Wailuku Riverfront Park - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

PART 1: PROJECT LOCATION, PURPOSE AND NEED 1.1 Project Location and Land Ownershi The proposed project would take place between the paved portion of Wailuku Drive and the southeast bank of the Wailuku River, between Kamehameha Avenue and Wainaku Street, in Hilo, on the island of Hawaii. The latitude and longitude of the site is 190 43.6' N. Lat., 155° 05.3' W. Long. (Fig. 1). The property is considered part of the right- of-way of Wailuku Drive on County tax maps and is not identified by a Tax Map Key number. The property is owned by the County of Hawaii. 1.2 Pua2ose and Need for Action The southeast bank of the Wailuku River, rich in scenic value and history, has the potential to serve as a recreational resource for Hilo's residents and visitors. Currently, however, most of the somewhat level portion of the land between the street and the river, which varies from as wide as 50 to as narrow as 5 feet, is heavily vegetated with weedy trees. This blocks views of the river and prevents recreational activities. The area also serves as a hideout for illegal drug use. This situation discourages both resident and visitor use of this scenic area. The overall purpose of the project is to 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 - the Bayfront soccer fields, the Hilo Bay black sand beach and canoe launching area, Suisan Harbor, and Wailoa River Park - through Mooheau Park (Fig. 1). This beautification and recreation project is meant to serve the needs of residents and also to extend the downtown visitor district and provide an anchor at its Hamakua end. 1.3 Sum mar of Regu.latory Requirements The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 as amended (NEPA), was enacted by the U.S. Congress to require Federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts of Federal actions as part of the decision - making process. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) developed regulations that specifies how Federal agencies must implement NEPA. These CEQ Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA are codified in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 1500 through 1508. The CEQ regulations require Federal agencies to conduct an investigation and evaluation of alternatives as part of the environmental impact analysis process, prior to making decisions that may impact the environment. The regulations of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for implementing NEPA are promulgated at 24 CFR Part 58. 1