Comment on FR Doc # E9-02914

Although the U.S. Fish and Wildlife has good intentions regarding the 'io, we need to look at the larger picture and into the future. At one time it is very likely that 'Ios were found throughout the Hawaiian Islands, not just on Hawai'i Island. They were an important 'aumakua to Hawaiian families on the other islands also. Their current distribution is only on Hawai'i island, though the hawks occasionally fly over to the east side of Maui. The 'Io's habitat has been destroyed/compromised on all the islands and is occurring here as well with all the ongoing and planned developments. If these developments continue to occur, their population will be diminished and eventually they will become extinct as with the fate of many of our important native birds. Please do not de-list this 'aumakua from the endangered species list. Mahalo, Christine Ahia