HONOLULU — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are seeking public comments on two draft restoration plans and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluations for the restoration and rehabilitation of the former Oʻahu Sugar site within the Pearl Harbor Naval Complex. The funding is provided after a consent decree announced a settlement to restore natural resources impacted through the release of hazardous substances.
The Oʻahu Sugar Company, LLC, leased land at the Pearl Harbor Naval Complex from the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Navy from 1947-1995. Oʻahu Sugar operated a pesticide mixing plant located along the coastline that resulted in the release of dioxin and pentachlorophenol, among other hazardous substances, resulting in injuries to the surrounding environment.
The proposed restoration will restore 21 acres of critically impacted shoreline, estuarine, and coastal wetland habitat along the West Loch shoreline and Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. Proposed restoration activities include physical removal of invasive red mangrove and other nonnative vegetation, replanting of native sedges, groundcover, and trees, predator control, and community engagement efforts.
Restoration efforts are focused on critical shoreline and wetland habitats that provide important habitat for native Hawaiian aquatic and terrestrial species. The restoration areas represent areas that will serve as critical habitat zones that are intended to increase the future survival for native species that have been impacted by adverse effects in the West Loch and Pearl Harbor area.
The draft restoration plans and NEPA evaluations will be available for public comment for 45 days, from January 13, 2025, to February 25, 2025. An electronic copy of the draft recovery plans for USFWS and NOAA are available at the agencies’ respective websites: USFWS Draft Restoration Plan and NEPA Evaluation and NOAA Draft Restoration Plan and NEPA Evaluation.
To request additional information or submit written comments, please use one of the following methods.
- Public comments on the USFWS plan may be submitted in writing to:
Alicia Hendrix
300 Ala Moana Blvd Rm 3-122
Honolulu, HI 96850 - You may send comments by email to oahusugarnrdar@fws.gov. Please include “Draft RP/NEPA Evaluation for Oʻahu Sugar Site” in the title.
- Public comments on the NOAA plan may be submitted email to nmfs.oahusugar@noaa.gov. Please include “Draft RP/NEPA Evaluation for Oʻahu Sugar Site” in the title.
- A public meeting will be held on January 29, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at:
Filipino Community Center
94-428 Mokuola St.
Waipahu, HI 96797
In order to be considered, comments on the draft recovery plan must be received on or before February 25. All comments and materials received will become part of the public record associated with this action. The USFWS will accept comments received or postmarked on or before February 25.
