Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

 

September 25, 2024

Kali Watson, Chairperson

Hawaiian Homes Commission

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

P.O. Box 1879

Honolulu, Hawai‘i, 96805

(808) 620-9500

On or about October 4, 2024, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) will submit a request to HUD for the release of Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant funds under Title VIII-Housing Assistance for Native Hawaiians of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA), to undertake a project known as NAHASDA Home Repair Program, located at 89-1044 Nānākuli Avenue, Wai‘anae, HI, TMK (1) 8-9-010:080 for the purpose of providing people of native Hawaiian ancestry with safe, secure, and affordable housing.

The proposed project is rehabilitation (and potential demolition of the existing structure and construction of a new structure) of one single-family residence within the boundaries of one an existing residential parcel. The proposed project will rehabilitate the existing three-bedroom, two-bath, single-family residence. Project activities consist of interior and exterior improvements such as painting, roof repairs, wood/masonry repairs, electrical and plumbing work, utility repairs, termite treatment, repair of areas damaged by termites or wood rot, kitchen and bathroom cabinet repairs, and hazard abatement as needed. The kitchen, hallway bathroom, entrance and walkway will be designed/redesigned to accommodate a wheelchair and improve accessibility and mobility. If the DHHL’s initial health and safety inspection determine the home is not habitable, the project may include the demolition of the existing structure and the new construction of a similarly sized home in the same location.

The proposed project is also anticipated to include an evaluation of existing on-site infrastructure and repair and/or replacement of infrastructure improvements. The infrastructure improvements may require digging, trenching, repair, and/or replacement of current utilities and structures, including but not limited to electrical, water, wastewater, communication, and storm water. All project components will take place entirely within existing developed or otherwise modified areas. The anticipated funding amount is approximately $250,000.

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project will be posted on the HUD Exchange website, and may be viewed and/or downloaded online at URL Link: https://cpd.hud.gov/cpd-public/environmental-reviews or upon request via email or hard copy as necessary from Malia M. Cox, who may be contacted at (808) 620-9500.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Office of the Chairperson, Attn: Malia Cox via their consultant PBR HAWAII & Associates, Inc. at [email protected]. Reference the project by name: NAHASDA Home Repair Program. All comments received by October 3rd will be considered by the DHHL prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The DHHL certifies to HUD that Kali Watson in his capacity as Chairperson, 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 DHHL to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the DHHL’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 DHHL (b) the DHHL 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 HUD Honolulu Field Office at 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 2100, Honolulu, HI 96813.  Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Kali Watson, Chairperson, DHHL