The
Regulatory Process
Achieving the objectives for using the Incompatible Insect Technique and releasing Wolbachia-incompatible male mosquitoes in high-elevation forests across Hawaiʻi requires following appropriate regulatory pathways.
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Throughout Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian honeycreepers live on land managed by state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private landowners. Because of this, BNM partners follow the regulatory requirements set by state and federal laws, agencies, and landowners. Every aspect of this project will comply with all federal and state regulations before action is taken. Public input is an important part of this multi-step regulatory process.
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The permits and authorizations were obtained to import and release mosquitoes in Hawaiʻi.
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To comply with regulatory requirements and assess the potential environmental effects of this project, partners are conducting three Environmental Assessments in the State of Hawaiʻi. The East Maui and Kauaʻi Environmental Assessment have been approved. Partners are working to prepare a Statewide Environmental Assessment.
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See the sections below for up-to-date project information and upcoming opportunities to participate in public comment periods.
East Maui
The National Park Service, in cooperation with the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the East Maui portion of this project.
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In April 2023, government agencies issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for both the federal and state environmental assessments. This allows the project to move forward on East Maui, beginning with small-scale pilot releases of incompatible male mosquitoes.
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Watch the Board of Land and Natural Resources informational briefing.
Kauaʻi
The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Kauaʻi portion of this project.
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In October 2023, government agencies issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for both the federal and state environmental assessments. This allows the project to move forward on Kaua'i, beginning with small-scale pilot releases of incompatible male mosquitoes.
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Statewide
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health, in cooperation with the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, are in the planning phase of preparing the statewide Environmental Assessment.
Public Input
Community engagement and input help inform our project. If you are interested in learning more and being notified about opportunities to share your manaʻo during public comment periods, be sure to subscribe to our mailing list.
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For real-time updates, follow us on social media @birdsnotmosquitoes.