NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS January 11, 2021 Mitchell D. Roth, Mayor Office of Housing and Community Development 1990 Kino’ole St., Ste 102 Hilo, HI 96720 (808) 959-4642 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Big Island Housing Foundation (BIHF). REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about March 1, 2021 the Mayor of the County of Hawai’i will authorize the BIHF to submit a request to the U.S. Dept. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Section 8 Project-Based Voucher Program funds under Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, to undertake a project known as Papa’aloa Elderly Housing for the purpose of replacing the existing facility with 20 residential units, one manager unit, and a new community center to provide essential social services for residents. The project is targeted for very low-income seniors with less than 50 percent area median income. Two (2) units will be set aside for eligible families experiencing homelessness, and two (2) units for Veteran seniors. The proposed development site is within the North Hilo District, located at TMK 3-5-003:49, 34-1981 Old Mamalahoa Highway. Estimated funding is estimated at $6,408,805. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The County of Hawai’i, Mayor Mitchell D. Roth has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at The Office of Housing and Community Development office located in Hilo at: 1990 Kino’ole St., Ste. 102, Hilo, HI 96720 and in Kona at: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg B, 2nd Flr, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 and may be examined or copied weekdays 7:45 A.M to 4:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the OHCD’s Existing Housing Division. All comments received by January 27, 2021 will be considered by the OHCD prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The County of Hawai’i certifies to HUD that Mitchell D. Roth in his capacity as Mayor 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 BIHF to use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the Mayor’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 County of Hawai’i; (b) the Mayor 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 HUD at 1132 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Mitchell D. Roth, Mayor, County of Hawai’i (WHT1310561 1/11/21)