The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is set to request the release of federal funds to improve housing for native Hawaiians in Wai‘anae. The agency will ask the Department of Housing and Urban Development for approximately $250,000 from the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant, according to a public notice released by Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Chairperson Kali Watson. These funds, derived from the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act, are earmarked for a project named the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act Home Repair Program, which will focus on the rehabilitation of a single-family residence at 89-1044 Nānākuli Avenue.
The proposed project will include essential repairs and upgrades to the existing three-bedroom, two-bath structure. In the event that an initial health and safety inspection deems the home uninhabitable, plans for demolition followed by the construction of a new home are in place. Repairs cover a wide scope – from interior repaintings and roof work to plumbing and termite treatment. Accessibility modifications are also planned, including wheelchair-friendly designs for the kitchen and other areas. Notification posted on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands website on September 25 indicates that all activities will take place within pre-existing developed areas.
Outlined as categorically excluded from the National Environmental Policy Act requirements, the proposed activities should bypass more stringent environmental review processes. This exemption is per Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations under 24 CFR Part 58. Nevertheless, an Environmental Review Record detailing the environmental determinations for this project will be made publicly available on the Department of Housing and Urban Development Exchange website. Requests for viewing or downloading the Environmental Review Record can be addressed to Malia M. Cox at Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
Public comments on the Environmental Review Record are welcomed and will be considered by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands if submitted by October 3. In an official statement, concerned parties are directed to forward their remarks to the Office of the Chairperson. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands's certification to Department of Housing and Urban Development assures that federal court jurisdiction is acceptable for enforcing environmental review process responsibilities and that these responsibilities have been duly met. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s subsequent approval of the certification effectively satisfies its own NEPA-related obligations and authorizes the program funds' utilization by Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
For those contemplating opposition to these plans, Department of Housing and Urban Development will only entertain objections to the release of funds and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands certification within fifteen days of the request's submission or receipt. Issues raised must be based on specific procedural oversights or violations, as outlined in the notice. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Honolulu Field Office has been designated the recipient of such objections. This final stage provides an added layer of community engagement and oversight, ensuring compliance and accountability within the development's advancement.
