Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a NWI Designated Wetland on O’ahu

To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) under 24 CFR Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program for HUD grant number HUD grant number 26HBGHI0001, among others, is partially located in the National Wetland Inventory designated wetland, and DHHL will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the wetland and the potential impacts on the wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands.

The proposed project is located on the Island of Oʻahu, within the established Hawaiian Homestead lands of Papakōlea, in the Moku of Kona, Ahupuaʻa of Honolulu. The project area includes the Papakōlea and Kalawahine homestead subdivisions. The project area is generally bounded by Auwaiolimu Street and Kalāwahine Place, and is located within tax plats 22015, 22053, 24034, 24039, 24040, 24041, 24042, 24043, 25021, 25022.

The proposed action/undertaking is the expenditure of Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) funds for the rehabilitation, demolition/re-construction, on-site infrastructure improvements, and new infill construction of single-family dwellings at various locations Papakōlea, Kewalo, and Kalāwahine communities, on Hawaiian Home Lands in Kona, Oʻahu. Funds will also be used to make upgrades to existing homes to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The purpose of the proposed project is to provide people of Native Hawaiian ancestry with safe and secure housing.

Rehabilitation may include such activities as re-roofing, window replacement, interior and exterior termite repair, wood rot repair, re-siding and painting; electrical, plumbing, and ventilation upgrades; flooring and sub-flooring repair and/or replacement; foundation repair and water vapor management such as waterproofing; interior cabinetry and/or wall repairs/replacements; and any other activities that would normally be considered home maintenance and repairs that enable a structure to retain integrity as a dwelling unit.

Demolition/re-construction may include removal of all or the majority of a structure and replacement with a similarly sized structure or a larger structure sized to meet HUD occupancy standards in its place. Demolition/re-construction activities are expected to take place when the cost of rehabilitation activities near or exceed the cost of full replacement.

New infill construction may include building single family dwellings on lots that are considered "infill" (lots within existing subdivisions that have been undeveloped for years). Construction of single-family dwellings on new subdivision lots will only occur where land development entitlements and approvals (NEPA and HRS 343 and related authorities such as historic preservation review) have been secured.

On-site infrastructure improvements may include the evaluation of the existing infrastructure and repair and/or replacement of infrastructure to meet current county standards. It would also involve the conversion of any existing cesspools to Department of Health-approved Individual Wastewater Systems (IWS) or connection to sewer. These infrastructure improvements may require digging and trenching.

The location and extent of the NWI wetland was determined using data from the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). About 6.8 total acres of freshwater forested/shrub wetlands occur within the project area. However, no work is expected to occur within a wetland. If any projects or necessary work included within the project activities as detailed above are determined to occur within 100 ft of an NWI-designated wetland, DHHL will initiate further consultation with US Fish and Wildlife Service to assess and avoid/mitigate any potential impacts to wetlands and species common to wetland habitats.

There are three primary purposes for this notice.

• First, people who may be affected by activities in wetlands 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. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the wetland.
• Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and requests for public comments about wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts 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 wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by DHHL at the following address on or before May 29, 2026.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Attention: Malia Cox, NAHASDA Compliance Specialist

PO Box 1879

Honolulu, HI 96805

Comments may also be submitted by email via DHHL's consultant at [email protected].