2025-09-29 PL-CRC-2025-000038 Section 106 Consult for Proposed Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link Project

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Pacific Pacific Basin Division Phone: 808.263.4800 Lcy 146 Hekili Street,Suite 205 Fax: 808.263.4300 V;",„, Kailua,HI 96734 www.pacificlegacy.com September 29, 2025 Matthew Clark, Chair County of Hawaii Cultural Resources Commission c/o County of Hawaii Planning Department Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, HI 96720 Subject: Initiation of Consultation Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Chapter 6E, Hawai`i Revised Statutes for the Proposed Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link Project, with Cable Landing Sites on Kauai (Nukoli`i Beach and Kauai Community College), O`ahu (Barbers Point Beach Park), Maui (Kahului Harbor and University of Hawaii [UH] Maui College), Molokai (Molokai Yacht Club and Molokai Education Center), Lanai (Manele Harbor), and Hawaii Island (Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resource Center [PACRC] and UH Hilo) Aloha e Mr. Clark: The University of Hawaii (UH) is proposing the Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link (HIFL) Project to improve and expand high-speed internet (broadband) access, as described below. The proposed project will require a Nationwide Permit from the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and is utilizing Federal funding; it is therefore considered to be a Federal undertaking as defined in 36 CFR§ 800.16(y), and subject to compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 in accordance with 36 CFR Part 800. The purpose of this letter is to request feedback pursuant to Section 106 of the NHPA and State of Hawai`i historic preservation law(Chapter 6E, Hawai`i Revised Statutes [HRS]). The purpose of Section 106 is to consider the effect that Federal agency actions (including use of Federal funds) may have on historic properties within the area of potential effect. The purpose of HRS Chapter 6E is to conserve and develop the historic and cultural properties within the State for the public good. You are receiving this letter either because you are a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) currently listed with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, or because you are a non-listed NHO or invested community member who may wish to be involved based on your area(s) of interest. We appreciate your perspective and expertise, and are seeking any feedback you are willing to provide. In order to ensure we are able to incorporate your input, we request a response within 30 days. The USACE, pursuant to 36 CFR§ 800.2(c)(3), has designated UH as their non-Federal representative to conduct Section 106 consultation for the proposed undertaking with the understanding that they may in turn delegate efforts to an archaeological consulting firm or other appropriate party. UH has in turn delegated to Pacific Legacy the role of conducting outreach on behalf of USACE. While Pacific Legacy's role is to assist USACE with outreach to potential consulting parties, USACE remains responsible for all findings and determinations charged to the lead federal agency. Should you prefer to talk directly to USACE, please contact Vera Koskelo at (808) 451-9274 or vera.b.koskelo@usace.army.mil.