Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds for Nāʻiwa Agricultural Subdivison

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR TIERED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

Kali Watson, Chairperson

Hawaiian Homes Commission

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

P.O. Box 1879

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, 96805

(808) 620-9500

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

On or about September 23, 2026, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG) funds under Title VIII of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA), to undertake the following project: Nāʻiwa Agricultural Subdivision. The funding amount is expected to be $2,000,000.

PROJECT LOCATION

The proposed project is located in Hoʻolehua and Pālaʻau on the Island of Molokaʻi, in the County of Maui, on 341 acres in the Nāʻiwa Agricultural Subdivision at TMK parcels (2) 5-2-004:001, 002, 004, 007, and 046; (2) 5-2-003:001. The designated area for the proposed project is outlined in the enclosed Regional Location map.

PROJECT/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The proposed undertaking 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 up to 66 subsistence agriculture lots within a 341.2-acre area. Installation of infrastructure will include laterals for connections from main infrastructure lines not limited to 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 but not limited to homeowner education, housing counseling, mortgage or utility assistance, down payment assistance, etc. The improvements will support DHHL beneficiaries through the provision of essential services necessary for agricultural homesteading.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The DHHL has determined that the project will have no significant impact 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) that documents the environmental determinations for this project will be posted on the HUD Exchange website, and may be viewed and/or downloaded online at URL Link: https://cpd.hud.gov/cpd-public/environmental-reviews or hard copy as necessary from Shauna Mau, who may be contacted at (808) 730-0182.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the DHHL, Office of the Chairperson, Attn: Malia Cox via their consultant PBR HAWAII & Associates, Inc. at [email protected]. Please reference the project by name: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Nāʻiwa Agricultural Subdivision. All comments received by September 22, 2026, will be considered by the DHHLprior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The DHHL certifies to HUD that Kali Watson, in his capacity as Chairperson, 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. HUD's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the DHHL to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the DHHL'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 DHHL; (b) the DHHL 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 HUD; 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 the HUD Honolulu Field Office at 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 2100, Honolulu, HI 96813, or via email at [email protected]. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Kali Watson, Chairperson, DHHL