Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Floodplain To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain will have on the human environment for Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) funds received through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under HUD Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant 15HBGHI0001. The proposed work may include demolition, interior and exterior rehabilitation, associated infrastructure work including sewer connections and decommissioning of existing cesspools, and/or construction of new single family dwellings. Parcels and structures will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as appropriate based on their existing conditions, proximity to wetlands, established Base Flood Elevations (BFE). The proposed project(s) are located within the Keaukaha Makai subdivision, located north of the Hilo International Airport, bounded by Nahale-A Avenue to the south and Puhi Bay to the north, between Kauhane Avenue to the west and approximately the intersection of Onekahakaha Road and forest to the east. The project encompasses a total of 45.2 acres, 9.8 acres located within FIRM Zone VE (1% annual chance coastal flood), 20.7 acres located in Zone AE (1% annual chance flood), and 14.7 acres located in Zone X (minimal flood areas). Portions of parcels located within Zone VE and Zone AE of the flood plain have Base Flood Elevations ranging from 12 feet to 17 feet as established on FIRM Map Panel 1551660910F (September 29, 2017). There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in a floodplain, 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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information about a floodplain can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks 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 a floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has additional information on these projects available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request by contacting Ms. Cynthia Rezentes, NAHASDA Manager, at (808) 620-9228 or Cynthia.Rezentes@hawaii.gov. Information is also available at the East Hawaii District Office on an appointment only basis (808-974-4250, 160 Baker Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii). Written comments must be received by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands at the following address on or before May 22, 2021: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, attention Cynthia Rezentes, P.O. Box 1879, Honolulu, Hawaii 96805, during the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Comments may also be submitted via email at Cynthia.Rezentes@hawaii.gov. All such comments will be taken into account by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands prior to its decision on the proposed projects. Name and Address of Certifying Officer: William Aila, Jr., Chairman Department of Hawaiian Home Lands P.O. BOX 1879 Honolulu, HI 96805 Date: May 7, 2021 (SA/HTH/WHT1325446 5/7/21)