Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity
on a Property that is Partially in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain

Date: July 30, 2025

This is to give notice that the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. for Ka Lei Momi Kapaa Affordable Housing under HUD property number HI10P0001018.

The proposed project is located at Kapaa, moku of Puna, island of Kauai, Hawaii TMKs (4) 4-5-015:007; 038; 042. The extent of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain was determined using the 0.2 percent flood approach. The proposed activity 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. Development activities proposed include demolishing and removing the existing housing units on the property to prepare it for redevelopment. 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 be made to existing parking, internal roadways, landscaping, and utilities, with new parking areas added. 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.

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.

HPHA has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
A. Acquire or develop multi-family rental housing on a different site. This alternative was not selected because it doesn’t consider that most of the project site is located in an area of minimal flood risk, and that development activities can occur on the site, but outside the floodplain.

B. Raise the elevation of the site or the buildings in Flood Zone X to minimize potential water intrusion from floods. This alternative was not selected because elevating the site might cause drainage issues or unintended runoff impacts to adjacent properties. Additionally, the soil conditions or existing site grading may not support elevation changes without additional stabilization measures.

C. The alternative of taking no action was not selected. This alternative would keep the existing 36 housing units and mechanical systems that are nearing the end of their useful life. This alternative would not meet the project purpose to provide more housing, nor is it aligned with the General Plan for the County of Kauai, which aims to increase housing opportunities for low to moderate income households and promote mixed use, higher density, and walkable development in existing towns.

HPHA has reevaluated the alternatives and has determined that it has no practicable alternative but to redevelop the site, but will do so outside the mapped floodplain. Comments to a preliminary notice of the project were provided to HPHA by the County of Kauai Department of Public Works and the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and guidance provided in those comments will be incorporated into the project design. The project will follow requirements under County Ordinance No. 808 to minimize adverse impacts related to sediment and erosion control, including incorporation of best management practices throughout construction to prevent sedimentation, erosion, or dust impacts to watercourses, natural areas, and other properties. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.

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 floodplain 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.

Written comments must be received by HPHA at the following address on or before August 7, 2025: Hawaii Public Housing Authority 1002 N. School Street, Honolulu, HI 96817 and (808) 743-2682, Attention: Andrew Tang, Housing Development Specialist, during the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Comments may also be submitted via email at andrew.y.tang@hawaii.gov.
(TGI1501125 7/30/25)