H.R. 2866 – Reading Mode

109th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 2866

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 13, 2005

Mr. Abercrombie (for himself and Mr. Case) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Resources

A BILL

To provide for the expansion of the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, Honolulu County, Hawaii.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act of 2005.

Findings

Congress finds that—

(1)

the United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge for the purpose of promoting the recovery of 4 species of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds;

(2)

the United States Fish and Wildlife Service leases approximately 240 acres of high-value wetland habitat (including ponds, marshes, freshwater springs, and adjacent land) and manages the habitat in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd note; Public Law 105–312);

(3)

the United States Fish and Wildlife Service entered into a contract to purchase in fee title the land described in paragraph (2) from the estate of James Campbell for the purposes of—

(A)

permanently protecting the endangered species habitat; and

(B)

improving the management of the Refuge;

(4)

the United States Fish and Wildlife Service has identified for inclusion in the Refuge approximately 800 acres of additional high-value wildlife habitat adjacent to the Refuge that are owned by the estate of James Campbell;

(5)

the land of the estate of James Campbell on the Kahuku Coast features coastal dunes, coastal wetlands, and coastal strand that promote biological diversity for threatened and endangered species, including—

(A)

the 4 species of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds described in paragraph (1);

(B)

migratory shorebirds;

(C)

waterfowl;

(D)

seabirds;

(E)

endangered and native plant species;

(F)

endangered monk seals; and

(G)

green sea turtles;

(6)

because of extensive coastal development, habitats of the type within the Refuge are increasingly rare on the Hawaiian islands;

(7)

expanding the Refuge will provide increased opportunities for wildlife-dependent public uses, including wildlife observation, photography, and environmental education and interpretation; and

(8)

acquisition of the land described in paragraph (4)—

(A)

will create a single, large, manageable, and ecologically-intact unit that includes sufficient buffer land to reduce impacts on the Refuge; and

(B)

is necessary to reduce flood damage following heavy rainfall to residences, businesses, and public buildings in the town of Kahuku.

Definitions

In this Act:

(1)

Director

The term Director means the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

(2)

Refuge

The term Refuge means the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge established pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

(3)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

Expansion of refuge

(a)

Expansion

The boundary of the Refuge is expanded to include the approximately 1,100 acres of land (including any water and interest in the land) depicted on the map entitled James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge–Expansion, and on file in the office of the Director.

(b)

Boundary revisions

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may make such minor modifications to the boundary of the Refuge as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to—

(1)

achieve the goals of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to the Refuge; or

(2)

facilitate the acquisition of property within the Refuge.

(c)

Availability of map

(1)

In general

The map described in subsection (a) shall remain available for inspection in an appropriate office of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as determined by the Secretary.

(2)

Notice

As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register and any publication of local circulation in the area of the Refuge notice of the availability of the map.

Acquisition of land and water

(a)

In general

Subject to the availability of appropriated funds, the Secretary may acquire the land described in section 4(a).

(b)

Inclusion

Any land, water, or interest acquired by the Secretary pursuant to this section shall—

(1)

become part of the Refuge; and

(2)

be administered in accordance with applicable law.