"Instructions for Completing the
WHIP Ranking Criteria Worksheet"

1. The WHIP Ranking Criteria Worksheet is an EXCEL spreadsheet file. Planners may print out a blank paper copy of the Worksheet and complete it by hand in the field, if they wish. He or she must also then transfer the information to an EXCEL worksheet file and save it.
2. To access the WHIP Ranking Criteria Worksheet, click on the index tab located near the bottom of the spreadsheet.
3. To print out a blank paper copy, click "FILE", then "PRINT."
4. Before filling out information for an applicant in the EXCEL file, click on "FILE", "SAVE AS", then edit file name by typing in the name of the participant. The file should be saved with the applicant's other electronic conservation planning files. Click on the "SAVE" button. As data is inputted into worksheets, periodically "SAVE" information.
5. Note that the EXCEL file is "Protected" so that only certain (yellow) sections may be completed, as needed.
6. In the EXCEL file, the "Project Summary" section, the "Points Scored" and "Total Project Acres" will automatically be populated as the Ranking Worksheet is completed. The "WHIP Cost-share Funds Requested" must be entered manually (not necessarily at the same time the Ranking Worksheet is being completed).
7. Fill in the applicant and farm information at the top.
8. Fill in information on the person (you) completing the evaluation worksheet.
9. Fill in "Proposed WHIP Project Area" acres. For definitions of "riparian", "upland", and "wetland"; place your cursor over the red triangle at the top right corner.
10. Fill in the "Length of Proposed WHIP Contract." WHIP contracts must be 5 to 10 years with the potential for 15 years after additional criteria are met and approved by the Hawaii NRCS State Conservationist. For 15-year contracts, the additional criteria are: 1) the project is located within a USFWS designated "Critical Habitat" area and 2) the project will benefit listed threatened or endangered plant or animal species.
11. In the "I. PRE-SCREENING" section, respond to the statements by clicking or checking the "Yes" box at the right, if applicable.
12. In the "II. RANKING CRITERIA" section, respond to the questions by checking or clicking on the "Yes" box in column titled "Documentation of Points," if applicable. (Check boxes may be untoggled by clicking on it again.) Also, fill in any requested information. In the EXCEL file, the points will automatically appear under the column titled "Points Scored" and total points will automatically add up at the bottom of each section.
13. After you have completed the EXCEL worksheet: 1) save it (it should be with the applicant's other electronic conservation planning files), 2) print out a copy and put it in the applicant's file folder, and 3) email a copy to the WHIP Coordinator in the State Office.