Kauai residents and interested parties are being called upon to weigh in on the future of the Waimea 400 project. The Department of Public Works has announced an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Public Scoping Meeting slated for August 6 at the Waimea Canyon Middle School Cafeteria. The gathering aims to gather community insight as officials take crucial steps towards evaluating the site's development, which spans 417 acres. The information was detailed in a recent press release posted on the County of Kaua'i website.
The session will kick off with an informal open house at 4:30 p.m., a presentation on the project at 5:30 p.m., and then transition into an oral comment period at 6:00 p.m. Slated to last until late August, the community feedback collected will not only cover the planned affordable housing but also aspects concerning housing, recreation, agriculture, and economic development. The site for the Waimea 400 project was first picked up by the County in partnership with Kīkīaola Land Company and the Faye family back in 2019.
Officials have stressed the importance of local participation in shaping the scope of the Draft EIS. "Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the project and provide feedback that will help shape the scope of the Draft EIS," the County of Kaua'i press release stated. Letters can be sent by mail, email, or submitted online via the project's dedicated website, with the deadline for written comments set for August 22.
The Draft EIS is expected to thoroughly examine the potential environmental impacts linked to the proposed development. According to the county's released Master Plan, the aspirations of the Waimea 400 are vast, tapping into community-driven affordable housing initiatives led by the Kaua‘i County Housing Agency. Published this past January, the ambitions of the project took root following rounds of extensive community input. The Master Plan can be accessed for review on the project's website.
Accessibility at the meeting is being given high priority, ensuring that individuals requiring support receive the necessary assistance and materials. For those needing an ASL Interpreter, materials in a different format, or any auxiliary aid or language interpretation services, are encouraged to contact Wade Lord by phone or email at their earliest convenience. This proactive approach is in line with providing adequate time to fulfill such requests. The notice can be made available in different formats upon request, with options like large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
