PUBLIC NOTICE COUNTY OF HAWAI’I
FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the County of Hawai’i.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about March 8, 2023, the County of Hawai’i will submit a request to the HUD administering agency for the release of Section 8 Project-Based Voucher (PBV) funds administered by HUD under CFR 24 Subtitle B, Chapter IX Part 983, to undertake a project known as the Hale Ola O Mohouli Affordable Housing for the purpose of providing a maximum of 90 affordable housing units in the County of Hawai’i.
The project site is located within the State of Hawai’i, County of Hawai’i, South Hilo District, in the town of Hilo. The project site on which the Proposed Project would occur, TMK (3) 2-4-001:168, is a State property that was transferred via Executive Order (EO) 4531 for Affordable Housing Purposes to the County of Hawai’i. Estimated funding is expected to be $46,741,985.
The Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation (HICDC) seeks to develop the Proposed Project. The development concept is to provide affordable rentals for seniors and families within a pocket neighborhood where the cluster of units is arranged around a central green. The units will be single-family dwellings, duplexes, and four-plex structures, one or two stories in height.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The County of Hawai’i 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) and will be posted on the OHCD website https://www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov/home-ohcd and available for review at the Office of Housing and Community Development, 1990 Kino’ole Street, Suite 102, Hilo, Hawai’i.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the County of Hawai’i’s Office of Housing and Community Development, Attn: Susan Kunz, 1990 Kino’ole Street, Suite 102, Hilo, Hawai’i 96720; ohcd@hawaiicounty.gov. Reference the project by name: Hale Ola O Mohouli Affordable Housing. All comments received by March 6, 2023, will be considered by the County of Hawai’i prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The County of Hawai’i certifies to HUD that Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, in his capacity as Mayor of the County of Hawai’i, 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 County of Hawai’i to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the County of Hawai’i’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 County of Hawai’i; (b) the County of Hawai’i 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 emailed to the HUD Honolulu Field Office at Jesse.Wu@hud.gov or addressed to 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 2100, Honolulu, Hawai’i 96813. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COUNTY OF HAWAI’I
BY: SUSAN K. KUNZ
HOUSING ADMINISTRATOR
MITCHELL D.ROTH, MAYOR
COUNTY OF HAWAI’I
(WHT1405396 2/17/23)
