Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Designated Wetland

Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Designated Wetland

To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has determined that the following proposed action under Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program 23HBGHI0001 is located in an NWI designated wetland, and the DHHL will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the wetland and the potential impacts on the wetland from the proposed action, as required by 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 project is located on 341 acres in the Nāʻiwa Agricultural Subdivision at TMK (2) 5-2-004:001, 002, 004, 007, and 046 and (2) 5-2-003:001 in Hoʻolehua and Pālaʻau on the Island of Molokaʻi, in the County of Maui. The extent of the wetland was determined using the National Wetlands Inventory web-based map tool, which identified a riverine wetland, the Kāluapeʻelua Gulch, that branches throughout the site. The proposed project will construct up to 66 single-family residential homes across the site, including connections to infrastructure for water, electricity, and communications.

The proposed undertaking includes the expenditure of Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) funds for the vertical construction of single-family homes and appurtenances on 66 undeveloped residential lots within a 341.2-acre area. Installation of infrastructure will include laterals for connections from main infrastructure lines not limited to water, communication, and energy to the individual homestead parcels. The project will also include construction of a DOH approved individual wastewater system for each residential home built. It may also include drainage, grubbing, grading, and trenching within the homestead parcels as necessary to prepare for residential unit construction and to ensure adequate drainage of the lot. The improvements will support DHHL beneficiaries through the provision of essential services necessary for agricultural homesteading.

The proposed project also includes infrastructure and utilities such as, but not limited to, roadways, potable water, agriculture water, electrical and telecommunications, and roadway development within the project boundaries to be funded by other State and Federal resources.

The gullies of the riverine wetland, locally known as the Kāluape'elua Gulch, cross the Nāʻiwa subdivision from North to South through TMKs: (2) 5-2-003:001; (2) 5-2-004:001, 002, 007, and 046. Kiawe is present within Kāluape'elua Gulch. However, a majority of the trees in the gulch appear to be victims of the ongoing/extended drought conditions on Moloka'i. The U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) topographic sheet (USGS, 2017) indicates Kāluape'elua Gulch is categorized as an "intermittent stream". However, no part of the gulch on the subject property shows any indication of the presence of a stream and based on the USGS topographic sheet, the gulch does not appear to have any surface connection to the ocean. There are no other streams or standing bodies of water on the subject property.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the wetland 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 wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the wetland. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comments about wetlands 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 the wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands at the following address on or before November 11, 2025.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Attn: Malia Cox, NAHASDA Compliance Specialist
PO Box 1879
Honolulu, HI 96805

Comments may also be submitted via email to the DHHL's consultant at [email protected].

Date: October 24, 2025