To: All interested agencies, groups, and individuals

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 – Declared Disaster Recovery Fund (CDBG-DDRF) program, B-19-MC-15-2001. The proposed project is located at 41-415 Hihimanu Street, Waimanalo, Hawaii, TMK: (1) 4-1-009:264.

The City intends to utilize $3,975,000 in CDBG-DDRF funds for the renovation of the Waimanalo District Park Multi-Purpose Building which will include, but is not limited to, interior renovations, roof replacement, installation of wind resistant windows and entryways, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements, and the installation of a photovoltaic system. The proposed project is a one-story building that is constructed of masonry block wall and steel frame roof structure with concrete columns and slab on grade with a footprint of approximately 111′ x 72′ in size and is located within the 100-year floodplain (Zones AE).

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) Locate the proposed project outside of the floodplain and 2) No action. However, the alternatives were not considered for the following reasons: 1) the building is used as an emergency shelter during natural disasters and the planned storm hardening would make it better prepared for the next severe weather event; 2) renovations to the building will extend the useful life of the building; 3) an alternative site was not available, and 4) the proposed project would not change the current use of the building.

The City has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the 100-year floodplain and wetland has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 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 for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains 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 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, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.