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SUMMARY OF PROJECT, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES _P_roiect .Summar The County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation (P &R) proposes to spend $286,000 in federal funds for design and construction of a park on the southeast bank of the Wailuku River, between Kamehameha Avenue and Wainaku Street, in Hilo, Hawaii. The riverfront park would take advantage of the striking views of the Wailuku River and provide open recreational space for County residents and visitors. Improvements would include: clearing of vegetation that obscures views of the river (except for several large and scenic trees); landscaping with grass and native shrubs and herbs, along with trees such as palms that Will not obscure views as they grow; sidewalks and protective railings; picnic tables; and one or more platforms (approximately 150 square feet or less in area) that will be on the edge of or cantilevered over the slope of the river to provide a location for viewing, resting and fishing. Two variations of the proposed project are under consideration by the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation. They differ in the treatment of the throughway and parking on Wailuku Drive between Kamehameha Avenue and Keawe Street. The Wailuku Drive Closure Alternative would block Wailuku Drive in front of the Hilo Armory, providing open, pedestrian park space connecting the park to the Armory. The two alleyways and associated parking lots at either end of the Hilo Armory would remain open. Approximately 17 parking spaces would be lost. The Wailuku Drive As -Is Alternative would allow the street to remain open, but would not provide an open park space connecting the Armory to the park. The overall purpose of the project is promote the public enjoyment of the impressive cultural and natural resources of the Wailuku Riverfront, and to link them in a harmonious whole with the other resources of Hilo's downtown bayfront. Short Term Impacts Construction Impacts: Landclearing and construction activities will produce short -term impacts to noise. air quality, traffic, access and scenery. Mitigation Measure: During any construction with the potential to cause sedimentation or other pollution, P &R will adhere to Best Management Practices to avoid such impacts. Long Term 1m acts Floodblain Impacts: The project is located within a Zone VE, the Special Flood Hazard Area inundated by the 100 -year coastal flood with velocity hazard (wave action); base flood elevations are determined. ii