Submitted Electronically via eRulemaking Portal

Comments for the listing of Vetericaris chaceorum: Q1: While I do not have any up-to-date information on the number and distribution of the anchialine shrimp, V. chaceorum, the need for more surveys should be conducted at other sites (e.g. Manuka, Hawaii) besides Lua O Palahemo. Q2: Yes, I do believe the recommendation to list V. chaceorum is based on the "best available data." However, I feel a more concerted field effort should be made to sample other locations close to/adjacent to Lua Palahemo and reported sites made by the State biologists. Q3: No, as stated above, I do not feel that an adequate amount of field surveys have been conducted to list V. chaceorum as endangered at this time. Q4: Yes the threats to V. chaceorum have been accurately described and with regard to Lua Palahemo, the threat is not limited to specific areas of the lava tube but throughout Lua O Palahemo. No I am not aware of any external threats to V. chaceorum at this time. Q5: No, I am not aware of any biological and/or key habitat components key to the survival and vigor of V. chaceorum. Q6: A listing criteria possibly based on (e.g. no. of field surveys conducted, no. of pools surveyed, no. of locations surveyed, day and night surveys, trapping surveys, seasonal surveys, etc.) regarding the presence/absence of V. chaceorum would provide a more realistic assessment on whether V. chaeceorum should be listed.