[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 94 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26757-26770]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-12689]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AE22


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed 
Endangered Status for 10 Plant Taxa From Maui Nui, Hawaii

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes 
endangered status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (Act), for 10 plant taxa: Clermontia samuelii (`oha wai), 
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis (haha), Cyanea glabra (haha), 
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora (haha), Dubautia plantaginea ssp. 
humilis (na`ena`e), Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi (kopa), 
Kanaloa kahoolawensis (kohe malama malama o Kanaloa), Labordia 
tinifolia var. lanaiensis (kamakahala), Labordia triflora (kamakahala), 
and Melicope munroi (alani). All 10 taxa are endemic to the Maui Nui 
group of islands, in the Hawaiian Islands. This group includes Maui, 
Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea copelandii 
ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. 
hamatiflora, and Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis are endemic to the 
island of Maui. Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi and Labordia 
tinifolia var. lanaiensis are endemic to the island of Lanai. Kanaloa 
kahoolawensis is endemic to the island of Kahoolawe, although pollen 
studies indicate it may have been a dominant species on Oahu until 800 
years ago. Labordia triflora is endemic to Molokai, and Melicope munroi 
is found on Lanai but was also known historically from Molokai. The 10 
plant taxa and their habitats have been variously affected or are 
currently threatened by one or more of the following: Competition, 
predation or habitat degradation from alien species, natural disasters, 
and random environmental events. This proposal, if made final, would 
implement the Federal protection provisions provided by the Act.

DATES: Comments from all interested parties must be received by July 
14, 1997. Public hearing requests must be received by June 30, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be 
sent to Robert P. Smith, Manager, Pacific Islands Ecoregion Office, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 6307, 
P.O. Box 50167, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850. Comments and materials received 
will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal 
business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert P. Smith, Manager, Pacific 
Islands Ecoregion Office, see ADDRESSES section, or telephone 808-541-
2749 or FAX 808-541-2756.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea 
glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, Dubautia plantaginea ssp. 
humilis, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi, Kanaloa kahoolawensis, 
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, Labordia triflora, and Melicope 
munroi are, or were, known from four Hawaiian Islands: Molokai, Lanai, 
Maui, and Kahoolawe. The current and historical distribution by island 
for each of the 10 taxa is presented in Table 1.
    The Hawaiian archipelago includes eight large volcanic islands 
(Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii), as 
well as offshore islets, shoals, and atolls set on submerged volcanic 
remnants at the northwest end of the chain. The archipelago covers a 
land area of about 16,600 square kilometers (sq km) (6,400 sq miles 
(mi)), extending roughly between latitude 18 deg.50' to 28 deg.15' N 
and longitude 154 deg.40' to 178 deg.70' W, and ranging in elevation 
from sea level to 4,200 meters (m) (13,800 feet (ft)) (Department of 
Geography 1983). The regional geological setting is a mid-oceanic 
volcanic island archipelago set in a roughly northwest to southeast 
line, with younger islands to the southeast. The four main central 
islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe are part of a large 
volcanic mass of six major volcanoes, which were united as a single 
island during times of lower sea level. This island, called Maui Nui, 
covered about 5,200 sq km (2,000 sq m). The youngest island in this 
group, Maui, consists of two volcanoes--the older West Maui, 1.3 
million years old, and the younger Haleakala, 0.4 to 0.8 million years 
old. The islands progress in age from Haleakala (or East Maui), through 
Kahoolawe (1 million years old), West Maui, Lanai (1.2 to 1.5 million 
years old), to Molokai. Molokai consists of three volcanoes: East 
Molokai (1.3 to 1.5 million years old), West Molokai (1.5 to 1.8 
million years old), and Kalaupapa Peninsula (1.2 million years old). 
The older islands are increasingly eroded (Macdonald et al. 1986). The 
topography of the Hawaiian Islands comprising Maui Nui is extremely 
diverse. On the youngest part of the island of Maui, gently sloping 
unweathered shield volcanoes with very poor soil development are 
juxtaposed with older, heavily weathered valleys with steep walls, 
well-developed streams, and gently sloped flood plains. The older 
volcanoes, West Maui and Molokai, are generally more weathered. On a 
typical older island, sea cliffs and large amphitheater-headed valleys 
on the windward (northeast) side contrast with erosionally younger, 
dissected slopes on the leeward (southwest) side (Department of 
Geography 1983).

                        Table 1.--Summary of Island Distribution of the Proposed Species                        
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                                                                          Island within Maui Nui                
                         Species                         -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                M            Mo             L            Ka     
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clermontia samuelii.....................................             C  ............  ............  ............
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis...................             C  ............  ............  ............
Cyanea glabra...........................................             C  ............  ............  ............
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora.....................             C  ............  ............  ............
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis.......................             C  ............  ............  ............
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana ssp. remyi..................  ............  ............             C  ............
Kanaloa kahoolawensis...................................  ............  ............  ............             C*
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis......................  ............  ............             C  ............

[[Page 26758]]

                                                                                                                
Labordia triflora.......................................  ............             C  ............  ............
Melicope munroi.........................................  ............            H              C  ............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEY                                                                                                             
C = current; population last observed within the past 20 years.                                                 
H = historical; population not seen for over 20 years.                                                          
M-Maui                                                                                                          
Mo-Molokai                                                                                                      
L-Lanai                                                                                                         
Ka-Kahoolawe                                                                                                    
*Kanaloa kahoolawensis was most likely a dominant species in the lowland areas of Oahu, and possibly Maui, up   
  until 800 years ago, according to pollen records.                                                             

    The climate of the Hawaiian Islands reflects the tropical setting 
buffered by the surrounding ocean (Department of Geography 1983). The 
prevailing winds are northeast trades with some seasonal fluctuation in 
strength. There are also winter storm systems and occasional 
hurricanes. Temperatures vary over the year an average of 5 
deg.Celsius (C) (11  deg.Fahrenheit (F)) or less, with daily variation 
usually exceeding seasonal variation in temperature. Temperature varies 
with elevation and ranges from a maximum recorded temperature of 37.7 
deg.C (99.9  deg.F), measured at 265 m (870 ft) elevation, to a minimum 
of -12.7  deg.C (9.1  deg.F) recorded at 4,205 m (13,795 ft) elevation. 
Annual rainfall varies greatly by location, with marked windward to 
leeward gradients over short distances. Minimum average annual rainfall 
is less than 250 millimeters (mm) (10 inches (in.)); the maximum 
average precipitation is well in excess of 11,000 mm (450 in.) per 
year. Precipitation is greatest during the months of October through 
April. A dry season is apparent in leeward settings, while windward 
settings generally receive tradewind-driven rainfall throughout the 
year (Department of Geography 1983).
    The native-dominated vegetation of the Hawaiian Islands varies 
greatly according to elevation, moisture regime, and substrate. The 
most recent classification of Hawaiian natural communities recognizes 
nearly 100 native vegetation types. Within these types are numerous 
island-specific or region-specific associations, comprising an 
extremely rich array of vegetation types within a very limited 
geographic area. Major vegetation formations include forests, 
woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, herblands, and pioneer associations 
on lava and cinder substrates (Gagne and Cuddihy 1990).
    In Hawaii, lowland, montane, and subalpine forest types extend from 
sea level to above 3,000 m (9,800 ft) in elevation. Coastal and lowland 
forests are generally dry or mesic and may be open or closed-canopied. 
The stature of lowland forests is generally under 10 m (30 ft). Three 
of the taxa proposed for listing (Cyanea copelandii ssp. 
haleakalaensis, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, and Labordia 
triflora) have been reported from lowland mesic forest habitat. Montane 
wet forests, occupying elevations between 915 and 1,830 m (3,000 and 
6,000 ft), occur on the windward slopes and summits of the islands of 
Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii. The forests may be open- to 
closed-canopied, and may exceed 20 m (65 ft) in stature. Montane wet 
forests are usually dominated by several species of native trees and 
tree ferns. Four of the proposed taxa (Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea 
copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra, and Cyanea hamatiflora 
ssp. hamatiflora) have been reported from montane wet forest habitat.
    Hawaiian shrublands are also found from coastal to alpine 
elevations. The majority of Hawaiian shrubland types are in dry and 
mesic settings, or on cliffs and slopes too steep to support trees. One 
of the proposed taxa, Kanaloa kahoolawensis, has been reported from 
coastal dry shrubland on Kahoolawe. Two of the proposed taxa, Dubautia 
plantaginea ssp. humilis and Melicope munroi, have been reported from 
lowland wet shrublands, and Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi has 
been reported from lowland mesic shrublands.
    The land that supports these 10 plant taxa is owned by various 
private parties, the State of Hawaii (including forest reserves and 
natural area reserves), and the Federal government (Department of the 
Interior, National Park Service).

Discussion of the 10 Plant Taxa

Clermontia samuelii

    Clermontia samuelii, was first described by C.N. Forbes from a 
collection he made in 1919 (Degener and Degener 1958, Forbes 1920). 
Harold St. John described C. hanaensis in 1939, based on a specimen 
collected by C.N. Forbes in 1920 (Degener and Degener 1960, St. John 
1939). Later, St. John formally described C. gracilis, C. 
kipahuluensis, and C. rosacea (St. John 1987a). In the most recent 
treatment of this endemic Hawaiian genus, Lammers considers all four 
species to be synonymous with C. samuelii, and divides the species into 
two subspecies--ssp. hanaensis (including the synonyms C. hanaensis and 
C. kipahuluensis) and ssp. samuelii (including C. gracilis and C. 
rosacea) (Lammers 1989, 1990).
    Clermontia samuelii, a member of the bellflower family 
(Campanulaceae), is a terrestrial shrub 1.2 to 5 m (4 to 16 ft) tall. 
The leaves are elliptical, sometimes broader at the tip, with blades 5 
to 10 cm (2 to 4 in.) long and 1.8 to 4.5 cm (0.7 to 1.8 in.) wide. The 
upper surfaces of the leaves are dark green, often tinged purplish, and 
may be sparsely hairy. The lower surfaces of the leaves are pale green, 
and sparsely to densely hairy. The leaf margins are thickened, with 
shallow, ascending, rounded teeth. The tips and bases of the leaves are 
typically sharply pointed. The inflorescences (flowering clusters) bear 
2 to 5 flowers on a main stem that is 4 to 18 mm (0.2 to 0.7 in.) long. 
The stalk of each individual flower is 12 to 28 mm (0.5 to 1.1 in.) 
long. The hypanthium (cup-like structure at the base of the flower) is 
widest on the top, 8 to 14 mm (0.3 to 0.6 in.) long, and 5 to 10 mm 
(0.2 to 0.4 in.) wide. The sepals and petals are similar in color (rose 
or greenish white to white), curved, and tubular. The flowers are 36 to 
55 mm (1.4 to 2.2 in.) long and 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in.) wide. The 
lobes of the sepals and petals are erect, and extend 0.2 to 0.5 times 
beyond the tube. Berries of this species have not yet been observed. C. 
samuelii ssp. hanaensis is differentiated from C. samuelii ssp. 
samuelii by the greenish white to white flowers; longer, narrower

[[Page 26759]]

leaves with the broadest point near the base of the leaves; and fewer 
hairs on the lower surface of the leaves. The species is separated from 
other members of this endemic Hawaiian genus by the size of the flowers 
and the hypanthium (Lammers 1990).
    Historically, Clermontia samuelii has been reported from eight 
locations on Haleakala, East Maui, from Keanae Valley on the windward 
(northeastern) side to Manawainui on the more leeward (southeastern) 
side of Haleakala (Hawaii Heritage Program (HHP) 1991a1 to 1991a4, 
1991b1 to 1991b4; Medeiros and Loope 1989). Currently, C. samuelii ssp. 
hanaensis is known from several populations limited to the northeastern 
side of Haleakala, totaling fewer than 300 individuals. The populations 
occur on State owned land, within a Natural Area Reserve and a Forest 
Reserve (FR) (Arthur C. Medeiros, Biological Resources Division--U.S. 
Geological Survey (BRD), pers. comm. 1995). C. samuelii ssp. samuelii 
is known from 5 to 10 populations totalling 50 to 100 individuals. Most 
of the populations occur on the back walls of Kipahulu Valley, within 
Haleakala National Park, with 2 or 3 of the populations on adjacent 
State owned land (Robert Hobdy, Hawaii Division of Forestry and 
Wildlife (DOFAW) and A.C. Medeiros, pers. comms. 1995). C. samuelii 
ssp. hanaensis is found at, or below, 915 m (3,000 ft) elevation (A.C. 
Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995), while C. samuelii ssp. samuelii is 
typically found between 1,800 to 2,100 m (6,000 to 6,900 ft) elevation 
(HHP 1991b1, 1991b2, 1991b4). Both taxa are found in montane wet forest 
dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha (o`hi`a) with an understory of 
Cibotium sp. (hapu`u) and various native shrubs. Associated plant taxa 
include Dubautia sp. (na`ena`e), Clermontia sp. (`oha wai), Hedyotis 
sp. (pilo), Vaccinium sp. (ohelo), Carex alligata, Melicope sp. 
(alani), and Cheirodendron trigynum (`olapa) (HHP 1991a1, 1991a2, 
1991b4).
    Threats to Clermontia samuelii ssp. hanaensis include habitat 
degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and 
competition with alien plant taxa such as Tibouchina herbacea 
(glorybush) and two species of Hedychium (ginger) (A.C. Medeiros, pers. 
comm. 1995; Fredrick R. Warshauer, BRD, pers. comm. 1995). In addition, 
two extremely invasive alien plant taxa, Miconia calvescens (velvet 
tree) and Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse), are found in nearby areas 
and may invade this habitat if not controlled (A.C. Medeiros, pers. 
comm. 1995). The habitat of Clermontia samuelii ssp. samuelii was 
extensively damaged by pigs in the past, and pigs are still a major 
threat to the populations on State owned lands. The populations of 
Clermontia samuelii ssp. samuelii within the park have been fenced and 
pigs have been eradicated. Due to the large populations of pigs in 
adjacent areas, the park populations must constantly be monitored to 
prevent further ingress (R. Hobdy and A.C. Medeiros, pers. comms. 
1995). Rats (mainly Rattus rattus) and slugs are known to eat leaves, 
stems, and fruits of other members of this genus, and therefore are a 
potential threat to both subspecies (Loyal Mehrhoff, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service (USFWS), in litt. 1995).

Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis

    Cyanea haleakalaensis was first described in 1971 by St. John, from 
a collection made by G.Y. Kikudome in 1951 (St. John 1971). In 1987, 
St. John (St. John 1987b) merged the two genera Cyanea and Delissea, 
formally recognizing only Delissea, the genus with priority. This 
resulted in the combination D. haleakalaensis. Lammers retains both 
genera in the currently accepted treatment of the Hawaiian members of 
the family, and in 1988 he recognized C. haleakalaensis as a subspecies 
of C. copelandii, publishing the new combination C. copelandii ssp. 
haleakalaensis (Lammers 1988, 1990). C. copelandii ssp. copelandii was 
previously listed as an endangered species (59 FR 10305).
    Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, a member of the bellflower 
family, is a vine-like shrub 0.3 to 2 m (1 to 7 ft) tall, with 
sprawling stems. The sap of this species is a tan latex. Stems are 
unbranched or sparingly branched from the base. The leaves are 
elliptical, 10 to 19 cm (4 to 7 in.) long, and 3.5 to 8.5 cm (1.4 to 
3.3 in.) wide. The upper surfaces of the leaves have no hairs, while 
the lower surfaces are hairy. The margins of the leaves are thickened, 
with small, widely spaced, sharp teeth. The leaf stalks are 2.5 to 10 
cm (1 to 4 in.) long. The inflorescences are 5 to 12-flowered and 
hairy. The main inflorescence stalks are 20 to 45 mm (0.8 to 1.8 in.) 
long. The hypanthium is oval and widest at the top, 6 to 10 mm (0.2 to 
0.4 in.) long, about 5 mm (0.2 in.) wide, and hairy. The corolla 
(petals collectively) is yellowish but appears pale rose in color due 
to a covering of dark red hairs. The corolla is 37 to 42 mm (1.4 to 1.6 
in.) long and about 5 mm (0.2 in.) wide. The corolla tube is gently 
curved and the lobes spread about 0.25 times beyond the tube. The 
berries are dark orange, oval, and 7 to 15 mm (0.3 to 0.6 in.) long. 
This subspecies is differentiated from the other subspecies by the 
elliptical leaves, which are also shorter. This species differs from 
others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the vine-like stems and the 
yellowish flowers that appear red due to the covering of hairs (Lammers 
1990).
    Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis was historically reported 
from six locations on the windward (northeastern) side of Haleakala, 
East Maui, from Waikamoi to Kipahulu Valley (Chock and Kikudome (299) 
1950; Forbes (1680.M) 1919, (1708.M) 1919, (2616.M) 1920, (2675.M) 
1920; Hobdy (887) 1980; Kikudome (454) 1951; Lamoureux and DeWreede 
(3917) 1967; Rock (25660b) 1954; St. John (24732) 1950; Warshauer and 
Kepler (FRW 2698) 1980; Warshauer and McEldowney (FRW 2769) 1980; 
Wagner et al. (5912) 1988). Currently, this taxon is known from two 
populations: One population of about 200 individuals in Kipahulu 
Valley, within Haleakala National Park; and one population of 35 
individuals on lower Waikamoi flume, which is privately owned. Typical 
habitat is stream banks and wet scree slopes in montane wet or mesic 
forest dominated by Acacia koa (koa) and/or Metrosideros polymorpha 
(Hobdy (887) 1980; Medeiros and Loope 1989; National Tropical Botanical 
Garden (NTBG) 1994; Wagner et al. (5912) 1988; R. Hobdy and A.C. 
Medeiros, pers. comms. 1995). C. copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis is 
found at elevations between 730 and 1,340 m (2,400 and 4,400 ft) (Hobdy 
(887) 1980; Wagner et al. (5912) 1988; Warshauer and Kepler (FRW 2698) 
1980; Warshauer and McEldowney (FRW 2769) 1980; A.C. Medeiros, pers. 
comm. 1995). Associated species include Perrottetia sandwicensis 
(olomea), Psychotria hawaiiensis (kopiko `ula), Broussaisia arguta 
(kanawao), and Hedyotis acuminata (au) (Wagner et al. (5912) 1988).
    The major threats to Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis are 
habitat degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs and competition 
with several alien plant taxa (Higashino et al. 1988; Hobdy (887) 1980; 
NTBG 1994; R. Hobdy, A.C. Medeiros, and F.R. Warshauer, pers. comms. 
1995). Rats (mainly Rattus rattus) and slugs (mainly Milax gagetes) are 
known to eat leaves, stems, and fruits of other members of this genus, 
and therefore are a potential threat to this species (L. Mehrhoff, in 
litt. 1995). In addition, C. copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis is 
threatened by random environmental events since it is known from only 
two populations.

[[Page 26760]]

Cyanea glabra

    Cyanea glabra was first collected on West Maui by Willam Hillebrand 
who named it Cyanea holophylla var. obovata (Hillebrand 1888). In 1943, 
F.E. Wimmer named it C. knudsenii var. glabra, based on a specimen 
collected by Forbes on East Maui (Wimmer 1943). In 1981, St. John 
elevated C. knudsenii var. glabra to full species status as C. glabra 
(St. John 1981). Lammers, in the most recent treatment of the Hawaiian 
members of the family, upheld the species name, and included C. 
holophylla var. obovata as well as the following synonyms in C. glabra: 
C. scabra var. variabilis, Delissea glabra, D. holophylla var. obovata, 
and D. scabra var. variabilis (Lammers 1990, Rock 1919).
    Cyanea glabra, a member of the bellflower family, is a branched 
shrub. The leaves of juvenile plants are deeply pinnately lobed, while 
those of the adult plants are more or less entire and elliptical. Adult 
leaves are 23 to 36 cm (9 to 14 in.) long and 7 to 12 cm (3 to 5 in.) 
wide. The upper surfaces of the leaves are green and hairless, while 
the lower surfaces are pale green and hairless to sparsely hairy. The 
margins of the adult leaves are thickened and shallowly toothed to 
irregularly lobed. Six to eight flowers are borne in each 
inflorescence. The main inflorescence stalk is 20 to 55 mm (0.8 to 2.2 
in.) long, while the individual flower stalk is 12 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1.0 
in.) long. The hypanthium is widest at the top, 7 to 10 mm (0.3 to 0.4 
in.) long, and about 5 mm (0.2 in.) wide. The corolla is white, often 
with a pale lilac tinge, 50 to 60 mm (2 to 2.4 in.) long, and about 8 
mm (0.3 in.) wide. The tube of the corolla is curved. The lobes are 
spreading, 0.25 to 0.33 times as long as the tube, and are covered by 
small, sharp projections. The berries are yellowish orange, elliptical, 
and 10 to 15 mm (0.4 to 0.6 in.) long. The calyx (sepals collectively) 
persist on the berry. This species is differentiated from others in 
this endemic Hawaiian genus by the size of the flower and the pinnately 
lobed juvenile leaves (Lammers 1990).
    Cyanea glabra has been reported historically from two locations on 
West Maui (Hillebrand 1888; Steve Perlman, NTBG, pers. comm. 1992) and 
five locations on Haleakala, East Maui (HHP 1991c1 to 1991c5). This 
species is currently known from only two populations: One population of 
12 individuals in Kauaula Gulch on West Maui, on privately owned land 
(S. Perlman, pers. comm. 1995); and one scattered population of 
approximately 200 individuals in Kipahulu Valley, within Haleakala 
National Park (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). Typical habitat is wet 
forest dominated by Acacia koa and/or Metrosideros polymorpha, at 
elevations between 975 to 1,340 m (3,200 to 4,400 ft) (A.C. Medeiros, 
pers. comm. 1995).
    The primary threat to Cyanea glabra is slugs (A.C. Medeiros, pers. 
comm. 1995). Additional threats are habitat degradation and/or 
destruction by feral pigs, flooding, and competition with several alien 
plant taxa (R. Hobdy and A.C. Medeiros, pers. comms. 1995). Rats are a 
potential threat to C. glabra, since they are known to eat plant parts 
of other members of the bellflower family (L. Mehrhoff, in litt. 1995; 
A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). Leaf damage in the form of stippling 
and yellowing by the twospotted leafhopper (Saphonia rufofascia) has 
been observed on other native species within the area of C. glabra on 
West Maui and is a potential threat to this species (Kenneth Wood, 
NTBG, pers. comm. 1995). Random environmental events are a threat to 
this species, with only two populations remaining.

Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora

    Cyanea hamatiflora was first collected by Joseph Rock in 1910 and 
described in 1913 (Rock 1913). In 1987, St. John (St. John 1987b) 
merged the two genera Cyanea and Delissea, formally recognizing only 
Delissea, the genus with priority. This resulted in the combination D. 
hamatiflora. In 1988, Lammers upheld Cyanea as a separate genus and 
combined C. carlsonii with this species, resulting in two subspecies: 
The federally endangered C. hamatiflora ssp. carlsonii (59 FR 10305) 
and the nominative C. hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora (Lammers 1988, 
1990).
    Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, a member of the bellflower 
family, is a palm-like tree 3 to 8 m (10 to 26 ft) tall. The latex is 
tan in color. The leaves are elliptical with the broadest point at the 
tip, or they may be narrowly oblong. The leaf blades are 50 to 80 cm 
(20 to 30 in.) long, 8 to 14 cm (3 to 5.5 in.) wide, and have no stem. 
The upper surface of the leaf is sparsely hairy to hairless and the 
lower surface is hairy at least along the midrib and veins. The leaf 
margins are minutely round-toothed. The inflorescence is 5 to 10 
flowered with main stalks 15 to 30 mm (0.6 to 1.2 in.) long. The stalks 
of individuals flowers are 5 to 12 mm (0.2 to 0.5 in.) long. The 
hypanthium is widest at the top, 12 to 30 mm (0.5 to 1.2 in.) long, and 
6 to 12 mm (0.2 to 0.5 in.) wide. The corolla is magenta in color, 60 
to 80 mm (2 to 3 in.) long, 6 to 11 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in.) wide, and 
hairless. The tube of the corolla is slightly curved, with lobes 0.25 
to 0.5 times as long as the tube. The corolla lobes all curve downward, 
making the flower appear one-lipped. The anthers (pollen-bearing 
structures) are hairless except for the lower two, which have apical 
tufts of white hairs. The fruit is a purplish red berry 30 to 45 mm 
(1.2 to 1.8 in.) long and 20 to 27 mm (0.8 to 1.1 in.) wide. The berry 
is crowned by persistent calyx lobes. This subspecies is differentiated 
from the previously listed subspecies (C. hamatiflora ssp. carlsonii) 
by its longer calyx lobes and shorter individual flower stalks. This 
species is separated from others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by 
fewer flowers per inflorescence and narrower leaves (Lammers 1990).
    Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora was historically known from 
eight locations on the windward (northeastern) side of Haleakala, on 
Maui, stretching from Puu o Kakae to Manawainui (Degener (7977) 1927; 
Forbes (1294.M) 1919, (1654.M) 1919, (2607.M) 1920; Higashino and 
Haratani (10037) 1983; Higashino and Holt (9398) 1980; Higashino and 
Mizuro (2850) 1976; Hobdy (2630) 1986; Rock (8514) 1918; St. John 
(24730) 1951; Skottsberg (870) 1920; Warshauer and McEldowney (FRW 
2614) 1980; Warshauer and McEldowney (FRW 2876) 1980). Currently, this 
taxon is known from two locations. Five or 6 populations totalling 50 
to 100 individuals in Kipahulu Valley occur within Haleakala National 
Park (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995), and 5 or 6 populations 
totalling 20 to 25 widely scattered individuals occur in the Waikamoi-
Koolau Gap area on privately owned land (NTBG 1995; R. Hobdy, pers. 
comm. 1995). Typical habitat for this taxon is montane wet forest 
dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha, with a Cibotium sp. and/or native 
shrub understory, from 975 to 1,500 m (3,200 to 4,920 ft) elevation 
(NTBG 1995; Warshauer and McEldowney (FRW 2614) 1980; Warshauer and 
McEldowney (FRW 2876) 1980). Associated native plant taxa include 
Dicranopteris linearis (uluhe), Cheirodendron trigynum, Broussaisia 
arguta, Cyanea solenocalyx (haha), Cyanea kunthiana (haha), Vaccinium 
sp. (ohelo), Melicope sp., and Myrsine sp. (kolea) (Higashino and 
Mizuro (2850) 1976; NTBG 1995).
    The major threats to Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora are 
habitat degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs, landslides, and 
competition with the alien plant Ageratina adenophora (Maui pamakani) 
(NTBG 1995; R. Hobdy and A.C. Medeiros, pers. comms. 1995). Pig damage 
in the form of peeled bark

[[Page 26761]]

has been observed on individuals of C. hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora 
(A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). Rats and slugs are potential 
threats, since other Hawaiian members of this family are known to be 
eaten by rats and slugs (L. Mehrhoff, in litt. 1995). All populations 
of this taxon are in areas where rats and slugs have been observed 
(A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).

Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis

    Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis was first described in 1985, from 
specimens collected by Gerald Carr, Robert Robichaux, and Rene Sylva in 
Black Gorge on West Maui (Carr 1985, Carr 1990).
    Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis, a member of the aster family 
(Asteraceae), is a dwarfed shrub less than 80 cm (30 in.) tall. The 
stems are hairless or occasionally strigullose (having straight hairs 
pressed against the stem). The leaves are opposite, narrow, 8 to 15 cm 
(3 to 6 in.) long, and 0.7 to 4.5 cm (0.3 to 1.8 in.) wide. The leaves 
usually have five to nine nerves, and are hairless or moderately 
strigullose. The leaf margins are toothed from the apex to near the 
middle. Between 20 to 90 flowering heads are found in each 
inflorescence, which is about 20 cm (8 in.) long and 28 cm (11 in.) 
wide. Eight to 20 florets (small flower that is part of a dense 
cluster) are found in each head, borne on a flat receptacle. The bracts 
on the receptacle are about 5 mm (0.2 in.) long, sharply toothed, and 
fused together. The corolla is yellow, and may purple with age. The 
fruit is an achene (a dry, one-celled, indehiscent fruit) 2.5 to 4 mm 
(0.08 to 0.2 in.) long. The taxon is self-incompatible, meaning flowers 
must be pollinated by pollen from a different plant. This subspecies 
differs from the other two subspecies (D. plantaginea ssp. magnifolia 
and D. plantaginea ssp. plantaginea) by having fewer heads per 
inflorescence but more florets per head. The species differs from other 
Hawaiian members of the genus by the number of nerves in the leaves and 
by the close resemblance of the leaves to the genus Plantago (Carr 
1985, 1990).
    Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis has only been reported from two 
locations in Iao Valley, on West Maui. Both populations are on 
privately owned land, and the two populations total fewer than 300 
individuals. Typical habitat is wet, barren, wind-blown cliffs, between 
350 to 400 m (1,150 to 1,300 ft) elevation. Associated native plant 
taxa include Metrosideros polymorpha, Pipturus albidus (mamaki), 
Eragrostis variabilis (kawelu), Carex sp., Hedyotis formosa, Lysimachia 
remyi, Bidens sp. (ko`oko`olau), Pritchardia sp. (loulu), and the 
federally endangered Plantago princeps (`ale) (Hawaii Plant 
Conservation Center 1990; HHP 1991d1, 1991d2; R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 
1995).
    Threats to Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis include landslides and 
several alien plant taxa (HPCC 1990; HHP 1991d1; R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 
1995). Random environmental events are also a threat, with only two 
known populations less than a half mile apart within the same valley.

Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi

    Hillebrand described a new species, Kadua remyi, based on 
collections on Lanai and East Maui by Reverend John Lydgate (Hillebrand 
1888). F. Raymond Fosberg combined the genus Kadua with Hedyotis in 
1943, and combined K. remyi with Hedyotis schlechtendahliana. Fosberg 
considered the Lanai plants different enough from the Maui plants to 
create a separate variety, H. schlechtendahliana var. remyi. This 
variety has been upheld in the most recent revision of the Hawaiian 
members of this genus (Wagner et al. 1990).
    Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi, 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 leaves are opposite, glossy, 
thin or somewhat thickened, egg-shaped or with a heart-shaped base and 
a very pointed tip, and 3 to 6 cm (1.2 to 2.4 in.) long. The margins of 
the leaves curl under. The veins of the leaves are impressed on the 
upper surface with hairs along the veins and raised on the lower 
surface. The lower surface of the leaves are usually glaucous, like the 
stems. The leaf stalks are up to 1 cm (0.4 in.) long, slightly fused to 
the stem, and bear stipules (appendages on the base of the leaf 
stalks).
    The inflorescence stalks are 2 to 15 mm (0.1 to 0.6 in.) long, 
square, usually glaucous, and borne at the ends of the stems. The 
flowers have either functional male and female parts or only functional 
female parts. Leaf-like bracts are found at the base of each flower. 
The hypanthium is top-shaped and 1.5 to 2.2 mm (0.06 to 0.09 in.) wide. 
The calyx lobes are usually leaf-like and oblong to broadly egg-shaped, 
2 to 8 mm (0.08 to 0.3 in.) long, and 1.5 to 2.5 mm (0.08 to 0.09 in.) 
wide, enlarging somewhat in fruit. The corolla is cream-colored, 
fleshy, usually glaucous, trumpet-shaped, with a tube 6 to 17 mm (0.2 
to 0.7 in.) long and lobes 1.5 to 10 mm (0.06 to 0.4 in.) long when the 
anthers are ripe. The stamens reach only to 1 to 3 mm (0.04 to 0.1 in.) 
below the sinuses of the corolla lobes. The styles are woolly on the 
lower portions, and two to four lobed. The fruits are top-shaped to 
sub-globose capsules 2 to 4 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in.) long and 3 to 7 mm (0.1 
to 0.3 in.) in diameter. The fruits break open along the walls of the 
cells within the fruit. Seeds are dark brown, irregularly wedge-shaped 
and angled, and darkly granular. This variety is distinguished from the 
other variety by the leaf shape, narrow flowering stalks, and flower 
color. It is distinguished from others in the genus by the distance 
between leaves and the length of the sprawling or climbing stems 
(Wagner et al. 1990).
    Historically, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi was known from 
five locations on the northwestern portion of Lanaihale on the island 
of Lanai (Degener et al. (24193) 1957; Forbes (33.L) 1913, (315.L) 
1917); Fosberg (12463) 1939; HHP 1991e1 to 1991e3; Hillebrand 1888; 
Hillebrand and Lydgate (s.n.) n.d.; Munro (s.n.) 1913, (s.n.) 1914, 
(257, 335) 1928, (506) 1930; Nagata and Ganders (2524) 1982; Rock 
(8116) 1910; St. John and Eames (18738) 1938; Wagner et al. 1990). 
Currently, this species is known from six individuals in three 
populations on Kaiholeha-Hulupoe ridge, Kapohaku drainage, and Waiapaa 
drainage on Lanaihale (HHP 1991e1 to 1991e3; R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 
1995). H. schlechtendahliana var. remyi typically grows in mesic 
windswept shrubland with a mixture of dominant plant taxa that may 
include Metrosideros polymorpha, Dicranopteris linearis, and/or 
Styphelia tameiameiae (pukiawe) at elevations between 730 and 900 m 
(2,400 to 3,000 ft). Associated plant taxa include Dodonaea viscosa 
(`a`al`ii), Sadleria sp. (`ama`u), Dubautia sp. (na`ena`e), Myrsine 
sp., and several others (HHP 1991e1 to 1991e3; Lau (2866) 1986; Nagata 
and Ganders (2524) 1982).
    The primary threats to Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi are 
habitat degradation and/or destruction by axis deer (Axis axis); 
competition with alien plant taxa such as Psidium cattleianum, Myrica 
faya (firetree), Leptospermum scoparium (New Zealand tea), and Schinus 
terebinthifolius (Christmas berry); and random environmental events 
and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of remaining 
individuals and populations (HHP 1994e1 to 1991e3; Joel Lau, The Nature 
Conservancy of Hawaii, pers. comm. 1995).

[[Page 26762]]

Kanaloa kahoolawensis

    Kanaloa kahoolawensis was previously unknown to science until its 
discovery by Steve Perlman and Ken Wood in 1992 on a steep rocky spire 
on the coast of Kahoolawe. David Lorence and Wood have determined that 
this plant represents a new genus, and have named the species Kanaloa 
kahoolawensis (Lorence and Wood 1994).
    Kanaloa kahoolawensis, a member of the legume family (Fabaceae), is 
a densely branched shrub 0.75 to 1 m (2.5 to 3.5 ft) tall. The branches 
are sprawling and 0.75 to 1.5 m (2.5 to 5 ft) long. New growth is 
densely covered with brown and white hairs. The twigs are brown, ribbed 
or angled, and become whitish gray with corky fissures. The leaves are 
clustered near twig tips and have two persistent stipules. The leaf 
stalk is 6 to 24 mm (0.2 to 0.9 in.) long. The leaves are divided into 
three pairs of leaflets, with a leaf nectary (nectar-bearing gland) at 
the joint between each pair of leaflets. The leaflet pairs are 22 to 55 
mm (0.8 to 2 in.) long. The main stalk of the leaf terminates in a 
short, brown appendage. The leaflets are egg-shaped, unequal-sided, 1.4 
to 4.2 cm (0.6 to 1.7 in.) long, and 0.9 to 3.2 cm (0.4 to 1.3 in.) 
wide. One to three inflorescences are found in the leaf axils (joint 
between leaf and stem), developing with the flush of new leaves. The 
main stalk of the inflorescence is 8 to 30 mm (0.3 to 1.2 in.) long. 
The inflorescence is a globose head 6 to 8 mm (0.3 to 0.3 in.) in 
diameter, with small bracts 1 to 1.5 mm (0.04 to 0.06 in.) long at the 
base. Each inflorescence has 20 to 54 white flowers. The calyx of the 
male flowers has limbs that are wider at the tip; densely covered with 
long, white hairs; and have lobes that overlap when the flower is in 
bud. The corolla lobes also overlap when the flower is in bud, and the 
petals are 1.5 to 1.8 mm (0.06 to 0.07 in.) long. The petals are hairy 
on the outside at the tip, and are not fused at the base. Ten stamens 
are found in the male flowers, fused at the base. Male flowers have 
only vestigial female parts. Female flowers have not been observed. The 
fruit is borne on a stalk about 5 mm (0.2 in.) long. Up to four fruit 
develop in each flowering head. The fruit is egg-shaped to subcircular, 
compressed, hairy at the base, and open along two sides. One slender, 
brown seed, about 2 mm (0.08 in.) long, is found in each fruit. There 
is no other species of legume in Hawaii that bears any resemblance to 
this species or genus (Lorence and Wood 1994).
    The only known location of Kanaloa kahoolawensis is a rocky stack 
on the southern coast of the island of Kahoolawe, which is owned by the 
State of Hawaii (Lorence and Wood 1994). While there are no previous 
records of the plant, pollen core studies on the island of Oahu 
revealed a legume pollen that could not be identified until this 
species was discovered. The pollen cores indicate that K. kahoolawensis 
was a codominant with Dodonaea viscosa and Pritchardia sp. from before 
1210 B.C. to 1565 A.D., at which point K. kahoolawensis disappeared 
from the pollen record and D. viscosa and Pritchardia sp. declined 
dramatically (Athens et al. 1992, Athens and Ward 1993, Lorence and 
Wood 1994). Only two living individuals and 10 to 12 dead individuals 
are known (D. Lorence, NTBG, pers. comm. 1995). The only known habitat 
is mixed coastal shrubland on steep rocky talus slopes at 45 to 60 m 
(150 to 200 ft) elevation. Associated native plant taxa include Sida 
fallax (`ilima), Senna gaudichaudii (kolomona), Bidens mauiensis 
(ko`oko`olau), Lipochaeta lavarum (nehe), Portulaca molokinensis 
(`ihi), and Capparis sandwichiana (pua pilo). In addition, the area is 
also a nesting site for Bulwer's petrel (Bulweria bulwerii) and wedge-
tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) (Lorence and Wood 1994).
    The major threats to Kanaloa kahoolawensis are landslides and the 
alien plant taxa Emelia fosbergii, Chloris barbata (swollen finger 
grass), and Nicotiana glauca (tobacco tree) (Lorence and Wood 1994). 
Goats (Capra hircus) played a major role in the destruction of 
vegetation on Kahoolawe before they were removed (Cuddihy and Stone 
1990), and K. kahoolawensis probably survived only because the rocky 
stack is almost completely separated from the island and inaccessible 
to goats (Lorence and Wood 1994). Rats are a potential threat to this 
species, since it has seeds similar in appearance and presentation to 
the federally endangered Caesalpinia kavaiensis, which is eaten by 
rats. Rats may have been the cause of the decline of this species 800 
years ago (L. Mehrhoff, in litt. 1995). Random environmental events 
and/or reduced reproductive vigor are also a threat to this species, 
because only two individuals are known.

Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis

    Hillebrand determined, but did not name, a new variety of Labordia 
tinifolia based on specimens he collected on the islands of Kauai, West 
Maui, Lanai, and Hawaii. E.E. Sherff named the variety L. tinifolia 
var. lanaiensis in 1938 (Sherff 1938). In the revision of the Hawaiian 
members of this family, Wagner et al. (1990), retained the 
nomenclature, but included only those plants from Lanai and Mapulehu on 
Molokai (previously considered L. triflora) as L. tinifolia var. 
lanaiensis. This endemic Hawaiian genus is currently being revised, and 
only the Lanai populations are included in L. tinifolia var. 
lanaiensis, while L. triflora is being resurrected for the Molokai 
population (see discussion of the next taxon, below) (Motley, in 
press).
    Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, a member of 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. 
The leaves are medium to dark green, oval to narrowly oval, 3.8 to 21 
cm (1.5 to 8.3 in.) long, and 1.4 to 7.3 cm (0.6 to 2.9 in.) wide. The 
leaf stalks are 2.2 to 4 cm (0.9 to 1.6 in.) long. The stipules are 
fused together, forming a sheath around the stem that is 1 to 4 mm 
(0.04 to 0.2 in.) long. Three to 19 flowers are found in each 
inflorescence, and the entire inflorescence is pendulous and has a 
stalk 9 to 22 mm (0.4 to 0.8 in.) long. The flowers have a semen-like 
fragrance, and are borne on stalks 8 to 11 mm (0.3 to 0.4 in.) long. 
The corolla is pale yellowish green or greenish yellow, narrowly urn-
shaped, and 6.5 to 19 mm (0.2 to 0.7 in.) long. The fruit is broadly 
oval, 8 to 17 mm (0.3 to 0.7 in.) long, 2 to 3 valved, and has a beak 
0.5 to 1.5 mm (0.02 to 0.06 in.) long. The seeds are brown and about 
1.8 mm (0.06 in.) long. This subspecies differs from the other two 
subspecies and other species in this endemic Hawaiian genus by having 
larger capsules and smaller corollas (Motley, in press; Wagner et al. 
1990).
    Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis was historically known from the 
entire length of the summit ridge of Lanaihale, on the island of Lanai 
(HHP 1991f1 to 1991f12; Motley, in press; Sherff 1938). Currently, L. 
tinifolia var. lanaiensis is known from only one population at the 
southeastern end of the summit ridge of Lanaihale. This population is 
on privately owned land and totals 300 to 1,000 scattered individuals. 
The typical habitat of L. tinifolia var. lanaiensis is lowland mesic 
forest, associated with such native species as Dicranopteris linearis 
and Scaevola chamissoniana (naupaka kuahiwi), at elevations between 760 
and 915 m (2,500 and 3,000 ft) (HHP 1991f3; Motley, in press; R. Hobdy 
and J. Lau, pers. comms. 1995).
    Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis is threatened by deer and 
several alien plant taxa (R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 1994;

[[Page 26763]]

J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995). The single population is also threatened by 
random environmental factors.

Labordia triflora

    Hillebrand named Labordia triflora based on a specimen he collected 
on Molokai in the early 1800s (Hillebrand 1888). Wagner et al. 
considered this species to be synonymous with L. tinifolia var. 
lanaiensis (Wagner et al. 1990). Timothy Motley of the University of 
Hawaii (UH) is revising this endemic Hawaiian genus, and has 
resurrected L. triflora as a valid species (Motley, in press).
    Labordia triflora, a member of the logan family, is very similar to 
L. tinifolia var. lanaiensis, described above, except in the following 
characteristics. Stems of L. triflora are climbing. The leaf stalks are 
only 1 to 3 mm (0.04 to 0.1 in.) long. The inflorescence stalks are 40 
to 50 mm (1.6 to 2 in.) long. Each flower stalk is 10 to 25 mm (0.4 to 
1 in.) long (Motley, in press).
    Until 1990, Labordia triflora was known only from the type 
collection at Mapulehu, on the island of Molokai. This collection was 
made by Hillebrand in 1870 (Motley, in press). In 1990, Joel Lau of The 
Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, rediscovered the species in Kua Gulch on 
Molokai (Motley, in press; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995). Only 10 
individuals are known, all occurring on privately owned land (J. Lau, 
pers. comm. 1995). Of these individuals, only two are male plants 
(Timothy Motley, University of Hawaii, pers. comm. 1993). This species 
occurs in mixed lowland mesic forest, at an elevation of 800 m (2,600 
ft). Associated species include Pouteria sandwicensis (`ala `a), the 
federally endangered Cyanea mannii (haha), and Tetraplasandra sp. 
(`ohe) (Motley, in press).
    The threats to Labordia triflora include habitat degradation and/or 
destruction by pigs and goats, rats that eat seeds, and competition 
with the alien plant species Schinus terebinthifolius (Motley in press; 
T. Motley, pers. comm. 1993). Random environmental events and reduced 
reproductive vigor also threaten this species, as only 10 individuals 
remain in one population.

Melicope munroi

    In 1944, St. John described Pelea munroi, based on a collection by 
George C. Munro in 1915 (St. John 1944). The genus Pelea has since been 
submerged with Melicope, creating the combination M. munroi (Hartley 
and Stone 1989).
    Melicope munroi, a member of the citrus family (Rutaceae), is a 
sprawling shrub up to 3 m (10 ft) tall. The new growth of this species 
is minutely hairy. The leaves are opposite, broadly elliptical, 6 to 11 
cm (2.4 to 4.3 in.) long, and 3.5 to 7.5 cm (1.4 to 3.0 in.) wide. The 
veins of the leaf are parallel, in 8 to 12 pairs, and are connected by 
arched veins near the margin of the leaf. The margins of the leaves are 
sometimes rolled under. The leaf stalks are 4 to 12 mm (0.2 to 0.5 in.) 
long. The inflorescence is found in the axil of the leaf and contains 
one to three flowers. The inflorescence stalk is 10 to 15 mm (0.4 to 
0.5 in.) long, and the individual flower stalk is 15 to 35 mm (0.6 to 
1.4 in.) long. Male flowers have not been reported. Female flowers have 
ovoid sepals about 2.5 mm (0.1 in.) long and deltate petals about 8 mm 
(0.3 in.) long. The fruit is about 18 mm (0.7 in.) wide, and the 4 
carpels (egg-bearing structures) are fused about one-third of their 
length. This species differs from other Hawaiian members of the genus 
in the shape of the leaf and the length of the inflorescence stalk 
(Stone et al. 1990).
    Historically known from the Lanaihale summit ridge of Lanai and 
above Kamalo on Molokai, Melicope munroi is currently known from only 
the Lanaihale summit ridge (HHP 1991g1 to 1991g10). The one widely 
scattered population totals an estimated 300 to 500 individuals (J. 
Lau, pers. comm. 1995). M. munroi is typically found in lowland mat 
fern shrubland, at elevations of 790 to 1020 m (2,600 to 3,350 ft). 
Associated native plant taxa include Diplopterygium pinnatum, 
Dicranopteris linearis, Metrosideros polymorpha, Cheirodendron 
trigynum, Coprosma sp. (pilo), Broussaisia arguta, Melicope sp., and 
Machaerina angustifolia (`uki) (HHP 1991g3 to 1991g10).
    The major threats to Melicope munroi are deer and the alien plant 
taxa Leptospermum scoparium and Psidium cattleianum (HHP 1991g3 to 
1991g10; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995). Random environmental events also 
threaten the one remaining population.

Previous Federal Action

    Federal action on these plants began as a result of section 12 of 
the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1533), which directed the 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to prepare a report on plants 
considered to be endangered or threatened in the United States. This 
report, designated as House Document No. 94-51, was presented to 
Congress on January 9, 1975. One of the 10 proposed taxa, Cyanea glabra 
(as C. scabra var. variabilis) was considered to be endangered in that 
document. One taxon, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, was considered 
to be threatened and two taxa, L. triflora and Melicope munroi (as 
Pelea munroi), were considered to be extinct. On July 1, 1975, the 
Service published a notice in the Federal Register (40 FR 27823) of its 
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 giving notice 
of its intent to review the status of the plant taxa named therein. As 
a result of that review, on June 16, 1976, the Service 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 species. 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.
    General comments received in response to the 1976 proposal are 
summarized in an April 26, 1978, Federal Register publication (43 FR 
17909). In 1978, amendments to the Act required that all proposals over 
two years old be withdrawn. A one-year grace period was given to 
proposals already over two years old. On December 10, 1979, the Service 
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. The Service 
published an updated notice of review for plants on December 15, 1980 
(45 FR 82479), September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39525), February 21, 1990 (55 
FR 6183), and September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144). Six of the species in 
this proposal (including synonymous taxa) were at one time or another 
considered category 1 or category 2 candidates for Federal listing. 
Category 1 species were those for which the Service had on file 
substantial information on biological vulnerability and threats to 
support preparation of listing proposals but for which listing 
proposals had not yet been published because they were precluded by 
other listing activities. Category 2 species were those for which 
listing as endangered or threatened was possibly appropriate, but for 
which sufficient data on biological vulnerability and threats were not 
currently available to support proposed rules. Two taxa, Labordia 
tinifolia var. lanaiensis and L. triflora, were considered category 2 
species in the 1980 and 1985 notices of review. Melicope munroi (as 
Pelea munroi) was considered a category 1* in

[[Page 26764]]

the 1980 and 1985 notices. Category 1* species were those that could 
possibly be extinct.
    In the 1990 and 1993 notices, Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis, 
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi, and Melicope munroi were 
considered category 2 species. Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis was 
considered more abundant than previously thought and moved to category 
3C in the 1990 notice. Category 3C species were those that had proven 
to be more abundant or widespread than previously believed and/or were 
not subject to any identifiable threat. Labordia triflora was 
considered a synonym of L. tinifolia var. lanaiensis in the 1990 
notice. As published in the Federal Register (61 FR 7596) on February 
28, 1996, the Service discontinued the designation of category 2 and 
category 3 candidate species.
    Since the last notice, new information suggests that the numbers 
and distribution are sufficiently restricted and the taxa are 
imminently threatened for the previously designated category 2 and 
category 3C species mentioned above, as well as six additional taxa 
(Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea 
glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, the newly discovered 
Kanaloa kahoolawensis, and the resurrected Labordia triflora), to 
warrant listing.
    The processing of this proposed listing rule conforms with the 
Service's final listing priority guidance for fiscal year 1997, 
published in the Federal Register on December 5, 1996 (61 FR 64475-
64481). The guidance clarifies the order in which the Service will 
process rulemakings following two related events: (1)The lifting, on 
April 26, 1996, of the moratorium on final listings imposed on April 
10, 1995 (Public Law 104-6); and (2) the restoration of significant 
funding for listing through passage of the omnibus budget 
reconciliation law on April 26, 1996, following severe funding 
constraints imposed by a number of continuing resolutions between 
November 1995 and April 1996. The guidance calls for giving highest 
priority to handling emergency situations (Tier 1) and second highest 
priority (Tier 2) to resolving the listing status of the outstanding 
proposed listings. Tier 3 includes the processing of new proposed 
listings for species facing high magnitude threats. This proposed rule 
for 10 plant taxa from Maui Nui in the Hawaiian Islands falls under 
Tier 3. The Pacific Islands Ecoregion currently has no outstanding Tier 
1 or 2 species, therefore processing of Tier 3 activities is encouraged 
under the Listing Priority Guidance. This proposed rule has been 
updated by the Pacific Islands Ecosystem Office to reflect any changes 
in distribution, status and threats since the expiration date of the 
listing moratorium.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

    Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act and regulations (50 CFR 
part 424) promulgated to implement the listing provisions of the Act 
set forth the procedures for adding species to the Federal lists of 
endangered and threatened species. A species may be determined to be an 
endangered or threatened species due to one or more of the five factors 
described in section 4(a)(1). The threats facing the 10 taxa in this 
proposed rule are summarized in Table 2. The factors and their 
application to Clermontia samuelii C. Forbes (`oha wai), Cyanea 
copelandii Rock ssp. haleakalaensis (St. John) Lammers (haha), Cyanea 
glabra (F. Wimmer) St. John (haha), Cyanea hamatiflora Rock ssp. 
hamatiflora (haha), Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G. Carr 
(na`ena`e), Hedyotis schlechtendahliana Steud. var. remyi (Hillebr.) 
Fosb. (kopa), Kanaloa kahoolawensis Lorence & K.R. Wood (kohe malama 
malama o Kanaloa), Labordia tinifolia A. Gray var. lanaiensis Sherff 
(kamakahala), Labordia triflora Hillebr. (kamakahala), and Melicope 
munroi (St. John) B. Stone (alani) follow.

                                                              Table 2.--Summary of Threats                                                              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Alien mammals                                                                                   
             Species              -------------------------------------------------------- Alien plants  Invertebrates    Substrate      Limited Nos*   
                                       Pigs          Goats         Deer          Rats                                       loss                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clermontia samuelii..............            X   ............  ............            P             X              P   ............  ..................
Cyanea copelandii ssp.                       X   ............  ............            P             P              P   ............  X1                
 haleakalaensis.                                                                                                                                        
Cyanea glabra....................            X   ............  ............            P             X              X             X   X1                
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp.                      X   ............  ............            P             X              P             X   ..................
 hamatiflora.                                                                                                                                           
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis  ............  ............  ............  ............            X   .............            X   X1                
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var.   ............  ............            X   ............            X   .............  ............  X1,2              
 remyi.                                                                                                                                                 
Kanaloa kahoolawensis............  ............  ............  ............            P             X   .............            X   X1,2              
Labordia tinifolia var.            ............  ............            X   ............            X   .............  ............  X1                
 lanaiensis.                                                                                                                                            
Labordia triflora................            X             X   ............            X             X   .............  ............  X1,2              
Melicope munroi..................  ............  ............            X   ............            X   .............  ............  X1                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
X = Immediate and significant threat.                                                                                                                   
P = Potential threat.                                                                                                                                   
* = No more than 100 individuals and/or no more than 5 populations; 1 = No more than 5 populations; 2 = No more than 10 individuals.                    

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of Its Habitat or Range

    Native vegetation on all of the main Hawaiian Islands has undergone 
extreme alteration because of past and present land management 
practices including ranching, deliberate alien animal and plant 
introductions, and agricultural development (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, 
Wagner et al. 1985). The primary threats facing the 10 plant taxa 
included in this ruling are ongoing and threatened destruction and 
adverse modification of habitat by feral animals and competition with 
alien plants (see Factor E).
    Eight of the 10 taxa in this rule are variously threatened by feral 
animals (See Table 2). Animals such as pigs,

[[Page 26765]]

goats, axis deer, and cattle were introduced either by the early 
Hawaiians or more recently by European settlers for food and/or 
commercial ranching activities. Over the 200 years following their 
introduction, their numbers increased and the adverse impacts of feral 
ungulates on native vegetation have become increasingly apparent. 
Beyond the direct effect of trampling and grazing native plants, feral 
ungulates have contributed significantly to the heavy erosion still 
taking place on most of the main Hawaiian islands (Cuddihy and Stone 
1990).
    Pigs (Sus scrofa), originally native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, 
were introduced to Hawaii by the Polynesian ancestors of Hawaiians, and 
later by western immigrants. The pigs escaped domestication and invaded 
primarily wet and mesic forests of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and 
Hawaii. Pigs pose an immediate threat to one or more populations of 
five of the proposed taxa in wet and mesic habitats. While foraging, 
pigs root and trample the forest floor, encouraging the establishment 
of alien plants in the newly disturbed soil. Pigs also disseminate 
alien plant seeds through their feces and on their bodies, accelerating 
the spread of alien plants through native forests (Cuddihy and Stone 
1990, Stone 1985). Pigs are vectors of Psidium cattleianum (strawberry 
guava) and Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmas berry), which threaten 
several of the proposed taxa (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Smith 1985, Stone 
1985). On Maui, pigs threaten both subspecies of Clermontia samuelii, 
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, the only known population of 
Cyanea glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, and the only known 
population of Labordia triflora (NTBG 1994; A.C. Medeiros, R. Hobdy, 
and J. Lau, pers. comms. 1995; F.R. Warshauer, pers. comm. 1995).
    Goats (Capra hircus), native to the Middle East and India, were 
first successfully introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in 1792. Feral 
goats now occupy a wide variety of habitats from lowland dry forests to 
montane grasslands on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii, where 
they consume native vegetation, trample roots and seedlings, accelerate 
erosion, and promote the invasion of alien plants (Scott et al. 1986, 
Stone 1985, van Riper and van Riper 1982). On Molokai, goats threaten 
the only known population of Labordia triflora (T. Motley, pers. comm. 
1993).
    In 1920, a group of 12 axis deer (Axis axis) was introduced to the 
island of Lanai and about 60 years later the population was estimated 
at 2,800 (Tomich 1986). Axis deer degrade habitat by trampling and 
overgrazing vegetation, which removes ground cover and exposes the soil 
to erosion. Extensive red erosional scars caused by decades of deer 
activity are evident on Lanai (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). Activity of 
axis deer threatens all populations of Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. 
remyi, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, and Melicope munroi on Lanai 
(HHP 1991g8 to 1991g10; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995).

B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes

    Unrestricted collecting for scientific or horticultural purposes or 
excessive visits by individuals interested in seeing rare plants could 
result from increased publicity. This is a potential threat to all of 
the proposed taxa, but would seriously impact the eight taxa whose low 
numbers and/or few populations make them especially vulnerable to 
disturbances (Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra, 
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. 
remyi, Kanaloa kahoolawensis, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, 
Labordia triflora, and Melicope munroi).

C. Disease and Predation

    Disease is not known to be a significant threat to any of the 
proposed taxa. None of the 10 proposed taxa are known to be unpalatable 
to pigs, deer, or goats. Feral pigs not only destroy native vegetation 
through their rooting activities and dispersal of alien plant seeds 
(see Factor A), but they also feed on plants, preferring the pithy 
interior of large tree ferns and fleshy-stemmed plants from the 
bellflower family (Stone 1985, Stone and Loope 1987). There is direct 
evidence of pigs eating bark off individuals of Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. 
hamatiflora (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995), and predation is a 
possible threat to other members of the bellflower family (Clermontia 
samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, and Cyanea glabra). 
Predation is also a possible threat to the one other taxon, Labordia 
triflora, known from areas where pigs have been reported (A.C. Medeiros 
and R. Hobdy, pers. comms. 1995; F.R. Warshauer, pers. comm. 1995).
    Two rat species, the black rat (Rattus rattus) and the Polynesian 
rat (Rattus exulans), and to a lesser extent other introduced rodents, 
eat large, fleshy fruits and strip the bark of some native plants, 
particularly fruits of the native plants in the bellflower family 
(Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Tomich 1986, Wagner et al. 1985). It is 
possible that rats eat the fruits of Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea 
copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra, and Cyanea hamatiflora 
ssp. hamatiflora, which produce fleshy fruits and stems, and grow in 
areas where rats occur (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995; L. Mehrhoff, 
in litt. 1995). Rats also eat the seeds of Labordia triflora (T. 
Motley, pers. comm. 1993). Rats are a potential threat to Kanaloa 
kahoolawensis, which has seeds of a type preferred by rats (L. 
Mehrhoff, in litt. 1995).
    Slugs (including Milax gagates) are widespread in Hawaii and a 
serious threat to many native plant taxa, in addition to possibly being 
an attractant to pigs (Howarth 1985). Slugs feed preferentially on 
plants with fleshy leaves, stems, and fruits, including all taxa in the 
family Campanulaceae in Hawaii (L. Mehrhoff, in litt. 1995). Slugs are 
the primary threat to Cyanea glabra. All recent observations of this 
species have shown slug damage on both juveniles and adults (A.C. 
Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). Slugs are also a potential threat to the 
following proposed taxa with fleshy tissues: Clermontia samuelii, 
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, and Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. 
hamatiflora (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995; L. Mehrhoff, in litt. 
1995).
    Twospotted leafhopper (Sophonia rufofascia) is a recently 
introduced insect that feeds on leaves, damaging them typically in the 
form of stippling and chlorosis. In addition to mechanical feeding 
damage, this insect may be a vector of a plant virus and is suspected 
of causing severe dieback of the native fern Dicranopteris linearis 
(uluhe), and economic damage to crops and ornamental plants in Hawaii. 
The twospotted leafhopper is a potential threat to all native taxa, 
since it has shown no host preference. It is a particularly grave 
threat to Cyanea glabra, since leafhoppers have been observed near the 
West Maui population (Adam Asquith, USFWS, pers. comm. 1994; K. Wood, 
pers. comm. 1995).

D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

    Of the 10 proposed taxa, 8 have populations located on private 
land, 2 on State land, and 4 on Federal land within Haleakala National 
Park. While four of the taxa occur in more than one of those four 
ownership categories, five are known only from private land, and 
Kanaloa kahoolawensis is found only on State land.
    Sections 2(c)(1) and 7(a)(1) of the Act direct Federal agencies to 
seek to conserve all listed endangered and

[[Page 26766]]

threatened plants, but requires no such activities if the plants are 
not federally listed. There are no State laws or existing regulatory 
mechanisms at the present time to protect or prevent further decline of 
these plants on private land, except for minimal protection offered to 
those that occur on land classified as a conservation district.
    Populations of one of the proposed taxa, Clermontia samuelii, occur 
in a State Natural Area Reserve, which has rules and regulations for 
the protection of resources (HRS, sect. 195-5).
    The majority of the populations of the 10 proposed taxa are located 
on land classified within conservation districts and owned by the State 
of Hawaii or private companies or individuals. Regardless of the owner, 
lands in these districts are regarded as necessary for the protection 
of endemic biological resources and the maintenance or enhancement of 
the conservation of natural resources. Activities permitted in 
conservation districts are chosen by considering how best to make 
multiple use of the land (HRS, sect. 205-2). Some uses, such as 
maintaining animals for hunting, are based on policy decisions, while 
others, such as preservation of endangered species, are mandated by 
both Federal and State laws. Due to lack of staff and funding, land 
uses within conservation districts are rarely adequately enforced. In 
addition, requests for amendments to district boundaries or variances 
within existing classifications can be made by government agencies and 
any person with a property interest in the land (HRS, sect. 205-4). 
Before decisions about these requests are made, the impact of the 
proposed reclassification on ``preservation or maintenance of important 
natural systems or habitat'' (HRS, sects. 205-4, 205-17) as well as the 
maintenance of natural resources is required to be taken into account 
(HRS, sects. 205-2, 205-4). Before any proposed land use that will 
occur on State land, is funded in part or whole by county or State 
funds, or will occur within land classified as conservation district, 
an environmental assessment is required to determine whether or not the 
environment will be significantly affected (HRS, chapt. 343). If it is 
found that an action will have a significant effect, preparation of a 
full Environmental Impact Statement is required. Hawaii environmental 
policy, and thus approval of land use, is required by law to safeguard 
``* * * the State's unique natural environmental characteristics * * 
*'' (HRS, sect. 344-3(1)) and includes guidelines to ``protect 
endangered species of individual plants and animals * * *'' (HRS, sect. 
344-4(3)(A)). Federal listing, because it automatically invokes State 
listing, would also implement these other State regulations protecting 
the plants.

E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence

    All 10 of the taxa proposed for listing are threatened by 
competition with one or more alien plant taxa (see Table 2). The most 
significant of these appear to be Psidium cattleianum (strawberry 
guava), Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmas berry), Rubus rosifolius 
(thimbleberry), Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse), Miconia calvescens 
(velvet tree), Myrica faya (firetree), Paspalum conjugatum (Hilo 
grass), Psidium guajava (common guava), Casuarina equisetifolia 
(ironwood tree), Leptospermum scoparium (New Zealand tea), and 
Ageratina adenophora (Maui pamakani). There are a number of other alien 
plant taxa that pose a significant threat to populations of the 
proposed plants.
    Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava), an invasive shrub or small 
tree native to tropical America, has become widely naturalized on all 
of the main islands, forming dense stands that exclude other plant 
species in disturbed areas (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). This alien plant 
grows primarily in mesic and wet habitats and is dispersed mainly by 
feral pigs and fruit-eating birds (Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1990). P. 
cattleianum is considered to be one of the greatest alien plant threats 
to Hawaiian rain forests and is a threat on Maui to one of two known 
populations of Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis and Cyanea glabra 
(Higashino et al. 1988; A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). On Lanai, 
this invasive alien plant threatens all populations of Hedyotis 
schlechtendahliana var. remyi, the only two known populations of 
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, and the only known population of 
Melicope munroi (HHP 1991e1 to 1991e3; R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 1994; J. 
Lau, pers. comm. 1995).
    Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmas berry), introduced to Hawaii 
before 1911, is a fast-growing tree or shrub invading most mesic to wet 
lowland areas of the major Hawaiian Islands (Wagner et al. 1990). S. 
terebinthifolius is distributed mainly by feral pigs and fruit-eating 
birds and forms dense thickets that shade out and displace other plants 
(Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Smith 1985, Stone 1985). This species is a 
threat to one population of Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi, 
both populations of Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, and the only 
known population of Labordia triflora (HHP 1991e2; R. Hobdy, pers. 
comm. 1994; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995).
    Rubus rosifolius (thimbleberry), native to Asia, is naturalized in 
disturbed mesic to wet forest on all of the main Hawaiian Islands and 
is perhaps the most widespread of all species of Rubus introduced to 
Hawaii (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). On Maui, this species threatens one of 
two populations of Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis as well as 
Cyanea glabra (NTBG 1994; A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).
    Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse), a noxious shrub native to tropical 
America, is found in mesic to wet forests on at least six islands in 
Hawaii (Almeda 1990, Hawaii Department of Agriculture 1981, Smith 
1992). C. hirta was first reported on Oahu in 1941 and had spread 
through much of the Koolau Mountains by the early 1960s. This noxious 
plant forms a dense understory, shading out other plants and hindering 
plant regeneration (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). This prolific alien plant 
has recently spread to five other islands and, on Maui is a potential 
threat to Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis 
and Cyanea glabra (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).
    Miconia calvescens (velvet tree) is a recently naturalized species 
native to tropical America. This species has become invasive in the 
Hilo and Pahoa areas of the island of Hawaii, and has become 
established on East Maui. This species has the potential to be very 
disruptive, as it has become an understory dominate where introduced to 
similar habitat in Tahiti (Almeda 1990, Cuddihy and Stone 1990). This 
species occurs on Maui near populations of Clermontia samuelii and 
poses a potential threat (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).
    Myrica faya (firetree), native to the Azores, Madeira, and the 
Canary Islands, was introduced to Hawaii before 1900 for wine-making, 
firewood, or an ornamental. Trees were planted in forest reserves in 
the 1920s. By the mid-1980s M. faya had infested over 34,000 hectares 
(83,980 acres) throughout the State, with the largest infestations on 
the island of Hawaii. It is now considered a noxious weed (Cuddihy and 
Stone 1990, DOA 1981). M. faya can form a dense stand with no ground 
cover beneath the canopy. This lack of ground cover may be due to dense 
shading or to chemicals released by the tree that prevent other species 
from growing. M. faya also fixes nitrogen and increases nitrogen levels 
in Hawaii's typically nitrogen-poor volcanic soils. This may encourage 
the invasion of alien plants that would not normally be

[[Page 26767]]

able to grow as well as native species in the low-nitrogen soils of 
Hawaii (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). On Lanai, this species threatens 
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi and Labordia tinifolia var. 
lanaiensis (HHP 1991e3; R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 1994).
    Paspalum conjugatum (Hilo grass) is naturalized in moist to wet 
disturbed areas on all of the main Hawaiian Islands except Niihau and 
Kahoolawe, and produces a dense ground cover (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). 
In Maui's Kipahulu Valley, this grass threatens one of two populations 
of Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis as well as Cyanea glabra (NTBG 
1994; A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). On West Maui, P. conjugatum 
threatens Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis (HPCC 1990).
    Psidium guajava (common guava), a shrub or small tree native to the 
New World tropics, is naturalized on all of the main islands, except, 
perhaps, Niihau and Kahoolawe (Wagner et al. 1990). P. guajava is a 
serious weed that invades disturbed sites, forming dense thickets in 
dry as well as mesic and wet forests (Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1990). 
On Maui, this species threatens one of the two known populations of 
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis as well as Cyanea glabra, and 
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis (HPCC 1990; Higashino et al. 1988; 
A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).
    Casuarina equisetifolia (ironwood) is a large, fast-growing tree 
that reaches up to 20 m (65 ft) in height (Wagner et al. 1990). This 
large tree shades out other plants, takes up much of the available 
nutrients, and possibly releases a chemical agent that prevents other 
plants from growing beneath it (Neal 1965, Smith 1985). C. 
equisetifolia is invading the wet cliffs of Iao Valley and is a threat 
to Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis (HPCC 1990; HHP 1991d1; R. Hobdy, 
pers. comm. 1995).
    Leptospermum scoparium (New Zealand tea), brought to Hawaii as an 
ornamental plant and now naturalized in disturbed mesic to wet forest 
on three islands, threatens Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi, 
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, and Melicope munroi (Wagner et al. 
1990; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995).
    Ageratina adenophora (Maui pamakani), native to tropical America, 
has become naturalized in dry areas to wet forest on Oahu, Molokai, 
Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii (Wagner et al. 1990). This noxious weed forms 
dense mats with other alien plants and prevents regeneration of native 
plants (Anderson et al. 1992). On Maui, one of the two known 
populations of Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis as well as Cyanea 
glabra, and Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora are threatened by this 
species (NTBG 1995; R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 1995).
    Rubus argutus (prickly Florida blackberry) was introduced to the 
Hawaiian Islands in the late 1800s from the continental U.S. (Haselwood 
and Motter 1983). The fruits are easily spread by birds to open areas 
such as disturbed mesic or wet forests, where the species forms dense, 
impenetrable thickets (Smith 1985). One of two known populations of 
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis as well as Cyanea glabra are 
threatened by this species (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).
    Hedychium coronarium (white ginger) was introduced to Hawaii in the 
late 1800s, probably by Chinese immigrants. It escaped from cultivation 
and is found in wet and mesic forests on most of the main Hawaiian 
islands. The large, vigorous herbs mainly reproduce vegetatively, 
forming very dense stands that exclude all other growth. H. 
gardnerianum (kahili ginger) was introduced to Hawaii before 1940 from 
the Himalayas, and now has major infestations on the islands of Hawaii, 
Maui, and Kauai. This species is considered a more serious threat to 
native forests because it produces abundant fruit (Cuddihy and Stone 
1990, Wagner et al. 1990). Both species of Hedychium threaten 
Clermontia samuelii (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995), and H. 
gardnerianum is a threat to Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis (R. 
Hobdy, pers. comm. 1994).
    Tibouchina herbacea (glorybush), a relative of Koster's curse, 
first became established on the island of Hawaii in the late 1970s and, 
by 1982, was collected in Lanilili on West Maui (Almeda 1990). Although 
the disruptive potential of this alien plant is not fully known, T. 
herbacea appears to be invading mesic and wet forests of Hawaii and 
Maui (Cuddihy and Stone 1990), and is considered a threat to Clermontia 
samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, and Cyanea glabra (R. 
Hobdy and A.C. Medeiros, pers. comms. 1995).
    Sporobolus africanus (smutgrass) was introduced from Africa and has 
become naturalized on all the main islands of Hawaii except Niihau and 
Kahoolawe. It is typically found in disturbed areas such as road sides 
and pastures (O'Connor 1990), and on Maui is a threat to Dubautia 
plantaginea ssp. humilis (HPCC 1990).
    Pluchea symphytifolia (sourbush) is native to Mexico, the West 
Indies, and northern South America. This species is naturalized in dry 
forests and ranges into mesic and wet forests on all the main Hawaiian 
islands (Wagner et al. 1990). It is a fast growing shrub and can form 
dense thickets (Smith 1985). P. symphytifolia is a threat to Dubautia 
plantaginea ssp. humilis on West Maui (HPCC 1990).
    Emelia fosbergii is a pantropical weed of unknown origin. In Hawaii 
it is a common weed in disturbed lowland dry habitats on all the main 
islands (Wagner et al. 1990). E. fosbergii is a threat to the only 
known population of Kanaloa kahoolawensis (Lorence and Wood 1994).
    Nicotiana glauca (tree tobacco) was brought to Oahu as an 
ornamental from Argentina in the 1860s. It is now naturalized in all 
warm temperate regions of the world. On Oahu, Lanai, Maui, and 
Kahoolawe, this species is naturalized in disturbed open, dry habitats 
(Symon 1990). N. glauca is a threat to the only known population of 
Kanaloa kahoolawensis (Lorence and Wood 1994).
    Chloris barbata (swollen finger grass) is native to Central 
America, the West Indies, and South America. In Hawaii it is 
naturalized in disturbed dry areas on all the main islands, and is a 
threat to the only known population of Kanaloa kahoolawensis (Lorence 
and Wood 1994, O'Connor 1990).
    Erosion, landslides, rockslides, and flooding due to natural 
weathering result in the death of individual plants as well as habitat 
destruction. This especially affects the continued existence of taxa or 
populations found on cliffs, steep slopes, and stream banks that have 
limited numbers and/or narrow ranges such as the West Maui population 
of Cyanea glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, Dubautia 
plantaginea ssp. humilis, and Kanaloa kahoolawensis (Lorence and Wood 
1994; R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 1995).
    The small number of populations and individuals of many of these 
taxa increases the potential for extinction from a single human-caused 
or natural environmental disturbance. In addition, the small gene pool 
may depress reproductive vigor. Four of the proposed plant taxa, 
Kanaloa kahoolawensis, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, Labordia 
triflora, and Melicope munroi, are each known from a single population. 
Four additional proposed taxa have five or fewer populations (Cyanea 
copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra, Dubautia plantaginea 
ssp. humilis, and Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi), and three of 
the taxa are estimated to number no more than 10 individuals (Hedyotis 
schlechtendahliana var. remyi, Kanaloa kahoolawensis, and

[[Page 26768]]

Labordia tinifolia). All of the proposed taxa either number fewer than 
15 populations or total fewer than 800 individuals (see Table 2).
    The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and 
commercial information available regarding the past, present, and 
future threats faced by these taxa in determining to propose this rule. 
Based on this evaluation, this rulemaking will list these 10 species as 
endangered: Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, 
Cyanea glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, Dubautia 
plantaginea ssp. humilis, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi, 
Kanaloa kahoolawensis, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, Labordia 
triflora, and Melicope munroi. The 10 taxa are threatened by one or 
more of the following: Habitat degradation and/or predation by pigs, 
goats, deer, rats, and invertebrates; competition for space, light, 
water, and nutrients by alien plant taxa; and substrate loss. Eight of 
the proposed taxa have five or fewer populations, and three of the taxa 
are estimated to number no more than 10 individuals. Small population 
size and limited distribution make these taxa particularly vulnerable 
to extinction from reduced reproductive vigor or from random 
environmental events. Because these 10 taxa are in danger of extinction 
throughout all or a significant portion of their ranges, they fit the 
definition of endangered as defined in the Act. Therefore, the 
determination of endangered status for these 10 taxa is warranted.
    Critical habitat is not being proposed for the 10 taxa included in 
this rule for reasons discussed in the ``Critical Habitat'' section of 
this proposal.

Critical Habitat

    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 needed to bring the species to the point at which listing 
under the Act is no longer necessary.
    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 propose critical habitat at the time 
the species is determined to be endangered or threatened. The Service 
finds that designation of critical habitat is not prudent for the 10 
taxa proposed in this rule. Service 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.
    Designation of critical habitat is not prudent for the six taxa 
(Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. 
remyi, Kanaloa kahoolawensis, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, 
Labordia triflora, and Melicope munroi) that are located primarily on 
non-Federal lands with limited Federal activities. It is likely that 
the publication of precise maps and descriptions of critical habitat in 
the Federal Register would increase the vulnerability of these plant 
species to incidents of collection and general vandalism. The listing 
of these plants as endangered elevates awareness of their rarity and 
makes them more sought after by curiosity seekers, researchers, and 
rare plant collectors. Such increased visits to the sites where these 
species are found could contribute to the decline of existing 
populations through vandalism. The remaining four taxa (Clermontia 
samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra, and 
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora) are located primarily on Federal 
lands within Haleakala National Park. These Federal lands are managed 
to some extent by the National Park Service for the protection of 
native ecosystems, which the Fish and Wildlife Service believes will 
facilitate the protection, conservation, and recovery of these four 
taxa. As a result, all 10 of these species will receive no significant 
benefit from the designation of critical habitat. Protection of the 
habitats of these 10 taxa will be addressed through the recovery 
process and through the section 7 consultation process. The Service 
believes that Federal involvement in areas where these plants occur can 
be identified without the designation of critical habitat. All involved 
parties and the major landowners have been notified.

Available Conservation Measures

    Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or 
threatened under the Endangered Species Act include recognition, 
recovery actions, requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions 
against certain activities. Recognition through listing can encourage 
and result in conservation actions by Federal, State, and local 
agencies, private organizations, and individuals. The Act provides for 
possible land acquisition and cooperation with the State and requires 
that recovery plans be developed for listed species. The protection 
required of Federal agencies and the prohibitions against certain 
activities involving listed plants are discussed, in part, below.
    Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, requires Federal agencies to 
evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or 
listed as endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical 
habitat, if any is being designated. Regulations implementing this 
interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR 
part 402. Section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires Federal agencies to 
ensure that activities they authorize, fund, or carry out are not 
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or to 
destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action 
may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the responsible 
Federal agency must enter into formal consultation with the Service.
    Populations of four of the endangered taxa occur on U.S. National 
Park Service land. The Park Service actively monitors and manages rare 
and endangered species populations within Haleakala National Park, 
although it continually struggles for adequate funding to control feral 
pigs and alien plant taxa.
    Populations of Clermontia samuelii ssp. samuelii on State land are 
being considered for a fencing project that may preclude the need for 
listing as endangered. This project is a cooperative effort between the 
Service and the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
    The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of 
general prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all endangered 
plants. With respect to the 10 proposed species in this rule, all 
prohibitions of section 9(a)(2) of the Act, implemented by 50 CFR 
17.61, would apply. These prohibitions, in part, make it illegal for 
any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to import 
or export any endangered plant species to/from the United States; 
transport such species in interstate or foreign commerce in the course 
of a commercial activity, sell or offer for sale such a species in 
interstate or foreign

[[Page 26769]]

commerce; remove and reduce such a species to possession from areas 
under Federal jurisdiction; maliciously damage or destroy any such 
species from areas under Federal jurisdiction; or remove, cut, dig up, 
or damage or destroy any such species in knowing violation of any State 
law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. Certain 
exceptions to the prohibitions apply to agents of the Service and State 
conservation agencies.
    The Act and 50 CFR 17.62 provide for the issuance of permits to 
carry out otherwise prohibited activities involving endangered plant 
species under certain circumstances. Such permits are available for 
scientific purposes and to enhance the propagation or survival of the 
species. It is anticipated that few permits would ever be sought or 
issued because these 10 species are not common in cultivation or in the 
wild.
    It is Service policy, published in the Federal Register (59 FR 
34272) on July 1, 1994, to identify to the maximum extent practicable 
at the time a species is listed those activities that would or would 
not constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act. Such information is 
intended to clarify the potential impacts of a species' listing on 
proposed and ongoing activities within the species' range. Four of the 
species occur on Federal lands under the jurisdiction of the U.S. 
National Park Service. Collection, damage, or destruction of these 
species on Federal lands is prohibited without a Federal endangered 
species permit. Such activities on non-Federal lands would constitute a 
violation of section 9 if conducted in knowing violation of Hawaii 
State law or regulations or in violation of a State criminal trespass 
law (see Hawaii State Law section below). The Service is not aware of 
any trade in these species.
    Requests for copies of the regulations concerning listed plants and 
inquiries regarding prohibitions and permits may be addressed to the 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, Permits Branch, 911 
N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181 (telephone 503-231-6241; 
FAX 503-231-6243).

Hawaii State Law

    Federal listing will automatically invoke listing under the State's 
endangered species act. Hawaii's endangered species act states, ``Any 
species of aquatic life, wildlife, or land plant that has been 
determined to be an endangered species pursuant to the Federal 
Endangered Species Act shall be deemed to be an endangered species 
under the provisions of this chapter * * *'' (HRS, sect. 195D-4(a)). 
Therefore, Federal listing will accord the species listed status under 
Hawaii State law. State law prohibits cutting, collecting, uprooting, 
destroying, injuring, or possessing any listed species of plant on 
State or private land, or attempting to engage in any such conduct. The 
State law encourages conservation of such species by State agencies and 
triggers other State regulations to protect the species (HRS, sect. 
195AD-4 and -5).

Public Comments Solicited

    The Service intends that any final action resulting from this 
proposal will be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, 
comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental 
agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested 
party concerning this proposed rule are hereby solicited. Comments 
particularly are sought concerning:
    (1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning 
any threat (or lack thereof) to these species;
    (2) The location of any additional populations of these species and 
the reasons why any habitat should or should not be determined to be 
critical habitat as provided by section 4 of the Act;
    (3) Additional information concerning the range, distribution, and 
population size of these species; and
    (4) Current or planned activities in the subject area and their 
possible impacts on these species.
    Final promulgation of the regulation(s) on these 10 species will 
take into consideration the comments and any additional information 
received by the Service, and such communications may lead to a final 
regulation that differs from this proposal.
    The Endangered Species Act provides for one or more public hearings 
on this proposal, if requested. Requests must be received within 45 
days of the date of publication of the proposal in the Federal 
Register. Such requests must be made in writing and addressed to the 
Ecoregion Manager (see ADDRESSES section).

National Environmental Policy Act

    The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that Environmental 
Assessments or Environmental Impact Statements, as defined under the 
authority of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be 
prepared in connection with regulations adopted pursuant to section 
4(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. A notice 
outlining the Service's reasons for this determination was published in 
the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).
    The Service has examined this regulation under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 and found it to contain no information collection 
requirements.

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited herein is available upon 
request from the Pacific Islands Ecoregion (see ADDRESSES section).
    Author: The author of this proposed rule is Marie M. Bruegmann, 
telephone 808-541-3441 or facsimile 808-541-3470 (see ADDRESSES 
section). Substantial data were contributed by the Hawaii Heritage 
Program, Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and Biological 
Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey (formerly National 
Biological Service).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, the Service hereby proposes to amend part 17, 
subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, 
as set forth below:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C. 
4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted.

    2. Section 17.12(h) is amended by adding the following, in 
alphabetical order under FLOWERING PLANTS, to the List of Endangered 
and Threatened Plants, to read as follows:


Sec. 17.12  Endangered and threatened plants.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

[[Page 26770]]



                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Species                                                                                                                         
--------------------------------------------------------    Historic range           Family            Status      When listed    Critical     Special  
         Scientific name                Common name                                                                               habitat       rules   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Flowering Plants                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
Clermontia samuelii..............  `Oha wai............  U.S.A (HI).........  Campanulaceae--Bell  E               ...........           NA           NA
                                                                               flower.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
Cyanea copelandii ssp.             Haha................  U.S.A. (HI)........  Campanulaceae--Bell  E               ...........           NA           NA
 haleakalaensis.                                                               flower.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
Cyanea glabra....................  Haha................  U.S.A. (HI)........   Campanulaceae--Bel  E               ...........           NA           NA
                                                                               lflower.                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp.            Haha................  U.S.A. (HI)........  Campanulaceae--Bell  E               ...........           NA           NA
 hamatiflora.                                                                  flower.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis  Na`ena`e............  U.S.A. (HI)........   Asteraceae--Sunflo  E               ...........           NA           NA
                                                                               wer.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var.   Kopa................  U.S.A. (HI)........  Rubiaceae--Coffee..  E               ...........           NA           NA
 remyi.                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
Kanaloa kahoolawensis............  None................   U.S.A. (HI).......  Fabaceae--Legume...  E               ...........           NA           NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
Labordia tinifolia var.            Kamakahala..........  U.S.A. (HI)........  Loganiaceae--Logan.  E               ...........           NA           NA
 lanaiensis.                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
Labordia triflora................  Kamakahala..........  U.S.A. (HI)........   Loganiaceae--Logan  E               ...........           NA           NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
Melicope munroi..................  Alani...............  U.S.A. (HI)........  Rutaceae--Citrus...  E               ...........           NA           NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                   *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Dated: April 28, 1997.
John G. Rogers,
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 97-12689 Filed 5-14-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P