REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about September 28, 2017 the City and County of Honolulu (City) will submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as:

Project: Kuwili Street Renovation Project

Location: 431 Kuwili Street, Honolulu, Hawaii
TMK: (1) 1-5-009: 009

Project Description: The proposed project will improve and rehabilitate an existing four-story industrial building and convert the building’s use to provide services for homeless individuals and families. The project will provide resources such as showers and laundry facilities, social welfare services, and 42 units of permanent supportive housing. The proposed project will utilize the entire four-story building and 16,754 square foot parcel.

The proposed facility will be funded with General Obligation Bond funds from the City and County of Honolulu. Development of the Hygiene Center with City funds will satisfy a requirement of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in lieu of a cancelled CDBG project elsewhere.

Total Estimated Cost: $18,878,000 (CDBG amount is $900,000).

Mitigation Measures: Mitigation measures will include:

Contamination: Asbestos contaminated materials (ACM) will be removed by a certified asbestos abatement contractor under controlled conditions in accordance with EPA and DOH regulations. A due diligence report prepared by Enviroquest identified lead containing products below EPA guidelines. Through the report’s inclusion in the project specifications and contract, the contractor has been made aware of the ACM and lead painted material and will adhere to the required handling requirements.

Historic Preservation: The existing building at the project site is within the vicinity of the former Kuwili fishpond. Archaeological monitoring for all ground disturbing activities shall be guided by the archaeological monitoring plan approved by the State Historic Preservation Division.

Noise: There will be temporary, short-term increases in noise levels that may exceed acoustical zoning district, Class C limits during construction. Compliance with community noise regulations will require approval of a variance, or permit for construction related activities. The project site is located in an area at 65 DNL based on its proximity to the Honolulu International Airport, several roadways and the future location of the HART railway system. Rehabilitation of the existing building will include noise dampening measures to attenuate indoor noise levels through the use of acoustic dampening insulation, multiple paned windows, etc.

Transportation: Though long-term impacts are not anticipated, mitigation efforts will be taken during the construction phases of the project to minimize possible impact, including street usage permits to be obtained for any activity requiring temporary street closure. The following Department of Transportation Services requirements will be incorporated into the Project design: Access driveways shall consider pedestrian and bicycle safety measures; onsite bike racks and secure bike storage for the residents, employees and visitors will be included; and all parking needs should be handled on site.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment with conditions. 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 the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Community Services, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Room 200, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817, which may be examined or copied weekdays 7:45 am to 4:30 pm.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Susan Fernandez, Acting Director, Department of Community Services. All comments received by September 27, 2017 will be considered by the City and County of Honolulu prior to authorizing the submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City certifies to HUD that Nelson H. Koyanagi, Jr., in his capacity as Director of the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services, 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 City to use Program Funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’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 City; (b) the City 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 Office of Community Planning and Development, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1132 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Nelson H. Koyanagi, Jr., Director
Department of Budget and Fiscal Services