The document outlines Hawaii's process for selecting and designating a site for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS). It discusses the purpose and goals of the NERRS, provides an overview of the designation process, and details Hawaii's site evaluation and selection schedule. Stakeholders can expect open communication and involvement in all phases of the process, including developing selection criteria, evaluating potential sites, selecting a preferred site, delineating boundaries, and developing a management plan.
Office of Planning Presentation re National Estuarine Research Reserve Site Designation Process
1. February 13, 2013
NOAA Pacific Services Center – Training Room
Office of Planning
State of Hawaiʻ i
2. Agenda
• Purpose of the NERR
• Overview of NERR designation process
• Current status of NERR designation process
• Overview of Hawaii site evaluation and selection process
• Schedule of site evaluation and selection/designation process
• Expectations from stakeholders
Office of Planning
State of Hawaiʻ i
3. National Estuarine Research Reserve System
• State – Federal Partnership Program
• 28 Reserves in the United States and Caribbean
• State agency manages the reserve on a day-to-day basis
• NOAA provides funding, national guidance, and
technical assistance
Office of Planning
State of Hawaiʻ i
5. NERR System Goals
• Ensure stable environment for research
• Address significant coastal management issues
• Enhance public awareness and understanding of
estuarine areas
• Promote federal, state, public , and private use for research
• Conduct and coordinate estuarine research within the system
Office of Planning
State of Hawaiʻ i
6. Purpose of the NERR
• Research
• “Living laboratory” for scientists and students
• Natural resource management issues (i.e., non-point
source pollution, habitat restoration, invasive species)
• Education
• Adults – Training on estuarine issues
• K-12 – Field classes
• Teachers – Professional development in marine education
• Coastal Stewardship
• Assist communities in developing strategies to deal with
natural resource management issues
Office of Planning
State of Hawaiʻ i
7. Overview / Status – NERR Designation Process
Site Selection
Document
Letter of Interest
Criteria
Development
Boundary
Screening
Site Selection Delineation
Process
&
Nomination Site Selection
Process Nomination Letter
Management Plan
& Designation
EIS (NEPA)
Process Office of Planning
State of Hawaiʻ i
8. Hawaiʻi Site Evaluation & Selection Process
OP-led Small Group
Phase I Consultant to develop draft site criteria
NERR Site Selection Committee NERR Site Evaluation Committee
• Facilitate • Using approved site criteria:
• Review draft site criteria
committees • Identify potential sites
• Approve final site criteria
• Support • Evaluate potential sites
committees
• Prepare
• Review site rankings and • Site Ranking / Recommendations
committee
material recommendations • Preferred site
• Select Preferred site • Alternative sites
• Develop report of
selection process
and determination
Office of Planning
State of Hawaiʻ i
9. Schedule / Timeline
• Draft Criteria • Site Selection Cmte. • Boundary
Phase II
Phase I
Phase III
reviews site list Delineation
• Secure Consultant
• Site Selection Cmte. • Develop
• Form Site
selects preferred site Management Plan
Evaluation &
Selection Cmtes. • Public meeting in
vicinity of preferred • Prepare EIS (NEPA)
• Public solicitation Document
site
of potential sites
• Forward site
• Site Eval. Cmte.
selection document
examine and
to Governor
analyze sites
• Governor nominates
• Forward site list to
site to NOAA
Site Selection Cmte.
Office of Planning
State of Hawaiʻ i
10. Stakeholders
• Public / Immediate Community where NERR sited
• Office of Planning / CZM Program
• B&F
• DLNR
• DOH
• University of Hawaiʻi
• NOAA Office of Planning
State of Hawaiʻ i
11. Expectations from Stakeholders
• Active involvement in entire designation process
• Open and timely communication
• Attend all scheduled meetings
Office of Planning
State of Hawaiʻ i