This is to give notice that the City and County of Honolulu (City) under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, B-18-MC-15-0001. The proposed project is located in ‘Ewa Villages, ‘Ewa Beach, HI, 96706.

The City considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: 1) Renovation/Modernization of Existing Distribution Lines; 2) Replacement of the Water Storage Source; 3) Alignment Along the Entire Southern (Makai) Side of Renton Road; 4) Directional Drilling as a Construction Method; and 5) No Action. However, the alternatives were not considered for the following reasons: 1) the distribution issue of using water from the golf course irrigation pond would not be addressed perpetuating existing challenges; 2) replacement of the water source was not feasible since it required land to accommodate a new storage unit; 3) conflicts with existing property easements and presence of underground utilities; 4) directional drilling was cost prohibitive; and 5) the existing system if left as is, would continue to deteriorate and result in costly maintenance.

The proposed project involves the installation of linear infrastructure that will pass over the floodplain and wetland by being attached to an existing bridge, that is above the horizontal limits of the floodway. All of the new pipe support systems including concrete corbels would be above the BFE and the hydrology at this location would not be altered.

The City has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the 100-year floodplain and wetland and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and 11990 are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.

There are three primary purposes of this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and 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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment 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 floodplains and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.