REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about March 13, 2024, the County of Kauai will authorize the Kauai County Housing Agency to submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of funds for Project-Based Vouchers under Section 8(o)(13) of the Housing Act of 1937, (42 USC 1437f), as amended, to undertake a project known as Rice Street Apartments located at 3016 Umi Street, Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii 96766 for the purpose of funding the development of 66 mixed units for low-income households in Kauai County, Hawaii. The total funding for the project is estimated to be Forty-Four Million Fifty Thousand Five Hundred Thirty-Five Dollars ($44,050,535.00) plus twenty (20) years of fifteen (15) Project-Based Vouchers with an estimated value of Six Million Nine Hundred Seventy-Three Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Four Dollars ($6,973,734.00). The Rice Street Apartments project consists of three stories 1- and 2- bedroom residential apartments, which will feature 66 mixed units. Accessible units will be made available to those with mobility and sensory impairments. The project includes income set asides at 60% of Area Median Income (“AMI” and below. With fifteen units approved for project-based vouchers, the project will expand its reach to families earning less than 30% AMI. Non-Residential improvements include laundry area, general storage area and community rooms. Goodwill Hawaii will provide supportive services for all residents.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The Kauai County Housing Agency has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Kauai County Housing Agency 4444 Rice Street, Suite 330, Lihue, Hawaii 96766 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M or online at www.kauai.gov/housing.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Kauai County Housing Agency, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 330, Lihue, Hawaii 96766, Attention: Adam Roversi or by email at aroversi@kauai.gov. All comments received by March 12, 2024 will be considered by the Kauai County Housing Agency prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The Kauai County Housing Agency certifies to HUD that Derek S.K. Kawakami in his/her capacity as Mayor consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Kauai County Housing Agency to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the Kauai County Housing Agency’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Kauai County Housing Agency; (b) the Kauai County Housing Agency has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Jesse Wu at U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Public Housing, 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 2100, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816 or by email at Jesse.Wu@hud.gov . Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Derek S.K Kawakami, Mayor
County of Kauai
(TGI1446112 2/26/24)