Federal wildlife officials plan to hold a meeting in Hilo next week on a proposal to expand the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the Big Island.

The project would allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to acquire land or interest in conservation easements or other property for the purpose of protecting native species, particularly endangered forest birds and plants.

Agency staff are expected to provide information on the proposal and receive public feedback at the meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the refuge headquarters at 60 Nowelo St.  Any land acquired would be from willing sellers.

The refuge was established on Mauna Kea’s windward slope in 1985. The service added to the refuge in 1997 with the acquisition of land on the western slopes of Mauna Loa.