Comment on FR Doc # E8-16858

I am dismayed that you are considering removing the 'Io, Hawaiian Hawk, from the endangered species list. Although the population of Hawaiian hawks has reportedly remained stable over the last 20 years, this is not a good enough reason for removal of this protection. The Hawaiian hawk was prevalent on all the islands at one time, however now its' range and nesting are limited solely to the island of Hawai'i, with occasional brief visits to Maui. We are happy to see the 'io flying over Hilo, but, once again, the habitat for this 'aumakua is threatened by numerous construction projects in different areas all over the island. Just the growth of Hilo town alone jeopardizes nesting locations and hunting ranges of the 'Io, and, this is a small fraction of the construction going on islandwide. Please work to keep the 'Io on the endangered list. Don't wait for destroyed habitat and plummeting hawk populations to occur before this bird loses the extra protection it deserves. Mahalo for your consideration, Christine Ahia