COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
December 30, 2017
Kauai County Housing Agency
4444 Rice Street, Suite 330
Lihue, Hawaii 96766
Ph. (808) 241-4444
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Kauai County Housing Agency.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about January 13, 2018, the Kauai County Housing Agency (KCHA) will submit a request to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation for the release of National Housing Trust Funds (HTF) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Economic Act (HERA) of 2008, Section 1131 (Public Law 110-289), to undertake a project known as Koae Workforce Housing Development for the purpose of constructing a 134-unit affordable housing rental in Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii, (TMK: (4)2-6-004:19), estimated total cost of project is $41,712,305. The Kauai County Housing Agency will also utilize the Project Based Voucher Program (PBV) for this project.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
At the conclusion of KCHA flood plains management 8-Step process, KCHA has evaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined no practicable alternatives. This activity will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reasons: 1) planned structures comply with floodplain management requirements per NFIP Kauai Floodplain Manager; 2) Structures will be built a minimum of 2.7′ above Base Flood Elevation (BFE); 3) Native plants and grasses will be used in landscaping; 4) Installation of pervious surfaces and on-site storm water detention chambers for recharge of underground aquifer. Drainage study shows a reduction of storm water discharge from the site at the conclusion of mitigating measures; and 5) The State Preservation Division of the Department of Natural Resources concurrence that no historic properties are affected.
KCHA has determined this project has a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) 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 Kauai County Housing Agency, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 330, Lihue, Hawaii or on our website at www.kauai.gov/housing and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to KCHA. All comments received by January 12, 2018 will be considered by KCHA prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Commenters should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
KCHA certifies to Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation that Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. in his 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. The State’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
The State will accept objections to its release of funds and KCHA’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) KCHA 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 the State; 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 Janice Takahashi, Chief Planner at Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, 677 Queen Street, Suite 300. Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Potential objectors should contact the State to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr.
County of Kauai
(TGI1058806 12/30/17)
