NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
October 21, 2025
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 31, 2025 the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) will submit a request to the 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, 41-252 Nakini Single Family Home Reconstruction located in Waimānalo, on TMK (1) 4-1-030:027, Moku of Koʻolaupoko, Island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi for the purpose of rebuilding a safe, secure single family home for a native Hawaiian family whose previous home was lost to fire.
The proposed project will be a modified demolition/new construction of a structure that burnt to the ground. The demolition would be of existing but unusable foundations and infrastructure, along with the closure of any cesspools on the project site. The proposed project is anticipated to include the new construction of a similarly sized home in the same location and may require digging, trenching, repair, and/or replacement of current utilities and structures including but not limited to electrical, water, wastewater, communication, and stormwater systems. All project components will take place entirely within existing developed or otherwise modified areas. The funding amount is anticipated to be approximately $500,000.
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 received in hard copy format as necessary from Shauna Mau, who may be contacted at (808) 730-0182.
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: 41-252 Nakini Single Family Home Reconstruction. All comments received by October 30, 2025, 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