PUBLIC NOTICE
COUNTY OF HAWAII
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT 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 May 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 Program funds under CFR 24 Subtitle B, Chapter IX Part 983, to undertake a project known as Kaiaulu O Kapi’olani for the purpose of developing 64 affordable rental units for qualifying low income households to reside in within TMK plat (3) 2-4-025:048,053,080, located on Kapi`olani Street between Kukuau and Hualalai Streets in central Hilo within the County of Hawai’i. The proposed new affordable rental housing complex will comprise of 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom units in two-story apartment buildings. In addition to the residential units, there will be a community center, laundry facilities, tot lot, community gardens, open spaces, and at least 80 parking stalls. This project targets low income households earning at or below 60% Area Median Income (AMI) and include rental assistance for 25 qualifying residential households. Total funding from all sources is estimated to be $53,888,000.

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) on file at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/office-of-housing

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the County of Hawai’i 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: Kaiaulu O Kapi`olani. All comments received on or before Friday, May 5, 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.

ENVIRONMENTALCERTIFICATION

The County of Hawai’i certifies to HUD that Mitchell D. Roth, in his capacity as Mayor of Hawai’i County, 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 e-mailed to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Honolulu Field Office, at Jesse.Wu@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COUNTY OF HAWAII
BY: SUSAN K. KUNZ
HOUSING ADMINISTRATOR
MITCHELL D.ROTH, MAYOR
COUNTY OF HAWAII
(HTH1412900 4/21/23)