Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Area and NWI Designated Wetland, Nāʻiwa, Molokaʻi

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 23HBGHI0001 while not located in a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) floodplain (see FIRM panels 1500030160F and 1500030170F), is located in an area of higher flood risk when evaluating risk using the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and a National Wetlands inventory (NWI) wetland. The DHHL will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the flood risk area and wetland and the potential impacts on the flood risk area and wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690 and 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 341 acres in the Nāʻiwa Agricultural Subdivision at TMK (2) 5-2-004:001, 002, 004, 007, and 046 and (2) 5-2-003:001 in Hoʻolehua and Pālaʻau on the Island of Molokaʻi, in the County of Maui. Although the subdivision is within Zone X (outside the 100-year floodplain) on FEMA FIRM Panels 1500030160F and 1500030170F, at the request of Maui County, DHHL commissioned their own flood study to map the 1-percent annual chance flood areas on the site to evaluate flood risk. The extent of the wetland was determined using the National Wetlands Inventory web-based map tool, which identified a riverine wetland, the Kāluapeʻelua Gulch, that branches throughout the site.

The proposed activity includes the expenditure of Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) funds for the vertical construction of single-family homes and appurtenances on 66 residential lots within a 341.2-acre residential subdivision. Installation of residential infrastructure will include laterals for connections from main infrastructure lines including water, communication, and energy to the individual homestead parcels. The project will also include construction of a DOH approved individual wastewater system for each residential home built. It may also include drainage, grubbing, grading, and trenching within the homestead parcels as necessary to prepare for residential unit construction and to ensure adequate drainage of the lot. NAHASDA funds may also be used for administrative and residential support tasks such as homeowner education, mortgage or utility assistance, etc. The improvements will support DHHL beneficiaries through the provision of essential services necessary for agricultural homesteading.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the floodplain and wetland 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 floodplain and wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the floodplain and wetland. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comments about floodplains and 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 the floodplain and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands at the following address on or before June 26, 2026.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Attn: Nāʻiwa Early Notice, NAHASDA

PO Box 1879

Honolulu, HI 96805

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