EARLY NOTICE AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A FLOODPLAIN AND WETLAND, DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS ON MAUI

SUBJECT: EARLY NOTICE AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A FLOODPLAIN AND WETLAND, DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS, WAIEHU MAUKA RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY PROJECT, WAIEHU AHUPUA'A, MOKU OF WAILUKU, ISLAND OF MAUI, HAWAI'I, TMKs (2) 3-3-002:031 AND 001

To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals:

This is to give notice that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), the Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58, has determined that the following proposed action under the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program 23HBGHI0001 NH-25-06.07 includes portions located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain as well as wetland areas. The DHHL will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain and wetland areas and the potential impacts on both from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, and Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed location is Waiehu in Wailuku in the County of Maui.

The proposed Waiehu Residential Community project is located on a 238-acre parcel of land identified as TMK No. (2)3-3-002:031 in Waihee-Waiehu on the island of Maui, representing a portion of DHHL's land holdings on Maui Island. The project area is bounded by vacant land and a residential subdivision to the north, Kahekili Highway and vacant land proposed to be developed with 100% affordable multi-family housing to the east, Wailuku Country Estates agricultural subdivision to the south along Kamaile Street, and Waiehu Stream and a mix of vacant lands and rural residential lands along Malaihi Road to the west. The Project will require ground disturbing activities such as grubbing, grading, and trenching to prepare areas for construction and to ensure adequate drainage.

The proposed project is the expenditure of Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) funds for the subdivision and development of the DHHL proposed Waiehu Residential Community project. The proposed project consists of the development of 398 new homestead lots and associated infrastructure, roadways, and amenities, including three (3) parks encompassing 6.3 acres, walking trails, and landscaping, on an existing undeveloped 238-acre parcel of land situated west of Kahekili Highway in Waiehu, Maui. Of the proposed 398 homestead lots, 343 will be developed as single-family dwellings and 55 will be developed for subsistence agricultural residential use. Use of NAHASDA funds will include development of residential units and associated infrastructure, roadways, and amenities, as well as services such as homeowner assistance, which may include assistance with down payment and closing costs; mortgage, utilities, and insurance payments; and rental and utility assistance and housing counseling.

Approximately 0.862 acres of floodplain is potentially impacted, however, no structures are proposed in the floodplain area. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using 0.2 percent flood approach. The vast majority, approximately 237.338 acres, of the project is in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Zone X, areas determined to be outside a 0.2% annual chance of flooding. However, a small portion along the Waiehu Stream at the northeastern tip of the parcel is classified as FEMA Flood Zone A (0.7 acres) and AE (0.16 acres), areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding. No structures are proposed in the Flood Zone A or AE areas.

Approximately 3.762 acres of wetland are potentially impacted, however, no structures are proposed in wetland areas. The Waiehu Stream borders the northern perimeter of the project and includes 0.169 acres classified as fresh water emergent wetland and 0.225 acres classified as freshwater forested/shrub wetland. Spreckles Ditch forms the southwestern border of the project boundary and the 0.503 acres in the project area is classified as riverine wetland. A gully that serves as a drainageway bisects the project site, running from the southwest to northeast of the site, covering 2.11 acres classified as riverine wetland. A second gully crosses the southern area of the site running parallel to the first gully with 0.354 acres of riverine wetland. With the exception of Spreckles Ditch, these wetlands are all categorized Seasonally Flooded (C) by the United States Geological Survey, meaning surface water is present for extended periods especially early in the growing season, but is absent by the end of the growing season in most years. Spreckles Ditch is classified as semi-permanently flooded.

No structures are proposed in the wetland areas. If any projects or necessary work included within the project activities as detailed above are determined to occur within 100 ft. of a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) NWI-designated wetland, DHHL will initiate further consultation with USFWS to assess and avoid/mitigate any potential impacts to wetlands and species common to wetland habitats.

Approximately 0.862 acres of floodplain and approximately 3.762 acres of wetland are potentially impacted.

There are three (3) primary purposes for this notice:

• First, people who may be affected by activities in the floodplain and wetland areas and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain and wetland areas, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the floodplain and wetland areas.

• Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about the floodplain and wetland areas can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas.

• Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplain and wetland areas, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by September 22, 2026.

Please mail to:

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Office of the Chairperson

Attention: Malia Cox

540 Kapolei Parkway

Kapolei, Hawai'i 96707

Comments may also be submitted by email via DHHL's consultant a [email protected]