Date: March 25, 2025
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Hawai’i Public Housing Authority (HPHA) has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, to determine the potential effect that its activity in the floodplain will have on the human environment for Ka Lei Momi Kapa’a Affordable Housing under HUD property number HI10P0001018. The proposed undertaking is the expenditure of HUD funds to replace 36 deteriorated existing housing units with 124 new long-term affordable rentals for households earning 30 percent, 50 percent, and 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).

The proposed development activities for the project include demolishing and removing the existing housing units on the property. Ground-disturbing work will involve necessary infrastructure repairs and replacements for utilities—such as water, sewer, electrical, and communication systems—to meet current code requirements and accommodate additional units. Improvements will also be made to existing parking, internal roadways, landscaping, and utilities, with new parking areas added as needed. Additionally, a drainage basin will be incorporated in compliance with Kauai County’s stormwater drainage standards. Surface runoff and underground drainage are expected to flow into the onsite drainage basin, which will eventually discharge into the adjacent Moikeha Canal. The project plans include constructing 13 three-story walk-up buildings, 215 parking stalls, and amenities such as a community center, children’s playground, and dog park. Upon completion, the project will provide a net increase of 87 affordable rental units on the site.

The project site is in the moku of Kapa’a, on the island of Kaua’i, Hawai’i TMKs: (4) 4-5-015:007; 038; 042. The total land area is 191,881 SF (4.405 AC). The project site is in Flood Zone X (area of minimal flood hazards) except for the northern edge of Parcel 042 a portion of which is in Flood Zone AE (area of significant risk of flooding). No development activities are proposed in the Flood Zone AE area.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.