) (HINHP Database 2000).

Browsing by deer and mouflon sheep (

Ovis musimon

) and competition from alien species, primarily

Andropogon viginicus

(broomsedge) and

Panicum maximum

(guinea grass), are the main threats to the species on Lanai. Fire is also a potential threat (Service 1995; 56 FR 47686).

Vigna o-wahuensis (NCN)

Vigna o-wahuensis,

a member of the legume family (Fabaceae), is a slender, twining, short-lived perennial herb with fuzzy stems. Each leaf is made up of three leaflets, which vary in shape from round to linear, and are sparsely or moderately covered with coarse hairs. Flowers, in clusters of 1 to 4, have thin, translucent, pale yellow or greenish-yellow petals. The two lowermost petals are fused and appear distinctly beaked. The sparsely hairy calyx has asymmetrical lobes. The fruits are long slender pods that may or may not be slightly inflated and contain 7 to 15 gray to black seeds. This species differs from others in the genus by its thin yellowish petals, sparsely hairy calyx, and thin pods, which may or may not be slightly inflated (Geesink

et al.,

1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Vigna o-wahuensis.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999).

Historically,

Vigna o-wahuensis

was known from Niihau, Oahu, and Maui. Based on recent collections,

Vigna o-wahuensis

is now known to be extant on the islands of Molokai, Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Hawaii. On Lanai, one population with at least one individual is known from Kanepuu on privately owned land (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; J. Lau,

in litt.

2000; Service 1999).

On Lanai,

Vigna o-wahuensis

is found in

Nestegis sandwicensis

or

Diospyros sandwicensis

dry forest at elevations between 98 and 622 m (321 and 2,040 ft) (HINHP Database 2000; J. Lau, pers. comm., 2001; 59 FR 56333).

Threats to

Vigna o-wahuensis

on Lanai include habitat degradation by pigs and axis deer; competition with various alien plant species; fire; and random naturally occurring events causing extinction and or reduced reproductive vigor of the only remaining individual on Lanai (Service 1999).

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense (ae)

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

is a medium-sized tree in the rue (citrus) family (Rutaceae) with pale to dark gray bark, and lemon-scented leaves. Alternate leaves are composed of three small triangular-oval to lance-shaped, toothed leaves (leaflets) with surfaces usually without hairs. A long-lived perennial tree,

Z. hawaiiense

is distinguished from other Hawaiian members of the genus by several characteristics: three leaflets all of similar size, one joint on the lateral leaf stalk, and sickle-shape fruits with a rounded tip (Stone

et al.,

1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

Historically,

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

was known from five islands: Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. Currently,

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

is found on Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. It was last seen on Lanai in 1947 (HINHP Database 2000; GDSI 2000).

Nothing is known of the preferred habitat of or native plant species associated with

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

on the island of Lanai (Service 1996a).

Nothing is known of the threats to

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

on the island of Lanai (Service 1996a).

A summary of populations and landownership for the 37 plant species reported from the island of Lanai is given in Table 3.

Table 3.—Summary of Existing Populations Occurring on Lanai, and Landownership for 37 Species Reported From Lanai

Species

Number of current populations

Landownership

Federal

State

Private

Abutilon eremitopetalum

1

X

Adenophorus periens

0

Bidens micrantha

0

Bonamia menziesii

3

X

Brighamia rockii

0

Cenchrus agrimonioides

0

Centaurium sebaeoides

1

X

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis

1

X

Ctenitis squamigera

2

X

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

2

X

Cyanea lobata

0

Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii

2

X

Cyperus trachysanthos

0

Cyrtandra munroi

2

X

Diellia erecta

0

Diplazium molokaiense

0

Gahnia lanaiensis

1

X

Hedyotis mannii

2

X

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi

2

X

Hesperomannia arborescens

0

Hibiscus brackenridgei

2

X

Isodendrion pyrifolium

0

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis

1

X

Mariscus fauriei

0

Melicope munroi

2

X

Neraudia sericea

0

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

0

Portulaca sclerocarpa

1

X

Sesbania tomentosa

0

Silene lanceolata

0

Solanum incompletum

0

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

3

X

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

0

Tetramolopium remyi

2

X

Vigna o-wahuensis

1

X

Viola lanaiensis

2

X

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

0

Previous Federal Action

Federal action on these plants began as a result of section 12 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531

et seq.

), which directed the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to prepare a report on plants considered to be endangered, threatened, or extinct in the United States. This report, designated as House Document No. 94-51, was presented to Congress on January 9, 1975. In that document,

Bonamia menziesii, Brighamia rockii, Cyanea lobata

(as

Cyanea baldwinii

),

Gahnia lanaiensis, Hedyotis mannii

(as

Hedyotis thyrsoidea

var.

thyrsoidea

),

Hesperomannia arborescens

(as

Hesperomannia arborescens

var.

bushiana

and var.

swezeyi

),

Hibiscus brackenridgei

(as

Hibiscus brackenridgei

var.

brackenridgei,

var.

mokuleianus,

and var. “from Hawaii”),

Neraudia sericea

(as

Neraudia kahoolawensis

),

Portulaca sclerocarpa, Sesbania tomentosa

(as

Sesbania hobdyi

and

Sesbania tomentosa

var.

tomentosa

),

Silene lanceolata, Solanum incompletum

(as

Solanum haleakalense

and

Solanum incompletum

var.

glabratum,

var.

incompletum,

and var.

mauiensis

),

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum, Vigna o-wahuensis

(as

Vigna sandwicensis

var.

heterophylla

and var.

sandwicensis

),

Viola lanaiensis,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

(as

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

var.

citiodora

) were considered endangered;

Cyrtandra munroi, Diellia erecta, Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

(as

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

var.

hawaiiense

and var.

velutinosum

) were considered threatened; and,

Abutilon eremitopetalum, Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha

(as

Bidens distans

and

Bidens micrantha

spp.

kalealaha

),

Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii, Diplazium molokaiense, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Melicope munroi

(as

Pelea munroi

),

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis,

and

Tetramolopium remyi

were considered to be extinct. On July 1, 1975, we published a notice in the

Federal Register

(40 FR 27823) of our acceptance of the Smithsonian report as a petition within the context of section 4(c)(2) (now section 4(b)(3)) of the Act, and gave notice of our intention to review the status of the plant taxa named therein. As a result of that review, on June 16, 1976, we published a proposed rule in the

Federal Register

(41 FR 24523) to determine endangered status pursuant to section 4 of the Act for approximately 1,700 vascular plant taxa, including all of the above taxa except

Cyrtandra munroi, Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis,

and

Melicope munroi.

The list of 1,700 plant taxa was assembled on the basis of comments and data received by the Smithsonian Institution and the Service in response to House Document No. 94-51 and the July 1, 1975,

Federal Register

publication (40 FR 27823).

General comments received in response to the 1976 proposal were summarized in an April 26, 1978,

Federal Register

publication (43 FR 17909). In 1978, amendments to the Act required that all proposals over 2 years old be withdrawn. A 1-year grace period was given to proposals already over 2 years old. On December 10, 1979, we published a notice in the

Federal Register

(44 FR 70796) withdrawing the portion of the June 16, 1976, proposal that had not been made final, along with four other proposals that had expired. We published updated Notices of Review for plants on December 15, 1980 (45 FR 82479), September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39525), February 21, 1990 (55 FR 6183), September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144), and February 28, 1996 (61 FR 7596). A summary of the status categories for these 37 plant species in the 1980 through 1996 notices of review can be found in Table 4(a). We listed the 37 species as endangered or threatened between 1991 and 1999. A summary of the listing actions can be found in Table 4(b).

Table 4(a).—Summary of Candidacy Status for 37 Plant Species on Lanai

Species

Federal Register

Notice of Review

12/15/80

9/27/85

2/20/90

9/30/93

2/28/96

Abutilon eremitopetalum

C1

C1

C1

Adenophorus periens

C1

C1

C1

Bidens micrantha

C1

C1

C1

Bonamia menziesii

C1

C1

C1

Brighamia rockii

C1

C1

C1

Cenchrus agrimonioides

Centaurium sebaeoides

C1

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis

C1

Ctenitis squamigera

C1*

C1*

C1*

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

C1

C1

C2

Cyanea lobata

C1

C1

C1

Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii

C1

C1

C1

Cyperus trachysanthos

C2

Cyrtandra munroi

C2

C2

C1

Diellia erecta

C1

C1

C1

Diplazium molokaiense

C1*

C1*

C1

Gahnia lanaiensis

C1

C1

C1

Hedyotis mannii

C1*

C1*

C1

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi

C2

C2

C

Hesperomannia arborescens

C1

C1

C1

Hibiscus brackenridgei

C1

C1

C1

Isodendrion pyrifolium

C1*

C1*

3A

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis

C2

C2

3C

3C

Mariscus fauriei

C1

Melicope munroi

C1*

C1*

C2

C2

C

Neraudia sericea

3A

3A

C1

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

C1

C1

C1

Portulaca sclerocarpa

C1

C1

C1

Sesbania tomentosa

C1*

C1*

C1

Silene lanceolata

C1

C1

C1

Solanum incompletum

C1*

C1*

C1

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

C1

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

C1

C1

C1

Tetramolopium remyi

C1

C1

C1

Vigna o-wahuensis

C1

C1

C1

Viola lanaiensis

C1

C1

C1

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

C1

C1

C1

Key:

C: Taxa for which the Service has on file enough sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support proposals to list them as endangered or threatened species.

C1: Taxa for which the Service has on file enough sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support proposals to list them as endangered or threatened species.

C1*: Taxa of known vulnerable status in the recent past that may already have become extinct.

C2: Taxa for which there is some evidence of vulnerability, but for which there are not enough data to support listing proposals at this time.

3A: Taxa for which the Service has persuasive evidence of extinction. If rediscovered, such taxa might acquire high priority for listing.

3C: Taxa that have proven to be more abundant or widespread than previously believed and/or those that are not subject to any identifiable threat. If further research or changes in habitat indicate a significant decline in any of these taxa, they may be reevaluated for possible inclusion in categories C1 or C2.

Federal Register

Notices of Review—

1980: 45 FR 82479  1985: 50 FR 39525  1990: 55 FR 6183  1993: 58 FR 51144  1996: 61 FR 7596

Table 4(b).—Summary of Listing Actions for 37 Plant Species From Lanai

Species

Federal status

Proposed rule

Date

Federal Register

Final rule

Date

Federal Register

Purdency and/or proposed critical habitat

Date

Federal Register

Abutilon eremitopetalum

E

09/17.90

55 FR 38236

09/20/91

56 FR 47686

12/27/00

65 FR 82086

Adenophorus periens

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48102

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

11/07/00

12/29/00

65 FR 66808

65 FR 83157

Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha

E

05/24/91

56 FR 23842

05/15/92

57 FR 20772

12/18/00

65 FR 79192

Bonamia menziesii

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

11/7/00

12/18/00

12/27/00

01/28/02

65 FR 66808

65 FR 79192

65 FR 82086

67 FR 3940

Brighamia rockii

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

12/29/00

65 FR 83157

Cenchrus agrimonioides

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51417

10/10/96

61 FR 53108

12/18/00

65 FR 79192

Centaurium sebaeoides

E

09/28/90

55 FR 39664

10/29/91

56 FR 55770

11/07/00

12/18/00

12/27/00

12/29/00

01/28/02

65 FR 66808

65 FR 79192

65 FR 82086

65 FR 83157

67 FR 3940

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis

E

05/24/91

56 FR 23842

05/15/92

57 FR 20772

12/18/00

12/27/00

65 FR 79192

65 FR 82086

Ctenitis squamigera

E

06/24/93

58 FR 34231

09/09/94

59 FR 49025

12/18/00

12/27/00

12/29/00

65 FR 79192

65 FR 82086

65 FR 8315

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51417

10/10/96

64 FR 53108

12/18/00

12/27/00

12/29/00

65 FR 79192

65 FR 82086

65 FR 8315

Cyanea lobata

E

05/24/91

56 FR 23842

05/15/92

57 FR 20772

12/18/00

65 FR 79192

Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gilsonii

E

09/17/90

55 FR 38236

09/20/91

56 FR 47686

12/27/00

65 FR 82086

Cyperus trachysanthos

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51417

10/10/96

61 FR 53108

11/07/0

01/28/02

65 FR 66808

67 FR 3940

Cyrtandra munroi

E

05/24/91

56 FR 23842

05/15/92

57 FR 20772

12/18/00

12/27/00

65 FR 79192

65 FR 82086

Diellia erecta

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

11/07/00

12/18/00

12/29/00

01/28/02

65 FR 66808

65 FR 79192

65 FR 83157

67 FR 3940

Diplazium molokaiense

E

06/24/93

58 FR 34231

09/09/94

59 FR 49025

12/18/00

65 FR 79192

Gahnia lanaiensis

E

09/17/90

55 FR 38236

09/20/91

56 FR 47686

12/27/00

65 FR 82086

Hedyotis mannii

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

12/18/00

12/27/00

12/29/00

65 FR 79192

65 FR 82086

65 FR 83157

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi

E

05/15/97

62 FR 26757

09/03/99

64 FR 48307

12/27/00

65 FR 82086

Hesperomannia arborescens

E

10/14/92

57 FR 47028

03/28/94

59 FR 14482

12/18/00

12/29/00

65 FR 79192

65 FR 83157

Hibiscus brackenridgei

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

12/18/00

65 FR 79192

Isodendrion pyrifolium

E

12/17/92

57 FR 59951

03/04/94

59 FR 10305

01/28/02

67 FR 3940

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis

E

05/15/97

62 FR 26757

09/03/99

64 FR 48307

12/27/00

65 FR 82086

Mariscus fauriei

E

12/17/92

57 FR 59951

03/04/94

59 FR 10305

12/29/00

65 FR 83157

Melicope munroi

E

05/15/97

62 FR 26757

09/03/99

64 FR 48307

12/27/00

65 FR 82086

Neraudia sericea

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

12/18/00

12/29/00

65 FR 79192

65 FR 83157

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

E

09/17/90

55 FR 38236

09/20/91

56 FR 47686

12/29/00

65 FR 83157

Portulaca sclerocarpa

E

12/17/92

57 FR 59951

03/04/94

59 FR 10305

12/27/00

65 FR 82086

Sesbania tomentosa

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

11/07/00

12/18/00

12/29/00

01/28/02

65 FR 66808

65 FR 79192

65 FR 83157

67 FR 3940

Silene lanceolata

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

12/29/00

65 FR 83157

Solanum incompletum

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

01/28/02

67 FR 3940

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

11/07/00

12/18/00

12/27/00

12/29/00

12/28/00

65 FR 66808

65 FR 79192

65 FR 82086

65 FR 83157

67 FR 3940

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

E

09/28/90

55 FR 39664

10/29/91

56 FR 55770

Tetramolopium remyi

E

09/17/90

55 FR 38236

09/20/91

56 FR 47686

12/27/00

65 FR 82086

Vigna o-wahuensis

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

12/18/00

12/29/00

65 FR 79192

65 FR 83157

Viola lanaiensis

E

09/17/90

55 FR 38236

09/20/91

56 FR 47686

12/27/00

65 FR 82086

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

E

12/17/92

57 FR 59951

03/04/94

59 FR 10305

11/07/00

12/18/00

12/29/00

12/28/00

01/28/02

65 FR 66808

65 FR 79192

65 FR 83157

67 FR 3940

Key: E= Endangered, T= Threatened

Critical Habitat

Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent and determinable, the Secretary designate critical habitat at the time the species is determined to be endangered or threatened. Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that designation of critical habitat is not prudent when one or both of the following situations exist: (1) the species is threatened by taking or other human activity, and identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the degree of threat to the species, or (2) such designation of critical habitat would not be beneficial to the species. At the time each plant was listed, we determined that designation of critical habitat was prudent for three of these plants (

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi

,

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis

, and

Melicope munroi

) and not prudent for the other 34 plants because it would not benefit the plant or would increase the degree of threat to the species.

The not prudent determinations for these species, along with others, were challenged in

Conservation Council for Hawaii

v.

Babbitt

, 2 F. Supp. 2d 1280 (D. Haw. 1998). On March 9, 1998, the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii, directed us to review the prudency determinations for 245 listed plant species in Hawaii, including 34 of the 37 species reported from Lanai. Among other things, the court held that, in most cases we did not sufficiently demonstrate that the species are threatened by human activity or that such threats would increase with the designation of critical habitat. The court also held that we failed to balance any risks of designating critical habitat against any benefits (

id

. at 1283-85).

Regarding our determination that designating critical habitat would have no additional benefits to the species above and beyond those already provided through the section 7 consultation requirement of the Act, the court ruled that we failed to consider the specific effect of the consultation requirement on each species (

id

. at 1286-88). In addition, the court stated that we did not consider benefits outside of the consultation requirements. In the court's view, these potential benefits include substantive and procedural protections. The court held that, substantively, designation establishes a “uniform protection plan” prior to consultation and indicates where compliance with section 7 of the Act is required. Procedurally, the court stated that the designation of critical habitat educates the public, State, and local governments and affords them an opportunity to participate in the designation (

id

. at 1288). The court also stated that private lands may not be excluded from critical habitat designation even though section 7 requirements apply only to Federal agencies. In addition to the potential benefit of informing the public, State, and local governments of the listing and of the areas that are essential to the species' conservation, the court found that there may be Federal activity on private property in the future, even though no such activity may be occurring there at the present (

id

. at 1285-88).

On August 10, 1998, the court ordered us to publish proposed critical habitat designations or non-designations for at least 100 species by November 30, 2000, and to publish proposed designations or non-designations for the remaining 145 species by April 30, 2002 (

Conservation Council for Hawaii

v.

Babbitt

, 24 F. Supp. 2d 1074 (D. Haw. 1998)).

At the time we listed

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi

,

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis

, and

Melicope munroi

(64 FR 48307), we determined that designation of critical habitat was prudent and that we would develop critical habitat designations for these three taxa, along with seven others, by the time we completed designations for the other 245 Hawaiian plant species. This timetable was challenged in

Conservation Council for Hawaii

v.

Babbitt

, Civ. No. 99-00283 HG (D. Haw. Aug. 19, 1999, Feb. 16, 2000, and March 28, 2000). The court agreed, however, that it was reasonable for us to integrate these ten Maui Nui (Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe) plant taxa into the schedule established for designating critical habitat for the other 245 Hawaiian plants, and ordered us to publish proposed critical habitat designations for the ten Maui Nui species with the first 100 plants from the group of 245 by November 30, 2000, and to publish final critical habitat designations by November 30, 2001.

On November 30, 1998, we published a notice in the

Federal Register

requesting public comments on our reevaluation of whether designation of critical habitat is prudent for the 245 Hawaiian plants at issue (63 FR 65805). The comment period closed on March 1, 1999, and was reopened from March 24, 1999, to May 24, 1999 (64 FR 14209). We received more than 100 responses from individuals, non-profit organizations, the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), county governments, and Federal agencies (U.S. Department of Defense-Army, Navy, Air Force). Only a few responses offered information on the status of individual plant species or on current management actions for one or more of the 245 Hawaiian plants. While some of the respondents expressed support for the designation of critical habitat for 245 Hawaiian plants, more than 80 percent opposed the designation of critical habitat for these plants. In general, these respondents opposed designation because they believed it would cause economic hardship, discourage cooperative projects, polarize relationships with hunters, or potentially increase trespass or vandalism on private lands. In addition, commenters also cited a lack of information on the biological and ecological needs of these plants which, they suggested, may lead to designation based on guesswork. The respondents who supported the designation of critical habitat cited that designation would provide a uniform protection plan for the Hawaiian Islands; promote funding for management of these plants; educate the public and State government; and protect partnerships with landowners and build trust.

In early February 2000, we hand-delivered a letter to representatives of the private landowner on Lanai requesting any information considered germane to the management of any of the 37 plants on the island, and containing a copy of the November 30, 1998,

Federal Register

notice, a map showing the general locations of the plants on Lanai, and a handout containing general information on critical habitat. On April 4, 2000, we met with representatives of the landowner to discuss their current land management activities. In addition, we met with Maui County DOFAW staff and discussed their management activities on Lanai.

On December 27, 2000, we published the third of the court-ordered prudency determinations and proposed critical habitat designations or non-designations for 18 Lanai plants (65 FR 82086). The prudency determinations and proposed critical habitat designations for Kauai and Niihau plants were published on November 7, 2000 (65 FR 66808), for Maui and Kahoolawe plants on December 18, 2000 (65 FR 79192), and for Molokai plants on December 29, 2000 (65 FR 83158). All of these proposed rules had been sent to the

Federal Register

by or on November 30, 2000, as required by the court orders. In those proposals we determined that critical habitat was prudent for 33 species (

Abutilon eremitopetalum

,

Adenophorus periens

,

Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha

,

Bonamia menziesii

,

Brighamia rockii

,

Cenchrus agrimonioides

,

Centaurium sebaeoides

,

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis

,

Ctenitis squamigera

,

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

,

Cyanea lobata

,

Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii

,

Cyperus trachysanthos

,

Cyrtandra munroi

,

Diellia erecta

,

Diplazium molokaiense

,

Gahnia lanaiensis

,

Hedyotis mannii

,

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi, Hesperomannia arborescens

,

Hibiscus brackenridgei

,

Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis

,

Mariscus fauriei

,

Melicope munroi

,

Neraudia sericea

,

Portulaca sclerocarpa

,

Sesbania tomentosa

,

Silene lanceolata

,

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

,

Tetramolopium remyi

,

Vigna o-wahuensis

,

Viola lanaiensis

, and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

) that are reported from Lanai as well as on Kauai, Niihau, Maui, Kahoolawe, and Molokai.

In the December 27, 2000, proposal we determined that it was prudent to designate approximately 1,953 ha (4,826 ac) on Lanai as critical habitat. The publication of the proposed rule opened a 60-day public comment period, which closed on February 26, 2001. On February 22, 2001, we published a notice (66 FR 11133) announcing the reopening of the comment period until April 2, 2001, on the proposal to designate critical habitat for plants from Lanai and a notice of a public hearing. On March 22, 2001, we held a public hearing at the Lanai Public Library Meeting Room, Lanai. On April 6, 2001, we published a notice (66 FR 18223) announcing corrections to the proposed rule. These corrections included changes to the map of general locations of units and new UTM coordinates and increased the total proposed critical habitat to 2,034 ha (5,027 ac).

On October 3, 2001, we submitted a joint stipulation with Earth Justice Legal Defense Fund requesting extension of the court order for the final rules to

designate critical habitat for plants from Kauai and Niihau (July 30, 2002), Maui and Kahoolawe (August 23, 2002), Lanai (September 16, 2002), and Molokai (October 16, 2002), citing the need to revise the proposals to incorporate or address new information and comments received during the comment periods. The joint stipulation was approved and ordered by the court on October 5, 2001. On January 28, 2002, in the Kauai revised proposal, we determined that designation of critical habitat was prudent for

Isodendrion pyrifolium

and

Solanum incompletum

, two species reported from Lanai as well as Kauai, Maui, and Molokai. The designation of critical habitat is proposed for both of these species on Lanai. Publication of this revised proposal for plants from Lanai is consistent with the court-ordered stipulation.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

In the December 27, 2000, proposed rule (65 FR 82086), we requested all interested parties to submit comments on the specifics of the proposal, including information, policy, and proposed critical habitat boundaries as provided in the proposed rule. The first comment period closed on February 26, 2001. We reopened the comment period from February 22, 2001, to April 2, 2001 (66 FR 11133), to accept comments on the proposed designations and to hold a public hearing on March 22, 2001, in Lanai City, Lanai.

We contacted all appropriate State and Federal agencies, county governments, elected officials, and other interested parties and invited them to comment. In addition, we invited public comment through the publication of notices in the following newspapers: the

Honolulu Advertiser

on January 8, 2001, and the

Maui News

on January 4, 2001. We received one request for a public hearing. We announced the date and time of the public hearing in letters mailed to all interested parties, appropriate State and Federal agencies, county governments, and elected officials, and in notices published in the

Honolulu Advertiser

and in the

Maui News

newspapers on March 2, 2001. A transcript of the hearing held in Lanai City, Lanai on March 22, 2001, is available for inspection (see

ADDRESSES

section).

We requested three botanists who have familiarity with Lanai plants to peer review the proposed critical habitat designations. One peer reviewer submitted comments on the proposed critical habitat designations, providing updated biological information, critical review, and editorial comments.

We received a total of two oral comments, three written comments, and two comments both in written and oral form during the two comment periods. These included responses from one State office, and six private organizations or individuals. We reviewed all comments received for substantive issues and new information regarding critical habitat and the Lanai plants. Of the seven comments we received, five supported designation, one was opposed and one provided information and declined to oppose or support the designation. Similar comments were grouped into eight general issues relating specifically to the proposed critical habitat determinations. These are addressed in the following summary.

Issue 1: Biological Justification and Methodology

(1)

Comment

: The designation of critical habitat for these plant species in unoccupied habitat is particularly important, since this may be the only mechanism available to ensure that Federal actions do not eliminate the habitat needed for the conservation of these species.

Our Response

: We agree. Our recovery plans for these species (Service 1995, 1996a, 1996b, 1997, 1998a, 1998b, 1999, 2001) identify the need to expand existing populations and reestablish wild populations within their historical range. We have revised the December 27, 2000, proposal to include areas of unoccupied habitat for some of the species from Lanai.

(2)

Comment

: The proposal provides very limited information on the criteria and data used to determine the areas proposed as critical habitat. For example, some of the data used by the Service was 30 years old or older.

Our Response

: When developing the December 27, 2000, proposal to designate critical habitat for 18 plants from Lanai, we used the best scientific and commercial data available at the time, including but not limited to information from the known locations, site-specific species information from the HINHP database and our own rare plant database; species information from the Center for Plant Conservation's (CPC) rare plant monitoring database housed at the University of Hawaii's Lyon Arboretum; the final listing rules for these species; recent biological surveys and reports; our recovery plans for these species; information received in response to outreach materials and requests for species and management information we sent to all landowners, land managers, and interested parties on the island of Lanai; discussions with botanical experts; and recommendations from the Hawaii Pacific Plant Recovery Coordinating Committee (HPPRCC) (Service 1995, 1996a, 1996b, 1997, 1998a, 1998b, 1999, 2001; HPPRCC 1998; HINHP Database 2000; CPC

in litt

. 1999).

We have revised the proposed designations to incorporate new information, and address comments and new information received during the comment periods. This additional information comes from Geographic Information System (GIS) coverages (

e.g

., vegetation, soils, annual rainfall, elevation contours, land ownership), and information received during the public comment periods and the public hearing (R. Hobdy,

in litt

. 2001; Service 1995, 1996a, 1996b, 1997, 1998a, 1998b, 1999, 2001).

(3)

Comment

: The proposed critical habitat designations should be delayed until a coordinated plan with public input is coordinated.

Our Response

: We must comply with the orders of the Federal courts. As stated earlier, on August 10, 1998, the Court ordered us to publish proposed critical habitat designations or non-designations for at least 100 species by November 30, 2000, and to publish proposed designations or non-designations for the remaining 145 species by April 30, 2002 (24 F. Supp. 2d 1074). On March 28, 2000, the Court ordered us to integrate 10 Maui Nui (Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe) plant taxa into the schedule for designating critical habitat for the other 245 Hawaiian plants.

On December 27, 2000, we published the third of the court-ordered prudency determinations and/or proposed critical habitat designations, for 18 Lanai plants (65 FR 82086). On October 5, 2001, the joint stipulation with Earth Justice Legal Defense Fund requesting extension of the court orders for the final rules to designate critical habitat for plants from Kauai and Niihau (July 30, 2002), Maui and Kahoolawe (August 23, 2002), Lanai (September 16, 2002), Molokai (October 16, 2002) was approved and ordered by the court.

Publication of this revised proposed critical habitat designations for Lanai plants is consistent with the court-ordered stipulation.

Issue 2: Site-specific Biological Comments

(4)

Comment

: Critical habitat should be designated for

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

because habitats have not been adequately surveyed and this species may still be extant in the wild.

Our Response

: No change is made here to the prudency determination for

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

, a species known only from Kaiholena on Lanai, published in the December 27, 2000, proposal (65 FR 82086).

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

has not been seen on Lanai for over 80 years. This species was last observed at Kaiholena on Lanai in 1914 and has not been observed since. A report of this plant from the early 1980s probably was erroneous and should be referred to as

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

glabra

(R. Hobdy, pers. comm., 1992). In addition, this species is not known to be in storage or under propagation. Given these circumstances, we determined that designation of critical habitat for

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

was not prudent because such designation would be of no benefit to this species. If this species is rediscovered we may revise this proposal to incorporate or address new information as new data becomes available (See 16 U.S.C. 1532 (5) (B); 50 CFR 424.13(f)).

Issue 3: Legal Issues

(5)

Comment

: The Service failed to comply with court deadlines set forth in both

Conservation Council for Hawaii

v.

Babbitt

, 24 F. Supp. 1074 (D.Haw. 1998), and

Conservation Council for Hawaii

v.

Babbitt

, Civ. No. 99-00283 (D.Haw. Mar. 28, 2000).

Our Response:

The proposed rules for plants from Kauai, Niihau, Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai were sent to the

Federal Register

by or on November 30, 2000, as required by the court orders. On October 3, 2001, we submitted a joint stipulation with Earth Justice Legal Defense Fund requesting extension of the court orders for the final rules to designate critical habitat for plants from Kauai and Niihau (July 30, 2002), Maui and Kahoolawe (August 23, 2002), Lanai (September 16, 2002), and Molokai (October 16, 2002), citing the need to revise the proposals to incorporate or address new information and comments received during the comment periods on the December 27, 2000, proposal for plants from Lanai. The joint stipulation was approved and ordered by the court on October 5, 2001. Publication of this revised proposal for plants from Lanai is consistent with the joint stipulation.

(6)

Comment:

The Service should designate critical habitat on the Kanepuu Preserves since excluding them potentially violates the mandatory duty to designate critical habitat “to the maximum extent prudent and determinable” (16 U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)).

Our Response:

Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as: (i) the specific areas within the geographical area occupied by a species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation of the species and (II) that may require special management consideration or protection; and (ii) specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species. “Conservation” means the use of all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring an endangered or threatened species to the point at which listing under the Act is no longer necessary.

The Service found that the plants and their habitats within the Kanepuu Preserve receive long-term protection and management and, thus these lands are not in need of special management considerations or protection. In our December 27, 2000, proposal we determined that the lands within the Kanepuu Preserve do not meet the definition of critical habitat in the Act, and we did not propose designation of these lands as critical habitat. No change is made to this determination in this revised proposal. Should the status of this preserve change, for example by non-renewal of a partnership agreement or termination of funding, we will reconsider whether the lands within Kanepuu Preserve meet the definition of critical habitat. If so, we have the authority to propose to amend critical habitat to include such area at that time 50 CFR 424.12(g).

Issue 4: Mapping and Primary Constituent Elements

(7a)

Comment:

The designated areas are too large. (7b)

Comment:

The units are not large enough, and don't allow for changes that occur during known environmental processes. (7c)

Comment:

Make units B, C, D, E, F, H, I , and J smaller. (7d)

Comment:

The highly irregular and fragmented shape of proposed units make it difficult to determine if projects are within critical habitat.

Our Response:

We have revised the proposed designations published in the December 27, 2000, proposal for Lanai plants to incorporate new information, and address comments and new information received during the comment periods. Areas that contain habitat necessary for the conservation of the species were identified and delineated on a species by species basis. When species units overlapped, we combined units for ease of mapping (see also Methods section). The areas we are proposing to designate as critical habitat provide some or all of the habitat components essential for the conservation of 32 plant species from Lanai.

Issue 5: Effects of Designation

(8)

Comment:

Designation of critical habitat will result in restrictions on subsistence hunting and State hunting programs funded under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program (Pittman-Robertson Program).

Our Response:

We believe that game bird and mammal hunting in Hawaii is an important recreational and cultural activity, and we support the continuation of this tradition. The designation of critical habitat requires Federal agencies to consult under section 7 of the Act with us on actions they carry out, fund, or authorize that might destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. This requirement applies to us and includes funds distributed by the Service to the State through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program (Pittman-Robertson Program). Under the Act, activities funded by us or other Federal agencies cannot result in jeopardy to listed species, and they cannot adversely modify or destroy critical habitat. It is well documented that game mammals affect listed plant and animal species. In such areas, we believe it is important to develop and implement sound land management programs that provide both for the conservation of listed species and for continued game hunting. We are committed to working closely with the State and other interested parties to ensure that game management programs are implemented consistent with this need.

(9)

Comment:

Critical habitat could be the first step toward making the area a national park or refuge.

Our Response:

Critical habitat designation does not in any way create a wilderness area, preserve, national park, or wildlife refuge, nor does it close an area to human access or use. Its regulatory implications apply only to activities sponsored at least in part by Federal agencies. Land uses such as logging, grazing, and recreation that may require Federal permits may take place if they do not adversely modify critical habitat. Critical habitat designations do not constitute land management plans.

Summary of Changes From the Previous Proposal

We originally determined that designation of critical habitat was prudent for six plants (

Abutilon eremitopetalum, Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii, Gahnia lanaiensis, Portulaca sclerocarpa, Tetramolopium remyi,

and

Viola lanaiensis

) from the

island of Lanai on December 27, 2000. In proposals published on November 7, 2000, and December 18, 2000, we determined that designation of critical habitat was prudent for ten plants that are reported from Lanai as well as from Kauai and Niihau, and Maui and Kahoolawe. These ten plants are:

Bonamia menziesii, Centarium sebaeoides, Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis, Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana, Cyrtandra munroi, Hedyotis mannii

(we incorrectly determined prudency for this species in the December 27, 2000, proposal as well),

Hibiscus brackenridgei, Spermolepis hawaiiensis,

and

Vigna o-wahuensis.

In addition, at the time we listed

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi, Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis,

and

Melicope munroi,

on September 3, 1999, we determined that the designation of critical habitat was prudent for these three taxa from Lanai. No change is made to these 19 prudency determinations in this revised proposal and they are hereby incorporated by reference (64 FR 48307, 65 FR 82086, 65 FR 66808, 65 FR 79192).

In the December 27, 2000, proposal we determined that critical habitat was not prudent for

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis,

a species endemic to Lanai, because it had not been seen since 1914 and no viable genetic material of this species is known to exist. No change is made here to the December 27, 2000, prudency determination for

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

and it is hereby incorporated by reference (65 FR 82086).

In the December 27, 2000, proposal we proposed designation of critical habitat for 18 plants from the island of Lanai. These species are:

Abutilon eremitopetalum, Bonamia menziesii, Centaurium sebaeoides, Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis, Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana, Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii, Cyrtandra munroi, Gahnia lanaiensis, Hedyotis mannii, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis, Melicope munroi, Portulaca sclerocarpa, Spermolepis hawaiiensis, Tetramolopium remyi,

and

Viola lanaiensis.

In this proposal, we have revised the proposed designations for these 18 plants based on new information received during the comment periods. In addition, we incorporate new information, and address comments and new information received during the comment periods on the December 27, 2000, proposal.

In the December 27, 2000, proposal, we did not propose designation of critical habitat on Lanai for 17 species that no longer occur on Lanai but are reported from one or more other islands. We determined that critical habitat was prudent for 16 of these species (

Adenophorus periens, Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha, Brighamia rockii, Cenchrus agrimonioides, Cyanea lobata, Cyperus trachysanthos, Diellia erecta, Diplazium molokaiense, Hesperomannia arborescens, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Mariscus faurei, Neraudia sericea, Sesbania tomentosa, Silene lanceolata, Solanum incompletum,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

) in other proposed rules published on November 7, 2000 (65 FR 66808), December 18, 2000 (65 FR 79192), December 29, 2000 (65 FR 83157), and January 28, 2002 (67 FR 3940). In this proposal we incorporate the prudency determinations for these 16 species and propose designation of critical habitat for

Adenophorus periens, Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha, Brighamia rockii, Cenchrus agrimonioides, Cyanea lobata, Cyperus trachysanthos, Diellia erecta, Diplazium molokaiense, Hesperomannia arborescens, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Neraudia sericea, Sesbania tomentosa,

and

Solanum incompletum

on the island of Lanai, based on new information and information received during the comment periods on the December 27, 2000, proposal. Critical habitat is not proposed on Lanai for

Mariscus faurei, Silene lanceolata,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

because they no longer occur on Lanai and we are unable to identify habitat which is essential to their conservation on this island.

In this proposal, we determine that critical habitat is prudent for

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

for which a prudency determination has not been made previously, and that no longer occurs on Lanai but is reported from one other island (Oahu). However, critical habitat for this species is not included in this proposal because it no longer occurs on Lanai and we are unable to identify habitat which is essential to its conservation on this island.

Based on a review of new biological information and public comments received we have revised our December 27, 2000, proposal to incorporate the following additional changes: changes in our approach to delineating proposed critical habitat (see

Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat

); adjustment and refinement of previously identified critical habitat units to more accurately follow the natural topographic features and to avoid nonessential landscape features (agricultural crops, urban or rural development) without primary constituent elements; and inclusion of new areas, such as Hawaiilanui Gulch within unit Lanai C and Paliamano Gulch within unit Lanai F, that are essential for the conservation of one or more of the 32 plant species.

Critical Habitat

Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as—(i) the specific areas within the geographic area occupied by a species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation of the species and (II) that may require special management considerations or protection; and (ii) specific areas outside the geographic area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species. “Conservation” means the use of all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring an endangered or a threatened species to the point at which listing under the Act is no longer necessary.

Critical habitat receives protection under section 7 of the Act through the prohibition against destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat with regard to actions carried out, funded, or authorized by a Federal agency. Section 7 also requires conferences on Federal actions that are likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. Aside from the added protection that may be provided under section 7, the Act does not provide other forms of protection to lands designated as critical habitat. Because consultation under section 7 of the Act does not apply to activities on private or other non-Federal lands that do not involve a Federal nexus, critical habitat designation would not afford any additional regulatory protections under the Act.

Critical habitat also provides non-regulatory benefits to the species by informing the public and private sectors of areas that are important for species recovery and where conservation actions would be most effective. Designation of critical habitat can help focus conservation activities for a listed species by identifying areas that contain the physical and biological features that are essential for the conservation of that species, and can alert the public as well as land-managing agencies to the importance of those areas. Critical habitat also identifies areas that may require special management considerations or protection, and may help provide protection to areas where

significant threats to the species have been identified to help to avoid accidental damage to such areas.

In order to be included in a critical habitat designation, the habitat must be “essential to the conservation of the species.” Critical habitat designations identify, to the extent known and using the best scientific and commercial data available, habitat areas that provide at least one of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the species (primary constituent elements, as defined at 50 CFR 424.12(b)). Section 3(5)(C) of the Act states that not all areas that can be occupied by a species should be designated as critical habitat unless the Secretary determines that all such areas are essential to the conservation of the species. Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(e)) also state that, “The Secretary shall designate as critical habitat areas outside the geographic area presently occupied by the species only when a designation limited to its present range would be inadequate to ensure the conservation of the species.”

Section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires that we take into consideration the economic impact, and any other relevant impact, of specifying any particular area as critical habitat. We may exclude areas from critical habitat designation when the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of including the areas within critical habitat, provided the exclusion will not result in extinction of the species.

Our Policy on Information Standards Under the Endangered Species Act, published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34271), provides criteria, establishes procedures, and provides guidance to ensure that decisions made by the Service represent the best scientific and commercial data available. It requires that our biologists, to the extent consistent with the Act and with the use of the best scientific and commercial data available, use primary and original sources of information as the basis for recommendations to designate critical habitat. When determining which areas are critical habitat, a primary source of information should be the listing rule for the species. Additional information may be obtained from a recovery plan, articles in peer-reviewed journals, conservation plans developed by States and counties, scientific status surveys and studies, and biological assessments or other unpublished materials.

Section 4 of the Act requires that we designate critical habitat based on what we know at the time of designation. Habitat is often dynamic, and species may move from one area to another over time. Furthermore, we recognize that designation of critical habitat may not include all of the habitat areas that may eventually be determined to be necessary for the recovery of the species. For these reasons, critical habitat designations do not signal that habitat outside the designation is unimportant or may not be required for recovery. Areas outside the critical habitat designation will continue to be subject to conservation actions that may be implemented under section 7(a)(1) of the Act and to the regulatory protections afforded by the section 7(a)(2) jeopardy standard and the section 9 prohibitions, as determined on the basis of the best available information at the time of the action. Federally funded or assisted projects affecting listed species outside their designated critical habitat areas may still result in jeopardy findings in some cases. Similarly, critical habitat designations made on the basis of the best available information at the time of designation will not control the direction and substance of future recovery plans, HCPs, or other species conservation planning efforts if new information available to these planning efforts calls for a different outcome.

A. Prudency Redeterminations

We originally determined that designation of critical habitat was prudent for six plants (

Abutilon eremitopetalum, Cyanea macrostegia

ssp.

gibsonii, Gahnia lanaiensis, Portulaca sclerocarpa, Tetramolopium remyi,

and

Viola lanaiensis

) from the island of Lanai on December 27, 2000. In proposals published on November 7, 2000, and December 18, 2000, we determined that designation of critical habitat was prudent for ten plants that are reported from Lanai as well as from Kauai and Niihau, and Maui and Kahoolawe. These ten plants are:

Bonamia menziesii, Centarium sebaeoides, Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

mauiensis, Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana, Cyrtandra munroi, Hedyotis mannii, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Spermolepis hawaiiensis,

and

Vigna o-wahuensis.

In addition, at the time we listed

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana

var.

remyi, Labordia tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis,

and

Melicope munroi,

on September 3, 1999, we determined that the designation of critical habitat was prudent for these three taxa from Lanai. No change is made to these 19 prudency determinations in this revised proposal and they are hereby incorporated by reference (64 FR 48307, 65 FR 66808, 65 FR 79192, 65 FR 82086).

No change is made here to the prudency determination for

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis,

a species known only from Lanai, published in the December 27, 2000, proposal and hereby incorporated by reference (65 FR 82086).

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

has not been seen on Lanai since 1914. In addition, this plant is not known to be in storage or under propagation. Given these circumstances, we determined that designation of critical habitat for

Phyllostegia glabra

var.

lanaiensis

was not prudent because such designation would be of no benefit to this taxon. If this species is rediscovered we may revise this proposal to incorporate or address new information as new data becomes available (See 16 U.S.C. 1532 (5) (B); 50 CFR 424.13(f)).

In the December 27, 2000, proposal, we did not determine prudency nor propose designation of critical habitat for 17 species that no longer occur on Lanai but are reported from one or more other islands. We determined that critical habitat was prudent for 16 of these species (

Adenophorus periens, Bidens micrantha

ssp.

kalealaha, Brighamia rockii, Cenchrus agrimonioides, Cyanea lobata, Cyperus trachysanthos, Diellia erecta, Diplazium molokaiense, Hesperomannia arborescens, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Mariscus fauriei, Neraudia sericea, Sesbania tomentosa, Silene lanceolata, Solanum incompletum,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

) in other proposed rules published on November 7, 2000 (Kauai and Niihau), December 18, 2000 (Maui and Kahoolawe), December 29, 2000 (Molokai), and January 28, 2002 (Kauai reproposal). No change is made to these prudency determinations for these 16 species in this proposal and they are hereby incorporated by reference (65 FR 66808, 65 FR 79192, 65 FR 83158, 65 FR 83157, 67 FR 3940). Critical habitat is not proposed for

Mariscus faurei, Silene lanceolata,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

on the island of Lanai because we are unable to identify habitat which is essential to their conservation on this island.

To determine whether critical habitat would be prudent for

Tetramolopium lepidotum

spp.

lepidotum,

a species for which a prudency determination has not been made previously, and that no longer occurs on Lanai but is reported from one other island (Oahu) we analyzed the potential threats and benefits for this species in accordance with the court orders. This plant was listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) in 1991. At that time, we determined that designation of critical habitat for

Tetramolopium lepidotum

spp.

lepidotum

was not prudent because

designation would increase the degree of threat to this species and/or would not benefit the plant. We examined the evidence available for this species and have not, at this time, found specific evidence of taking, vandalism, collection or trade of this species or of similar species. Consequently, while we remain concerned that these activities could potentially threaten

T. lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

in the future, consistent with applicable regulations (50 CFR 424, 12(a)(1)(i)) and the court's discussion of these regulations, we do not find that this species is currently threatened by taking or other human activity, which would be exacerbated by the designation of critical habitat. In the absence of finding that critical habitat would increase threats to a species, if there are any benefits to critical habitat designation, then a prudent finding is warranted. The potential benefits include: (1) Triggering section 7 consultation in new areas where it would not otherwise occur because, for example, it is or has become unoccupied or the occupancy is in question; (2) focusing conservation activities on the most essential areas; (3) providing educational benefits to State or county governments or private entities; and (4) preventing people from causing inadvertent harm to the species. In the case of

T. lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

there would be some benefits to critical habitat. The primary regulatory effect of critical habitat is the section 7 requirement that Federal agencies refrain from taking any action that destroys or adversely affects critical habitat.

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

is reported from Federal lands on Oahu (the U.S. Army's Schofield Barracks Military Reservation) where actions are subject to section 7 consultation, as well as on State and private lands. Although currently there may be limited Federal activities on these State and private lands, there could be Federal actions affecting these lands in the future. While a critical habitat designation for habitat currently occupied by

T. lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum

would not likely change the section 7 consultation outcome, since an action that destroys or adversely modifies such critical habitat would also be likely to result in jeopardy to the species, there may be instances where section 7 consultation would be triggered only if critical habitat were designated. There may also be some educational or informational benefits to the designation of critical habitat. Educational benefits include the notification of landowner(s), land managers, and the general public of the importance of protecting the habitat of this species and dissemination of information regarding its essential habitat requirements. Therefore, we propose that designation of critical habitat is prudent for

Tetramolopium lepidotum

ssp.

lepidotum.

B. Methods

As required by the Act (section 4(b)(2)) and regulations at 50 CFR 424.12, we used the best scientific data available to determine areas that are essential to conserve

Abutilon eremitopetalum, Adenophorus periens, Bidens micrantha ssp. kalealaha, Bonamia menziesii, Brighamia rockii, Cenchrus agrimonioides, Centaurium sebaeoides, Clermontia oblongifolia ssp. mauiensis, Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea grimesiana ssp. grimesiana, Cyanea lobata, Cyanea macrostegia ssp. gibsonii, Cyperus trachysanthos, Cyrtandra munroi, Diellia erecta, Diplazium molokaiense, Gahnia lanaiensis, Hedyotis mannii, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi, Hesperomannia arborescens, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, Mariscus fauriei, Melicope munroi, Neraudia sericea, Portulaca sclerocarpa, Sesbania tomentosa, Silene lanceolata, Solanum incompletum, Spermolepis hawaiiensis, Tetramolopium lepidotum ssp. lepidotum, Tetramolopium remyi, Vigna o-wahuensis, Viola lanaiensis, and Zanthoxylum hawaiiense.

This information included the known locations, site-specific species information from the HINHP database and our own rare plant database; species information from the CPC's rare plant monitoring database housed at the University of Hawaii's Lyon Arboretum; island-wide GIS coverages (

e.g.

, vegetation, soils, annual rainfall, elevation contours, land ownership); the final listing rules for these 36 species; the December 27, 2000, proposal; information received during the public comment periods and the public hearing; recent biological surveys and reports; our recovery plans for these species; information received in response to outreach materials and requests for species and management information we sent to all landowners, land managers, and interested parties on the island of Lanai; discussions with botanical experts; and recommendations from the HPPRCC (see also the discussion below) (Service 1995, 1996a, 1996b, 1997, 1998a, 1998b, 1999, 2001; HPPRCC 1998; HINHP Database 2000, CPC

in litt.

1999; 65 FR 82086; GDSI 2000).

In 1994, the HPPRCC initiated an effort to identify and map habitat it believed to be important for the recovery of 282 endangered and threatened Hawaiian plant species. The HPPRCC identified these areas on most of the islands in the Hawaiian chain, and in 1999, we published them in our

Recovery Plan for the Multi-Island Plants

(Service 1999). The HPPRCC expects there will be subsequent efforts to further refine the locations of important habitat areas and that new survey information or research may also lead to additional refinement of identifying and mapping of habitat important for the recovery of these species.

The HPPRCC identified essential habitat areas for all listed, proposed, and candidate plants and evaluated species of concern to determine if essential habitat areas would provide for their habitat needs. However, the HPPRCC's mapping of habitat is distinct from the regulatory designation of critical habitat as defined by the Act. More data has been collected since the recommendations made by the HPPRCC in 1998. Much of the area that was identified by the HPPRCC as inadequately surveyed has now been surveyed in some way. New location data for many species has been gathered. Also, the HPPRCC identified areas as essential based on species clusters (areas that included listed species as well as candidate species, and species of concern) while we have only delineated areas that are essential for the conservation of the 32 listed species at issue. As a result, the proposed critical habitat designations in this proposed rule include not only some habitat that was identified as essential in the 1998 recommendation but also habitat that was not identified as essential in those recommendations.

C. Primary Constituent Elements

In accordance with section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act and regulations at 50 CFR 424.12, in determining which areas to propose as critical habitat, we are required to base critical habitat determinations on the best scientific and commercial data available and to consider those physical and biological features (primary constituent elements) that are essential to the conservation of the species and that may require special management considerations or protection. Such requirements include, but are not limited to: space for individual and population growth, and for normal behavior; food, water, air, light, minerals, or other nutritional or physiological requirements; cover or shelter; sites for breeding, reproduction, or rearing of offspring, germination, or seed dispersal; and habitats that are

protected from disturbance or are representative of the historic geographical and ecological distributions of a species.

In the December 27, 2000, proposal we identified the physical and biological features that are considered essential to the conservation of the 19 species on the island of Lanai (65 FR 82086). Based on new information and information received during the comment periods on the December 27, 2000, proposal we have revised our description of these physical and biological features in this proposal.

In the December 27, 2000, proposal we did not propose designation of critical habitat for the 16 species that no longer occur on Lanai but are reported from one or more other islands and for which we had determined, in other rules, that designation of critical habitat was prudent. Based on new information and information received during the comment periods on the December 27, 2000, proposal, we have identified the physical and biological features on Lanai that are considered essential to the conservation of 13 of the 16 species. We are unable to identify these features for

Mariscus faurei, Silene lanceolata,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense,

which no longer occur on the island of Lanai, because information on the physical and biological features (i.e., the primary constituent elements) that are considered essential to the conservation of these three species on Lanai is not known.

Mariscus faurei

and

Silene lanceolata

have not been observed on Lanai since 1930 while

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

has not been observed on Lanai since 1947, and we are not able to identify the primary constituent elements that are considered essential to their conservation on Lanai from the historical records. Therefore, we were not able to identify the specific areas outside the geographic areas occupied by these species at the time of their listing (unoccupied habitat) that are essential for the conservation of these species on the island of Lanai. However, proposed critical habitat designations for

Mariscus fauriei, Silene lanceolata,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

were included in proposals published on November 7, 2000, December 18, 2000, or on December 29, 2000 (65 FR 66808, 65 FR 79192, 65 FR 83158). In addition, we will consider proposing designation of critical habitat for

Mariscus fauriei, Silene lanceolata,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

within the historic range for each species on other Ha

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