Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
2025_03_06_Hawaii_County_Police_Dept_Temp_Cold_Storage_Environmental_Report_Feb_2025
Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue Environmental Report TMKs (3rd) 2-4-001:176 & 178 South Hilo District, Hawai‘i Island, State of Hawai‘i February 2025 Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 [This page intentionally left blank] ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue TMKs (3rd) 2-4-001:176 & 178 South Hilo District, Hawai‘i Island, State of Hawai‘i PROPOSING/ APPROVING AGENCY: County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 CONSULTANT: Geometrician Associates LLC 10 Hina Street Hilo Hawai‘i 96720 CLASS OF ACTION: Use of State Land granted by Executive Order 4223 & 4224 and to the County of Hawai‘i and County Funds This document is prepared to assist with compliance with: The Hawai‘i Environmental Policy Act Chapter 343, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS), and Title 11, Chapter 200.1, Hawai‘i Department of Health Administrative Rules (HAR) [this page intentionally left blank] Page i Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................ ii PART 1: PROJECT DESCRIPTION, PURPOSE AND NEED AND E.A. PROCESS ............. 1 1.1 Purpose of Document and Project Description and Purpose and Need ...................... 1 1.2 Environmental Process ................................................................................................ 4 1.3 Public Involvement and Agency Coordination ............................................................ 5 PART 2: ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................................................ 5 2.1 No Action Alternative ................................................................................................... 5 2.2 Alternative Locations for Temporary Morgue .............................................................. 5 2.3 Alternative Strategies ..................................................................................................... 6 PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION ............................. 6 3.1 Physical Environment .................................................................................................... 6 3.1.1 Climate, Geology, Soils and Geologic Hazard ................................................. 6 3.1.2 Drainage, Water Features and Water Quality ................................................... 9 3.1.3 Flora, Fauna, and Ecosystems ........................................................................ 10 3.1.4 Air Quality, Noise and Scenic Resources ....................................................... 12 3.1.5 Hazardous Substances, Toxic Waste and Hazardous Conditions ................... 14 3.2 Socioeconomic and Cultural ....................................................................................... 15 3.2.1 Socioeconomic Characteristics ....................................................................... 15 3.2.2 Cultural Setting ............................................................................................. 16 3.2.3 Archaeology and Historic Sites ...................................................................... 21 3.3 Infrastructure ............................................................................................................... 22 3.3.1 Utilities .......................................................................................................... 22 3.3.2 Roadways and Traffic ..................................................................................... 22 3.4 Secondary and Cumulative Impacts ............................................................................. 23 3.5 Required Permits and Approvals ................................................................................. 24 3.6 Consistency with Government Plans and Policies ....................................................... 24 3.6.1 Hawai‘i State Plan .......................................................................................... 24 3.6.3 Hawai‘i County Zoning and Special Management Area ................................ 24 3.6.2 Hawai‘i State Land Use Law and Special Permit .......................................... 25 3.6.4 Hawai‘i County General Plan ......................................................................... 25 PART 4: DRAFT ANALYSIS .................................................................................................... 27 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................... 30 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1 Location Maps ........................................................................................................... 2 FIGURE 2 Project Site Photos ...................................................................................................... 3 FIGURE 3 Sea Level Rise Map ..................................................................................................... 12 FIGURE 4 Nearby Intermittent Channels and Flood Insurance Rate Map .................................... 14 LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX 1 Site Plans APPENDIX 2 Comments in Response to Early Consultation Page ii Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED ACTION, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES The Hawai‘i Police Department plans to construct and operate a temporary morgue within the new Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center on Mohouli Street. The facility is critically needed because the current morgue at the Hilo Benioff Medical Center is severely over capacity and can no longer store decedents in the custody of the Police as well as deceased hospital patients. The Police are charged with storing the bodies of those who die at home or through a traffic fatality, drowning, homicide or suicide, pending completion of the autopsy, after which the body can be picked up by the mortuary. Overcrowding in the refrigerator puts the mechanical cooling system under constant strain, leading to frequent parts failure. The number of autopsies is rising each year and reached 564 in 2023-24. The County is currently funding design for its long-term plan to build a permanent morgue at another location. Among other interim measures, the County plans to construct and operate a temporary facility for a period of 3 to 10 years. The 5.0-acre property is State land that was transferred to the County via Executive Order (EO) 4223 for Public Safety and Related Purposes. The construction elements for the temporary morgue on an approximately 12,000-square foot site in the northeast corner of the property include two 40-foot long refrigerated containers; an emergency power generator; a covered area between containers for administrative functions; security cameras and other monitoring systems; a roof to cover all facilities; shielding barriers, and utilities, lighting, grading, paving and fencing. Operations will consist of the transport of bodies to the facility pending autopsy and the movement of bodies from the facility to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for examination by the Medical Examiner when the autopsy can be scheduled. The entire site has been graded. There are neighboring residential units in Sunrise Estates within 220 feet and in the Mohouli Senior Residences within 80 feet of the proposed container locations. Barriers to reduce noise levels and shield the facility from the view of nearby residences will be constructed, along with landscaping. No sensitive native flora or fauna, archaeological sites or streams are present. Page 1 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue PART 1: PROJECT DESCRIPTION, PURPOSE AND NEED AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS 1.1 Purpose of Document and Project Description and Purpose and Need The Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) plans to construct and operate a temporary morgue at the northeast corner of the new the Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center on Mohouli Street in Hilo, located at 540 Kupuna Lane on TMK (3) 2-4-001:176 (see Figs. 1-2 and Appendix 1). The Call Center is finishing construction and should be operational by early 2025. The Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works (DPW) is assisting the Police in the permitting and construction process. This Environmental Report has been prepared to assist the County of Hawai‘i in determining whether an Environmental Assessment (EA) should be conducted for the proposed project. It is not intended to serve in itself as an EA. The temporary morgue is critically needed because the current facilities, part of the Hilo Benioff Medical Center, are severely over capacity. The hospital morgue was built for short-term storage of the bodies of patients who pass away at the hospital. The hospital has up till now shared the facilities with the County, which must store the bodies of those who die at home or in a traffic fatality, drowning, homicide or suicide, pending completion of the autopsy, after which the body is picked up by the mortuary. The number of autopsies has recently increased at a rate of over 10 percent a years. As the island continues to grow and also age, this will increase. Overcrowding in the refrigerator puts the mechanical cooling system under constant strain, leading to frequent parts failure. The hospital has instructed the County to find or build another facility by late 2024 to preserve its aged facilities and alleviate crowding. For these reasons and to ensure that human remains are treated with the dignity they deserve, the County is currently funding design for its long-term plan to build a permanent County-owned morgue at another location. This facility would hold all HPD bodies and would be equipped with suites where pathologists would be able to conduct autopsies, eliminating the need to conduct autopsies at either of the island’s hospitals. Among other interim measures, the County plans to construct and operate a temporary facility for a period of 3 to 10 years. The 5.0-acre property on which the facilities would be built, TMK (3) 2-4-001:176, is State property that was transferred via Executive Order (EO) 4223 for Public Safety and Related Purposes to the County of Hawai‘i. The adjacent parcel to be used for access, TMK (3) 2-4- 001:178, is already under EO 4224 to the County and is accessed via Kupuna Lane. It also serves as access to both the Call Center and the Mohouli Senior Residences facility. Having the morgue facilities at a County location separate from the hospital will also assist in the efficiency, security and confidentiality of coroner functions. These are currently overseen by the Police Department but eventually may be handled by a Medical Examiner/Coroner’s Office. Several facilities will be constructed for the temporary morgue on an approximately 12,000-square foot site: • Two 40-foot long refrigerated containers capable of storing up to up to 30 bodies apiece • Emergency power generator • Covered area between containers for administrative functions • Security cameras and temperature and other monitoring/alarm systems • Roof to cover a portion of facilities • Utility, grading, paving, fencing and landscaping Page 2 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue Figure 1. Location Map (overhead, oblique with TMKs from Google Earth ©) Page 3 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue Figure 2. Project Site Photos a. View northwest from center of Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center ▲ b. View north from north edge of Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center ▼ Page 4 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue • Shielded lighting at container doors, in the work area between containers, and security lighting • Visual and noise barriers to shield nearby residential areas Operations at the temporary morgue will consist of the transport of bodies to the facility pending autopsy and the movement of bodies from the facility to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for examination by the Medical Examiner when the autopsy can be scheduled. After the autopsy, the bodies will need to be returned to the temporary morgue pending additional testing and/or retrieval by a mortuary for final arrangements. The operations will utilize several personnel driving body removal transport vehicles, typically vans, along with standard police vehicles. This would occur on average about four times daily, with an increase likely on days autopsies are scheduled, which is generally twice a week. Personnel at the morgue space during such times would include body removal personnel (typically two) plus two officers. They would usually be on site for approximately 45 minutes, as they transfer the decedent from/to vehicle and to/from container and conduct proper logging and documentation and any additional required paperwork. The entire site has been graded. There are neighboring residential units in Sunrise Estates within 220 feet and in the Mohouli Senior Residences within 80 feet of the proposed container locations. No sensitive native flora or fauna, archaeological sites or streams are present. As the area is within the State Land Use Agricultural District, the Planning Department as part of the Plan Approval process will evaluate the relationship of the project to the State and County regulations for this district along with the existing Special Permit for the Emergency Call Center. If required, DPW would apply for any required new or amended Special Permit. Once all land use approvals are obtained, DPW would obtain any necessary grading and building permits and would construct the facility. Because of the urgency of the need, it is expected that the proposed action will be completed in early 2025. Costs for the proposed action are currently estimated at $1,500,000. 1.2 Environmental Process State, county or federal agencies in Hawai‘i undertaking actions that utilize government lands and/or funds must comply with Chapter 343 of the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS) and its implementing regulations at Title 11, Chapter 200.1, Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR). If projects are determined to be minor and meet certain standards related to sensitive locations or resources, they may be determined exempt and do not require preparation of an EA. This Environmental Report discusses in systematic sections the possible environmental impacts the proposed project may have and presents prospective mitigative strategies for any potential adverse impacts the proposed action may generate. The potential for significant impacts is then preliminarily assessed in order to assist determination of whether the project qualifies for an exemption. To assist DPW in making findings, Part 4 discusses the rules for exemption. It then provides a summary review of potential impacts according to thirteen separate criteria that are normally used to evaluate whether the project potentially has significant impacts, and thus requires preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Although this level of analysis is normally conducted as part of an EA, it also provides valuable findings of analysis for determination of exemption eligibility. Page 5 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue 1.3 Public Involvement and Agency Coordination During initial project development in August 2024, DPW assumed that an EA would be required and consulted the following agencies and organizations by letter/email under that presumption. State: Department of Health Department of Land and Natural Resources: Land, DOFAW, Engineering, SHPD Divisions Office of Hawaiian Affairs County: County Council (all members individually) Department of Environmental Management Department of Water Supply Planning Department Private: Sierra Club Adjacent Property Owners: Martins, Julian, Fujimoto, Fujioka, Flemming & Jorgensen for Ellen 1996 Family Trust, Matsuo, Evert, Komagome/Ishida, Serville, Murashige Hawai‘i Island Community Development Corporation Responses received are contained in Appendix 2. All respondents will be informed of the County’s decision to either exempt the project or conduct an EA. PART 2: ALTERNATIVES 2.1 No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative, the County of Hawai‘i would not construct or utilize the proposed temporary morgue facilities. The morgue at Hilo Benioff Medical Center will no longer be available for County use. Developing a permanent morgue will require appropriation of capital improvement funds through the administration and County Council as well as extensive site selection, design and permitting processes that will require at least three years. Autopsies are services that the County cannot legally dispense with or substantially delay, and therefore there is no practicable option to finding a temporary site for a period of three to ten years. Nevertheless, for the purposes of evaluating impacts to the site on Mohouli Street, the No Action Alternative is used as a basis of comparison. 2.2 Alternative Locations for Temporary Morgue The County has considered a number of alternative locations in Kona, at other County properties, and at a local mortuary. The situation in Kona is similar, where bodies in custody of HPD bodies can no longer be stored within the Kona Community Hospital’s (KCH) morgue space and instead are being stored in a 40-foot refrigerated container on KCH property. With just the bodies on the west side, the container is often Page 6 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue over capacity. As it stands, with just the bodies from the west side of the island, the container is oftentimes at and/or over the ideal capacity which puts a strain on the container’s refrigeration. For reasons of security, site control, environmental factors, logistics, and costs, no other location appears worthy of detailed consideration at this stage. 2.3 Alternative Strategies As part of conceptualizing the project, DPW and the Police Department evaluated various concepts. If Hilo Benioff Medical Center were amenable, it might be possible to design and utilize a site at the hospital to host refrigerated containers that would be funded, provided and maintained by the County but utilized jointly for operations. This option does not fit within the development plan of the hospital. Another strategy similar to that utilized for very small jurisdictions without facilities or personnel for conducting autopsies would be to ship decedents to a major urban center (in this case, Honolulu) and then employ medical examiners or contract for such services there. For a variety of reasons involving logistics of shipping and refrigeration during transport, staff requirements, chain of custody, interference with investigation and extraordinary costs, such a strategy appears infeasible. The County is not aware of any alternative strategies that answer the purpose and need of the proposed action and therefore it has not advanced any other alternatives for consideration. PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Basic Geographic Setting The location for the proposed action is referred to throughout this document as the project site (see Figures 1-2). The term project area is used to describe the general environs of this part of Hilo. The roughly 12,000-sf project site is fully cleared and graded and is an unutilized portion of the grounds of the Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center, which is currently finishing construction. It is surrounded by the buildings of the Call Center on the south and west; by the Mohouli Senior Residences complex on the east; and by the residential-agricultural lots of Sunrise Estates on the north. 3.1 Physical Environment 3.1.1 Climate, Geology, Soils and Geologic Hazards Environmental Setting The climate in the area is mild and moist, with a high average annual rainfall of about 135 inches and a mean annual temperature of approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit (Giambelluca et al 2013; UH Hilo-Geography 1998). The project site is located at about 350 feet in elevation above mean sea level. The underlying geology is a Mauna Loa lava flow dated from 1880-81 (Wolfe and Morris 1996). The soil on the project site is Keaukaha extremely rocky muck with 6 to 20 percent slopes. This soil occurs in undulating to rolling topography of the underlying pahoehoe lava. Rock outcrops occupy about 25 percent of the area. In a representative profile, the surface layer is very dark brown muck about 8- Page 7 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue inches thick, underlain by pahoehoe lava bedrock. This soil is strongly acidic. The soil above the lava is rapidly permeable. The pahoehoe lava is very slowly permeable, but water moves rapidly through the cracks. Runoff is medium and the erosion hazard is slight. In places, roots area matted over the pahoehoe lava or extend a few feet into the cracks. Most of this soil is native forest while some areas are cleared and used for pasture (Pasture Group 9). Permeability is about 3 to 20 inches per hour, reaction is roughly 1 to 5.5 pH, shrink-swell potential is high, and corrosivity for both uncoated steel and concrete is moderate. The agricultural capability subclass rating for soils in the project area is VIIs, which includes soils that have very severe limitations that make them unsuited to cultivation and that restrict their use largely to pasture or range, woodland or wildlife. Additionally, the property is not prime or unique farmland and is not designated as Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawai‘i (ALISH). The entire Big Island is subject to geologic hazards, especially lava flows and earthquakes. Volcanic hazard as assessed by the U.S. Geological Survey in this area of Hilo is 3 on a scale of ascending risk 9 to 1 (Heliker 1990:23). The hazard risk is based on the fact that Mauna Loa is an active volcano. Volcanic hazard zone 3 areas have had 1 to 5 percent of their land area covered by lava flows or ash since the year 1800, but are at lower risk than zone 2 areas because of their greater distances from recently active vents and/or because the local topography makes it less likely that flows would cover these areas. The Island of Hawai‘i experiences high seismic activity and is at risk from major earthquake damage (USGS 2000), especially to structures that are poorly designed or built. In October of 2006, two damaging earthquakes of magnitude 6.7 and 6.0 struck the west side of Hawai‘i Island, and a 6.9-magnitude quake shook Kilauea in May 2018. These earthquakes caused no known damage to the project site or nearby facilities. The project site had undulating topography with no surrounding steep slopes prior to grading and is now completely graded. It is not subject to subsidence, landslides or other forms of mass wasting. Impacts and Mitigation Measures Geologic conditions impose no constraints on the proposed action, and the use for temporary morgue facilities is not imprudent to undertake. Most of the surface of Hawai‘i Island will eventually be inundated with lava, and any public facilities in Hilo face risk. The proposed action will not be detrimental to the island’s agricultural nor will it have an adverse impact on the overall agricultural productivity of the region and the island. Given the need by the Police Department for these facilities, the County has determined that it is sensible to place it within the Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center. Project design takes the seismic setting into account, and no mitigation measures are expected to be required. Accordingly, there appears to be little to no potential for significant geologic impacts. There is a scientific consensus that the earth is warming due to manmade increases in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, according to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UH Manoa Sea Grant 2014). Global mean air temperatures are projected to increase by at least 2.7°F by the end of the century. This will be accompanied by the warming of ocean waters, expected to be highest in tropical and subtropical seas of the Northern Hemisphere. For Hawai‘i, where warming air temperatures are already quite apparent, not only is the equable climate at risk but also agriculture, ecosystems, the visitor industry and public health. Guidance to federal agencies for addressing climate change issues in environmental reviews was released in August 2016 by the Council on Environmental Quality (US CEQ 2016). The guidance urged that when addressing climate change, agencies should consider: 1) the potential effects of a project on climate change as indicated by assessing greenhouse gas emissions in a Page 8 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue qualitative, or if reasonable, quantitative way; and 2) the effects of climate change on a project and its environmental impacts. It recommends that agencies consider the short- and long-term effects and benefits in the alternatives and mitigation analysis in terms of climate change effects and resiliency to the effects of a changing climate. The State of Hawai‘i in Hawai‘i Revised Statutes §226-109 encourages a similar analysis, and both Act 17 of the 2018 Hawai‘i Legislature and Title 11, Chapter 200.1 now require analysis of sea-level rise and greenhouse gases in environmental impact statements. In terms of precipitation, wet and dry season contrasts will increase, and wet tropical areas in particular are likely to experience more frequent and extreme precipitation. In general, rainfall in Hawai‘i has been variable in the recent past with some years drier and some wetter than average. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (i.e., periodic variation in winds and sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, the warming phase of sea temperature known as El Niño and the cooling phase as La Niña) will likely continue to dominate precipitation patterns from year to year in the tropical Pacific. Climate change-related increases in air temperatures will lead to more evaporation and more moisture in the air. As a result, the variability in El Niño-related precipitation is likely to increase, making rainfall predictions difficult. However, it is very likely that warmer temperatures and larger and more frequent tropical storms and hurricanes will affect the Hawaiian Islands in the future. The ability of even modest hurricanes to produce extraordinary amounts of rainfall, even without direct landfall, was demonstrated in August 2024 by Category 1 Hurricane Hone. Because of the small area of additional impermeable surface, any excess runoff due to climate change could be handled through standard drainage improvements discussed in the next section. Due to the elevation of the project site at approximately 350 feet above sea level, there is no risk to the proposed action from sea level rise (Figure 3). Carbon emissions as a result of construction and operation of the proposed facilities would be considered negligible and are not expected to contribute significantly to global climate change. Accordingly, there appears to be little to no potential for significant climate related impacts. Figure 3. Sea Level Rise Map Page 9 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue 3.1.2 Drainage, Water Features and Water Quality Existing Environment No streams, lakes or other water bodies are present on or near the project site. The intermittent Alenaio Stream is approximately 1,500 feet to the north, the main branch of Waiakea Stream is 3,000 feet to the south, and a side drainage channel for Waiakea Stream is about 500 feet to the south (Figure 5). All empty into the Wailoa River, an estuary that connects to Hilo Bay. Becuase of the recent lava, no active drainageways are present on the project site, and excess rainfall drains directly into the ground. The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) 1551660903F (9/29/2017) shows that the entire project site is in Flood Zone X, within an area determined to be outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain (sometimes known as the 500-year floodplain) (Figure 4). Hilo Bay, including the project site, has been struck by several highly destructive tsunami in historic times. Maps printed by the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency locate the property well outside the area that should be evacuated during a tsunami warning. Best Management Practices to minimize erosion and sedimentation will include, but may not be limited to, the following practices: • The total amount of land disturbance will be minimized. The construction contractor will be limited to the delineated construction work areas within the lot. • The contractor will not allow any sediment to leave the site. • Construction activities with the potential to produce polluted runoff will not be allowed during unusually heavy rains or storm conditions that might generate storm water runoff. • Cleared areas will be replanted or otherwise stabilized as soon as possible. Chapter 27 and the County’s Storm Drainage Standards require that all increases in runoff due to a project’s development must be captured and disposed of. Because of the small area of additional impermeable surface, the additional runoff on the Call Center site due to the facility will be minimal and handled through minor additional drainage facilities currently in design and expected to consist of one drywell. Impacts and Mitigation Measures Construction plans will specify practices to minimize the potential for sedimentation, erosion and pollution of coastal waters. Land clearing and construction activities would occur in an area less than one acre, and thus will not require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The County will ensure that its contractor shall perform all earthwork and grading in conformance with: (a) “Storm Drainage Standards,” County of Hawai‘i, October, 1970, and as revised. (b) Applicable standards and regulations of Chapter 27, “Flood Control,” and Chapter 10, “Erosion and Sedimentation Control,” of the Hawai‘i County Code. Accordingly, there appears to be little to no potential for significant drainage or water quality impacts. Page 10 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue Figure 4. Nearby Intermittent Channels and Flood Insurance Rate Map Source: http://gis.hawaiinfip.org/fhat/ 3.1.3 Flora, Fauna and Ecosystems Existing Environment Prior to grading as part of development of the Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center, the vegetation of the site consisted of low-stature forest dominated by the natives ‘ōhi‘a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) and the mat-forming fern, uluhe (Dicranopteris linearis). The site was also infested to varying degrees with various invasive trees and shrubs, notably Asian melastome (Melastoma candidum), strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum), albizia (Falcataria moluccana), octopus tree (Schefflera actinophylla), gunpowder tree (Trema orientalis), wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa), Melochia umbellata, and devil tree (Alstonia macrophylla). The fringes of the property containing the Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center still consist of this vegetation. The project site itself is starting to sprout the typical weeds found on construction sites, including spurge (Euphorbia spp.), Ageratum sp., hairy horseweed (Conyza sp.), and rattlepod (Crotalaria sp.) (see Figure 2). As weeds grow larger, they will be periodically controlled by mechanical or chemical means, and may eventually be landscaped with grass and shrubs. Page 11 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue There is no habitat for birds on the site, but they are seen flying in the area and perching on nearby vegetation and structures. Previous surveys (e.g., Hawai‘i County DPW 2009) observed only non-native birds, including Japanese white-eye (Zosterops japonicus), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis), barn owl (Tyto alba), zebra dove (Geopelia striata), hwamei (Garrulax canorus) and house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus). Other common birds seen nearby during site reconnaissance in 2024 were domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), common myna (Acridotheres tristis) and saffron finch (Sicalis flaveola). The State-listed endangered species Hawaiian hawk (Buteo solitarius) undoubtedly flies over the project site but there is no foraging or nesting habitat. As with all of the island of Hawai‘i, several listed seabirds may also overfly the project site. Because of their sensitivity to unshielded lighting, they merit consideration in all projects that utilize lighting. These include the endangered Hawaiian petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), the endangered band-rumped storm petrel (Oceanodroma castro), and the threatened Newell’s shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newelli). Although they may fly over various locations in South Hilo on their way to and from mountain nesting areas and the open ocean, no suitable nesting habitat for any of these seabird species is present in lowland Hilo. The primary cause of mortality in these species in Hawai‘i is thought to be predation by alien mammalian species at the nesting colonies. Collision with man‐made structures is another significant cause. Seabirds flying at night, especially fledglings on their way to sea in the summer and fall, can become disoriented by exterior lighting. Disoriented seabirds may collide with manmade structures and, if not killed outright, become easy targets of predatory mammals. The endangered Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) is often found in alien as well as native vegetation in a variety of locations throughout the island of Hawai‘i. This is the only native land mammal in Hawai‘i. These solitary bats are widely scattered and roost almost undetected in tall shrubs and trees, and they are often seen in Hilo and are certainly occasionally present in the general area. They are vulnerable to disturbance during the summer pupping season, when mothers with pups may be unable to flee if the trees they are roosting in are cut or trimmed. They are also vulnerable to injury or death from wings being snagged on barbed wire, particularly the top strand of a fence. Apart from the Hawaiian hoary bat, all mammals in the project area are introduced species, including feral cats (Felis catus), feral pigs (Sus scrofa), small Indian mongooses (Herpestes a. auropunctatus) and various species of mice (Mus spp.) and rats (Rattus spp.). None are of conservation concern and all are deleterious to native flora and fauna. This is also true for reptiles and amphibians in the area. Impacts and Mitigation Measures Because the site is completely cleared, the proposed action would have no adverse impacts to threatened or endangered plant species, native vegetation and vegetated habitat. Mitigation measures will be instituted in order to avoid impacts to Hawaiian hoary bats and listed threatened and endangered seabirds: • No fencing involving razor wire or top-strand barbed wire will be utilized. • All lighting will be required to be shielded in conformance with the Hawai‘i County Outdoor Lighting Ordinance to reduce the risk that seabirds may be attracted to and then disoriented by the lighting. Page 12 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue • No nighttime construction work will be allowed during the seabird-fledging season, which runs from September 15 through December 15 each year. A final biological concern on the Big Island is related to clearing and the the movement of products such as scrap wood, rock fill and building materials, which can spread invasive species, particularly little fire ants and coqui frogs. Both are rampant in the general area, although no fire ants were observed on the project site itself during field reconnaissance. It is unlikely that fill material will be required to be brought in; if so, it will be inspected for fire ants. Any material removed from the site to areas without fire ants or coquis will be inspected, and if necessary, treated. Accordingly, there appears to be little to no potential for significant biological impacts. 3.1.4 Air Quality, Noise, and Scenic Resources Environmental Setting Air quality in the area is generally excellent, due to its rural nature and minimal degree of human activity, although vog from Kilauea volcano is occasionally blown into this part of the island when this volcano is erupting. Even during eruptions, the persistent trade winds keep the project area relatively free of vog for most of the year. Motor vehicles provide another very minor source of air pollution, and combustion- derived air pollution in the entire State of Hawai‘i is minimal. Hawai‘i Island, like the rest of the state, meets the standards set by the Clean Air Act (CAA) and State of Hawai‘i law (HRS Chapter 342B), and is within an attainment area. Ambient concentrations of air pollutants are regulated by both federal and State of Hawai‘i ambient air quality standards (AAQS). The National AAQS, as well as the State standards that are defined in Chapter 11-59 of the Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, are set at levels that protect public health with a margin of safety, and are subject to periodic review and revision. Noise on the project site is moderate and derived mainly from motor vehicles on the Mohouli Street Extension and yard maintenance activities in adajcent properties. Future noise from the soon to be operational Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center is expected to be minimal. The project site is not an area considered significant for its scenic character in the Hawai‘i County General Plan, and no scenic resources exist (see photographs in Figure 2). Impacts and Mitigation Measures The proposed action would not substantially affect air quality, noise levels or scenic quality, but certain mitigation measures are necessary to keep impacts to a minimum. Noise in the State of Hawai‘i is regulated under Title 11, Chapter 46, HAR (Community Noise Control). These rules specify maximum permissible sound levels for stationary noise sources and equipment related to agricultural, construction and industrial activities. The maximum levels are dictated according to the class of zoning district in which the noise originates. Per HAR 11-46-3, for agriculturally zoned districts, the maximum daytime (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) or nighttime (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) levels are 70 decibels (db) at the property boundary. This sound level is roughly equivalent to street traffic or a vacuum cleaner. Noise Page 13 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue levels shall not exceed the maximum permissible sound levels more than ten per cent of the time within any twenty minute period, except by permit or variance issued under s HAR 11-46-7 and 11-46-8. The area has been a construction site for the last two years, and short-term, minor construction phase noise impacts will not be substantial. No heavy grading, blasting, pile-driving or other major sources of construction noise will occur. Noise may briefly impact nearby sensitive receptors in the form of residences on the margins of the project site. If a situation arises where construction noise is expected to exceed the DOH’s maximum permissible property-line noise levels, contractors will be required to consult with DOH per Title 11, Chapter 46, HAR (Community Noise Control) prior to construction. DOH would then review the proposed activity, location, equipment, project purpose and timetable in order to decide whether a permit is necessary and what conditions and mitigation measures, such as restriction of equipment type, maintenance requirements, restricted hours, and portable noise barriers, will be necessary. DPW would then consult with DOH to ensure that any necessary noise mitigation measures will be in place during construction. Operationally, noise will generally be low to moderate at the property limits. Typical operations would involve approximately 8-16 vehicles per day entering and exiting. The increase in vehicular traffic associated with the operation of the facilities will thus be minimal and not measurably increase traffic noise. There are few other noise sources during worker use of the site. The main source of noise would be the compressors for the refrigerated units and the exhaust fans that will be used as part of air filtration. The noise level of refrigerated trucks is generally between 69-74 dB at 10 feet from the source. Certain technologies can substantially minimize noise at the source. Industrial fan noise levels range anywhere from 70 dB to 90 dB at 10 feet. The noise level of a commercial exhaust fan can vary depending on the type of fan, its size and speed, and the duct design, and there are a number of ways to implement fan and other industrial noise control measures to assure safety and regulatory compliance. The design for the compressors and exhaust fans for the units is not yet complete, and therefore the precise noise levels as well as the recommended technology for reducing sound at the source have not been determined. The best available practicable technology for reducing noise at the source will be utilized. For both sources of noise, there is also the ability to utilize sound absorbing noise barriers to significantly reduce noise for the sensitive receptors of neighboring residences. As shown conceptually in the Site Plans in Appendix 1, these sound barriers will be placed in positions to substantially reduce noise from reaching the nearby residences in Sunrise Estates and at the Mohouli Senior Residences. Reductions of 10-20 dB are likely to occur, and the goal is to reduce noise well below the maximum permissible level at the property line. In terms of scenic resources, as the facilities are planned to be only temporary, they are not being designed for architectural attractiveness and they will contrast with the architecture of the Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center. Given this, and recognizing that due to their function nearby residents will wish to have no view of the facilities, the facilities will be hidden from view for adjacent residences. In addition to the function of the sound barrier in reducing noise, it will also disguise the facility from view. The County will also plant and maintain landscaping outside the noise barriers to further mitigate view concerns. Exhaust emissions from heavy equipment will be minimal and will occur during a very brief time of construction when the pad is regraded, the driveway and pad paved, the containers put in place and the barriers are constructed. Another air quality concern is related to odor. Although rare, localized odor from Page 14 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue temporary morgues can be an issue that affects the immediate area around the containers and in extreme cases can affect somewhat wider areas. DPW coordination with the County of Maui Police Department, which operates a very similar facility in a commercial area, enabled plans that will prevent any noticeable odor issues through design and operational best practices. First, it is important to efficiently operate the facilities to limit the amount of time that the container doors are open to the minimum possible duration. This occurs through systematic operator training, efficient design of the driveway and ramps relative to the container doors, having equipment inside the containers that allows efficient placement and removal of bodies, and installation of a covered area around and between the containers for administrative work. Second, a backup generator keyed to thermostats allow seamless transition to backup electrical power when power from the grid is interrupted. Because of rigorous application of similar best practices in Maui, odor is not detectable outside the immediate container door areas and has not been a noticeable problem. As an additional precaution, the facility will also incorporate air filtration and an industrial-scale exhaust fan with a venting stack (see Appendix 1), to recirculate and filter air, reducing any odor buildup. Accordingly, there appears to be little to no potential for significant visual impacts. The potential for significant noise and air quality impacts may depend on the effectiveness of noise barriers and air filtration and whether standard operating procedures successfully reduce air flow from the open containers. 3.1.5 Hazardous Substances, Toxic Waste and Hazardous Conditions Based on onsite inspection and the lack of any known former and current uses on the project site, it appears that the site contains no hazardous or toxic substances and exhibits no other hazardous conditions. There are no records of Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs) or records of other incidents or releases on the site or in surrounding properties (https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/iheer/#!/viewer accessed August 2024). A newly installed Above Ground Storage Tanks (AST) is present adjacent to the project site for use by the Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center. No Underground Storage Tanks (UST) are present nearby. The installation and operation of the AST complied with the Hawai‘i State Department of Health environmental protection regulations, the Uniform Fire Code, and the Fire Code of the County of Hawai‘i. The tank has double-walled construction to prevent fuels from leaking into the environment and is equipped with vent pipes for relieving pressure build up during temperature changes and emergency electrical shutoffs. It is regularly inspected and is at a sufficient distance from the facilities to ensure that it does not have any effect on the proposed temporary morgue facilities. Although it is highly unlikely that any potentially hazardous, toxic or radioactive waste would be found on the recently graded project site, reasonable precautions would be undertaken by DPW and its contractors in the context of the proposed action construction Best Management Practices for the appropriate response and remediation should any such hazardous, toxic, or radioactive material be encountered during construction of the proposed action. For construction, in addition to the measures related to water quality detailed in Section 3.1.3, in order to ensure to minimize the possibility for spills of hazardous materials, the County will require contractors to adhere to the following conditions: Page 15 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue • Unused materials and excess fill will be removed and disposed of at an authorized waste disposal site. • During construction, emergency spill treatment, storage, and disposal of all hazardous materials, will be explicitly required to meet all State and County requirements, and the contractor will be asked to adhere to “Good Housekeeping” for all appropriate substances, with the following instructions: o Onsite storage of the minimum practical quantity of hazardous materials necessary to complete the job; o Fuel storage and use will be conducted to prevent leaks, spills or fires; o Products will be kept in their original containers unless unresealable, and original labels and safety data will be retained; o Disposal of surplus will follow manufacturer’s recommendation and adhere to all regulations; o Manufacturers’ instructions for proper use and disposal will be strictly followed; o Regular inspection by contractor to ensure proper use and disposal; o Onsite vehicles and machinery will be monitored for leaks and receive regular maintenance to minimize leakage; o All spills will be cleaned up immediately after discovery, using proper materials that will be properly disposed of; o Regardless of size, spills of toxic or hazardous materials will be reported to the appropriate government agency; and o Should spills occur, the spill prevention plan will be adjusted to include measures to prevent spills from re-occurring and for modified clean-up procedures. Accordingly, there appears to be little to no potential for significant hazardous material impacts. 3.2 Socioeconomic and Cultural 3.2.1 Socioeconomic Characteristics The proposed action is essential to critical operations of the Hawai‘i County Police Department and would thus affect and benefit all residents of and visitors to the County of Hawai‘i. Data on socioeconomic characteristics of Hawai‘i County are available from data from the U.S. Census Bureau in its 2020 U.S. Census of Population as well as 2023 estimates from the American Community Survey (https://data.census.gov/). The County had a population of approximately 200,629 residents in the 2020 census. The composition is highly diverse, with 33.5% White, 19.7% Asian, 14.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and 29.0% two or more races. There is a higher median age in Hawai‘i County of 43.3 years and a lower median household income of $72,238 relative to the State as a whole, which is 39.9 years and $94,814, respectively. The immediate area surrounding the facilities includes the Mohouli Senior Housing, which has 60 1-Bedroom/1-Bath apartments units created through a partnership among federal County of Hawai‘i agencies as well as a housing non-profit. Several 1-acre lots in the agriculturally zoned Sunrise Estates that are developed with single-family residences also border the property containing the project site (see Figure 1). Page 16 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue For various reasons, the County of Hawai‘i has a significantly higher age-adjusted death rate than any other county in the State, although all counties are significantly lower than the average for the U.S. as a whole (National Institutes of Health https://www.nih.gov/). From 2018 to 2022, an average of 12,209 people died each year in the County (Ibid.). A small proportion of those die at home or succumb to a traffic fatality, drowning, homicide or suicide, and these require a death investigation by the County’s medical examiner. During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, 449 autopsies were conducted. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, that rose to 564 exams. It is expected that as the island continues to grow, these numbers will increase. The postmortem examination is of vital importance in helping pathologists determine cause and manner of death and collect evidence in forensic cases. Impacts The proposed action facilitates continuation of services by the medical examiner, a vital County function that must be maintained. While they are a relatively uncommon land use, morgues or other facilities that store bodies are found in hospitals and funeral homes, which are usually acceptably integrated into a neighborhood. The proposed temporary morgue has been designed with the goal of minimizing direct impacts in terms of noise, odor and visual obtrusiveness, as discussed in previous sections. DPW understands that nearby residents will have genuine concerns and questions about impacts and engaged in early consultation with nearby Sunrise Estates residents and with the management of the Mohouli Senior Housing facility, asking them to share the information with residents. DPW has requested HPD to hold a meeting with residents to inform them of the project, listen to concerns and take questions. At this point, the potential for significant socioeconomic impacts is still being assessed. 3.2.2 Cultural Setting This section utilizes a variety of previous studies concerning Hilo and more specifically Waiākea Ahupua‘a (which includes the project site), particularly McEldowney (1979), Kelly (1981) and Maly (1996), as well as the archaeological survey prepared for the site prior to its grading (Hawai‘i County DPW 2009, Appendix E). Traditional Cultural Background The earliest historical knowledge of Hilo comes from legends written by Kamakau (1961) of a 16th century chief ‘Umi-a-Liloa (son of Liloa), who at that time ruled the entire island of Hawai‘i. Descendants of Umi and his sister-wife were referred to as “Kona” chiefs, controlling Ka‘ū, Kona, and Kohala, while descendants of Umi and his Maui wife were “Hilo” chiefs, controlling Hāmākua, Hilo, and Puna (Kelly 1981:1). According to Kamakau (1961), both sides fought over control of the island, desiring access to resources such as feathers, māmaki tapa, and canoes on the Hilo side, and wauke tapa, and warm lands and waters on the Kona side (c.f. Kelly 1981:3). As part of an archaeological assessment study, Maly (1996) conducted historical research for the lands of Wainaku, Pōnahawai, Waiākea, and Pi‘ihonua. He discussed the significance of the use of the Hawaiian word wai in the place names: Pōnahawai, Waiākea, Wainaku, and Wailuku (River). According to Maly, the word wai (water) has strong metaphorical associations with the Hawaiian concept of wealth (waiwai), Page 17 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue stressing its cultural significance (Maly 1996:A-2). In this context, Hilo’s importance can be better understood, with its copious streams that fed taro pondfields and its numerous fishponds. Sometime near the end of the 16th century or early in the 17th century, the lands of Hilo were divided into ahupua‘a, which till today retain their original names (Kelly 1981:3). These include the ahupua‘a of Pu‘u‘eo, Pi‘ihonua, Punahoa, Pōnahawai Kūkūau and Waiākea (where the current project site is located). The design of these land divisions was such that residents could have access to all that they needed to live, with marine resources at the coast and agricultural and forest resources in the interior. However, only Pi‘ihonua and Waiākea provided access to the full range of resources stretching from the sea up to 6,000 feet along the slopes of Mauna Kea (Kelly 1981:5). Waiākea, which translates as “broad waters” (Pukui et al. 1976:220) is home to the Wailoa River and portions of Hilo Bay. Historically, the ocean resources of Hilo Bay were vital to everyday subsistence, Kamakau describes various fishing techniques as follows: “… with basket traps; with hook and line… by drugging. A man could also fish with his hands, or with crab or shrimp nets, or with a pole from a ledge or the seashore or catch fish in tide pools with a scoop net, or go along the seashore with a net, or set a fishline; or search for fish with a small basket trap or draw a net over sandy spots in the sea or up onto the shore; or drive fish into nets by splashing; or with a pole. But these were not expert ways of fishing; they were just for the taking of fish to make living more pleasurable…” (Kamakau 1976:59-60 cited in Kelly et al. 1981:16-17). Marine-based subsistence was also strongly linked to social organization. Strict kapu were enforced, which dictated when and where certain varieties of fish such as ‘ōpelu and aku could be caught. A dedicated aku fishing ground or ko‘a known as Maka-o-Kū was located on the shore of the Waiākea peninsula, near Moku Ola or Coconut Island (Maly 1996). Theoretically, access rights to fishing areas and ocean resources were defined by ahupua‘a boundaries, with residents of a specific ahupua‘a only taking fish within their own land division. However, in the case of Waiākea Ahupua‘a, the Waiākea fishery extended straight across Hilo Bay, allowing residents of the adjacent ahupua‘a only limited rights in the fishery (Kelly et al. 1981). Extensive fishponds were developed in the vicinity of Hilo Bay including the royal fish ponds, five spring-fed inland ponds whose yield was reserved solely for the highest of ali‘i. The largest of these royal ponds, known as Waiākea, was located northeast of the project site in the Wailoa River. Religious ritual accompanied the creation and maintenance of the royal ponds, which according to a historic account from 1823, were surrounded by small huts for their caretakers (Kelly et al. 1981). In addition to marine resources, agricultural resources were essential to the residents of Waiākea. Wet taro was cultivated on mounds built into the existing marshlands along the Wailoa River behind the sand dunes of Hilo Bay using the kipi or kipikipi method, which made a landscape of raised islands and ditches (Maly 1996). According to historical accounts by Handy and Handy (1972) dry taro was planted wherever there was enough soil on the lava fields of Waiākea, and on also the slopes between the rivers. Post-European Contact Page 18 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue Captain George Vancouver, an early European explorer who met with Kamehameha I at Waiākea in 1794, recorded that Kamehameha was there preparing for his invasion of the neighbor islands, and that Hilo was an important center because his Peleleu fleet of 800 canoes were being built there (Moniz n.d.; Tolleson 2001). The people of Hilo had long prepared for Kamehameha’s arrival and collected many hogs and a variety of crops to feed the ruler and his retinue. Kelly et al. (1981) surmised that the people of Hilo had actually prepared for a year prior to Kamehameha’s visit and expanded their fields into the open lands behind Hilo to accommodate the increased number of people that would be present. It was during this early Historic Period that Waiākea Ahupua‘a became part of Kamehameha I’s personal land holdings (Moniz n.d.). In addition to providing valuable subsistence resources, the protected waters and sandier shores of Hilo Bay offered a calm and safe alternative for landfall for ocean going vessels involved in whaling and the sandalwood trade. The sandalwood trade was initiated in the 1790s but did not become successful until 1812; Kamehameha held the monopoly on the trade and oversaw its management by his chiefs until his death. Thereafter, King Liholiho’s favored chiefs mismanaged the trade, which lead to the depletion of the forests and the end of the sandalwood trade by 1830 (Kelly et al 1981). According to Kelly et al. (1981), historic accounts about whaling suggest that Hilo Bay was not a preferred port for the whalers due to the missionary influence and the resultant lack of liquor and women; sailors preferred Honolulu and Lahaina as ports-of-call. A period of great social change began with the arrival of the first missionaries to Waiākea in 1824 and ended in 1848 with the formal land division known as the Great Māhele. The introduction of new spiritual concepts combined with an increased involvement in international trade and global politics lead to a shift in settlement patterns from traditionally dispersed Hawaiian villages to more concentrated urban population centers. Then, on November 7, 1837 at 7 p.m. a tsunami hit Hilo Bay, Reverend Coan described the scene as follows: “… we heard a heavy sound as of a falling mountain upon the beach. This noise was followed by loud wailing and cries of distress, extending for miles around the shores of the bay… House furniture, calabashes, fuel, timber, canoes, food, clothing, everything floated wild upon the flood. The waters rushed up valleys, carried away fish-ponds, and swept over many plantations of food” (Maly 1996:18). After the tsunami, Hilo became the site of a large scale religious revival that lasted from 1837 until 1840 and included mass conversions and meetings of up to 10,000 worshippers. Other events that had a profound effect on the demography of Hilo was the measles epidemic of 1848, which claimed one third of the population of the island, followed by an outbreak of smallpox in 1853; later outbreaks of plague and leprosy caused the population to dwindle further (McEldowney 1979). At the end of the 1830s, industrial development was on the rise in Hilo, despite the decline in whaling and the end of the sandalwood trade. In a letter written in 1840, Reverend Titus Coan remarked on the conditions in Hilo: Page 19 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue “Industry is increasing. Our ports and places of trade begin to put on the air of activity and life. Temporal improvements and comforts are fast increasing at Hilo, that is, near the station. Two stores of goods are opened here, and three sugar-mills have recently gone into operation near us. Sugar-cane is being planted to a considerable extent; business assumes more tone and energy, and many of the people are approximating towards industry and competence. Probably the amount of cloth worn by the people has increased ten or twenty fold during four years past. Labor is in better demand and wages are rising continually” (Kelly et. al.1981:49). Pressure from foreign investors, combined with the above-described demographic and socioeconomic change, resulted in a shift from traditional land tenure to a system of private land ownership that culminated in the formal land division known as the Māhele ‘Āina or Great Mahele of 1848. During the Māhele ‘Āina all the lands of Hawai‘i were classified into one of three categories: Crown Lands (for the occupant of the throne), Konohiki Lands (to be divided among 245 chiefs) and Government Lands. Conditions of the Māhele ‘Āina also afforded native tenants the right to claim, and acquire title to, parcels that they actively lived on or cultivated for a living (Maly 1996). These kuleana claims were essentially transfers of ownership from the aliʻi nui (high chief) or konohiki (lesser chief/overseer), who had been awarded ownership of the ahupua‘a by Kamehameha III, to the commoners. The Board of Commissioners oversaw the program and administered the kuleana as Land Commission Awards (LCAw.). Historically, the entire ahupua‘a of Waiākea was treated as personal land by Kamehameha I, who passed it on to his son Liholiho. Waiākea was later inherited by chiefess Kaunuohua, a grand-daughter of Keawemauhili and kahu of Alexander Liholiho (Kame‘eleihiwa 1992), who later relinquished the ahupua’a during the Māhele ‘Āina. As a result of the Māhele, Waiākea Ahupua‘a was set aside as Crown Lands for Kamehameha III. In addition, twenty-six kuleana claims were registered within Waiākea for house lots and cultivation. Most were located along major inland roads or fishponds near Hilo Bay, (Devereux et. al. 1997; Moniz n.d.). No kuleana were located on or near the project site. Waiākea and the Heyday of Sugar Cane Following the Māhele, the population of Hilo grew and the scattered upland habitations gave way to sugar cultivation (McEldowney 1979:37). In Waiākea, Kamehameha IV leased large portions of Waiākea to outside interests for pasture and sugarcane cultivation (Moniz 1992). In 1861 S. Kipi leased the Crown Lands of Waiākea for the rate of $600 dollars per year to be used as pasture land for five years (Kelly et al. 1981; Maly 1996). In 1874 the first lease for sugarcane cultivation in Waiākea was granted to Rufus A. Lyman for a term of 25 years. The lease granted him all the privileges of the land including the use of the fishponds and the cutting of firewood (Maly 1996). This lease was eventually transferred to the Waiakea Mill Company, founded by Alexander Young and Theo H. Davis, and the Waiakea sugar plantation was established in 1879. The Waiakea Mill Company started with about 350 acres of cultivated lands they had acquired from Lyman. A geological event shook Hilo in late 1880. Mauna Loa erupted, sending a river of lava 30 miles to the edge of the settled portion of Hilo. It covered thousands of acres including what is now the project site Page 20 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue and then crossed the future Komohana Street, threatening to cut between downtown Hilo and Waiākea. Princess Ruth Ke‘eikolani, who had a home called Waiolama near the shore by what is now Pauahi Street, visited Hilo during the 1880-1881 lava flow. Through the sacrifice of red handkerchiefs and brandy, and the appropriate prayers and conversation with Pele conducted at the edge of the advancing flow, Ruth was able to convince Pele to stop the 8-month eruption just over a mile from Hilo Bay. In 1888 the company acquired a 30-year lease that increased their land holdings in Waiākea Ahupua‘a. When the lease ran out in 1918, the acreage under cultivation had increased to nearly 7,000; but without a lease the ahupua‘a fell under the homesteading laws, which required the government to lease the land to individual growers. Waiakea Mill Company was expected to grind the crop for the independent growers under a contract that gave the company 40 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the refined sugar. Contractual and legal problems, combined with a declining sugar market and the devastating tsunami of 1946, led the Waiakea Mill Company to cease operation in 1947, and offer its property under General Lease 2741 to private cultivators for the purpose of growing cane (Maly 1996). During its 68 years of operation, the Waiakea Mill Company was a major force in shaping the economic and social growth of Hilo, and certainly left its mark on both the cultural and physical landscapes of the area. The productive sugar cane areas were interconnected with a plantation railroad system connecting fields with the mill at Wailoa Stream, about a half mile southwest of the project site. The railroad in Hilo was in operation from 1899 until 1946. The railroad’s primary business centered on the transport of raw sugar from the mills to the harbor and hauling plantation freight while the transport of passengers was merely a secondary interest. On April 18, 1899 the Republic of Hawai‘i and the Hilo Railroad Company (HRC) reached an agreement for the HRC to “build and operate a railroad in, from between and through the districts of Hilo, Puna, Hāmākua, Kohala, Kona, and Kau” (Kelly et al. 1981:303). This rather liberal agreement granted the following to the HRC, subject to the approval of the Minister of the Interior: Government lands for the HRC to build their stations, depots and other structures; a free right of way across Government Lands and roads; and free use of water for the construction of the railroad (Kelly et al. 1981). In 1900, a small wharf was constructed along the eastern bank of the Wailoa River near the current project site for the landing of material necessary to build the tracks, buildings and railroad cars. The first locomotive made landfall on May 15, 1900, and rail service from Hilo to Keaʻau began on June 18, 1900. The Wailoa River railroad wharf was expanded in 1901 and a large warehouse was built to store up to 15,000 bags of sugar (Kelly et al 1981). By the end of 1901, HRC had completed construction of more than 35 miles of railroad line, which included 25.1 miles from Waiākea to Kapoho and a 5-mile branch to Pāhoa. In 1902, a new sugar warehouse, with a 35,000 bag capacity, was built on the eastern shore of the Wailoa River near the project site. In 1903, a new railroad wharf was built north of the mouth of the Wailoa River in Hilo Bay and the railroad line from Waiākea to Hilo Town was completed, including two bridges over the Wailoa River. The HRC ran mostly deficits during 1901-1905, but the advent of trans-Pacific steamship service in Hilo Bay promised to make the venture profitable. In 1906, the HRC directors paid to put together a proposal to construct a breakwater in order to accommodate the steamships and presented it to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The HRC was able to secure the appropriation for the breakwater in 1907, by making assurances to the U.S. government that they would construct a railroad north of Hilo in addition to wharf Page 21 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue facilities (Kelly et al. 1981). Breakwater construction began in 1908 and the HRC hauled most of the rock from Puna to Hilo for the breakwater project, which compensated for the decline in the sugar industry and resulted in increased revenue for the years 1908-1910. From 1909 to 1913, the HRC laid track from Hilo northward to the district of Hāmākua and southward through Puna. This expansion was funded by $4.5 million worth of stocks and bonds with annually rising interest rates that the HRC could not afford to pay. The HRC’s failure to meet their bond interest obligations resulted in foreclosure in 1916. Later that year, the Hilo Railroad Company was reorganized as the Hawaii Consolidated Railway (HCR) under the leadership of businessmen who represented the companies that ran the sugar plantations along the railroad. Existing Cultural Resources The foregoing background information illustrates the rich history of Hilo that permeates locations with cultural associations from many eras. The project site consists of a 12,000-square foot portion of a graded lot with no natural vegetation or historic properties. It contains no natural features that might be important in gathering or ritual, such as caves, springs, pu‘u, etc. The project site does not support any traditional resource uses. Consultation with OHA and neighbors during the early consultation process, as well as extensive public consultation that occurred during the EA for the Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center (among other uses) conducted in 2009, did not uncover any cultural sites or practices. Cultural Resources: Impacts and Mitigation Measures Evaluation of the identity and scope of cultural, historical, and natural resources in which traditional and customary native Hawaiian rights are exercised in the area has determined that none are present at the project site or within any area that would be affected by the proposed action. Similarly, it can be concluded that there is little or no potential for impairment or adverse effects to traditional and customary Native Hawaiian rights (or any other cultural impacts) from the proposed action. As such, there is no need for any action by the County of Hawai‘i to protect Native any ensure that Native Hawaiian rights and practices are protected during construction and operation of the proposed facilities. 3.2.3 Archaeology and Historic Properties As part of the 2009 EA for the Fire Administration Support Complex, an Archaeological Assessment Report (AAR) was completed for the project site in November 2008. The archaeologists determined that the entire parcel had been completely covered by pahoehoe lava from the 1880 to 1881 flow. Any historic properties that may have been present were covered and destroyed in 1881. Fieldwork determined that no historic sites dating from after this were present. The report was submitted to SHPD for review and processing in December 2008. A determination letter of concurrence by SHPD dated February 28, 2009 stated that based on field and documentary studies, no archaeological, historic or cultural sites, properties, resources or features are located on the project site. Since then, the project site has been fully graded. Accordingly, there appears to be little to no potential for significant archaeological impacts. Page 22 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue 3.3 Infrastructure 3.3.1 Utilities and Public Services Existing Facilities and Services and Impacts Electrical power to the site is supplied by Hawaiian Electric, a privately owned utility company, via its island-wide distribution network, with poles and lines on Mohouli Street. Telephone and cable TV/Internet service are available from Hawaiian Telcom and Spectrum Cable. The new power supply will be routed to the site through underground conduit/handholes installed under the Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center grounds. Telecomm services will be installed parallle to service a new temperature alarm and security camera system. No water service is required for the project and waterlines will not be extended. Similarly, no wastewater facilities are required. Because of the small area of additional impermeable surface, the addition to drainage on the Call Center site due to the facility will be minimal and handled through minor additional drainage facilities currently in design and expected to consist of one drywell. In summary, the proposed action would require minor extension and upgrade of existing facilities but there appears to be little to no potential for significant impacts on existing utilities. No interaction with or effect to recreational, health or any other government services would occur. 3.3.2 Roadways and Traffic Between 2009 and 2020, several Traffic Impact Assessment Reports (TIAR) have been conducted as part of development of the original Fire Administration Support Complex, the Mohouli Senior Residences, the revised and reduced Hawai‘i County Emergency Call Center, and the Hale Ola O Mohouli affordable housing project. A TIAR concentrates on peak hour traffic because these are the times when traffic congestion is highest, and a project’s addition of motor vehicles during AM and PM peak hours on adjacent streets is the type of traffic most likely to cause impacts. Each TIAR evaluated traffic conditions as they existed at the time and then applied a growth factor to estimate conditions 10 or more years in the future (the project year). Traffic counts determined that the peak hours in this area were 7:00-8:00 AM and 3:15-4:15 PM. Each TIAR also investigated other developing projects in the area and factored in their traffic at the project year. They then calculated traffic that would result from the subject project to ascertain all traffic in the project year. Finally, they analyzed how road segments and intersections near the project site would perform with the sum of all traffic, grading traffic flow with a metric known as Level of Service, from A (free flow) to F (highly congested, with long delays). The most up to date of the TIARs in terms of assumptions is the study conducted for the Hale Ola O Mohouli affordable housing project (HICDC 2020). The analysis in the TIAR concluded that traffic from the Call Center (as estimated in 2009, when the project was designed to be over twice as large), the Mohouli Senior Residences, the Hale Ola O Mohouli affordable housing project, along with that from the Wailani Development and several other planned developments in the general area, would not produce any substantial congestion, given certain mitigation actions. These included the following improvements: Page 23 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue • Implement a right-in/right-out driveway on Mohouli Street at the mauka entrance to the Hale Ola O Mohouli affordable housing project. As part of the implementation, restripe part of the wide paved shoulder on westbound Mohouli Street as a right-turn only lane into the Hale Ola O Mohouli development. This recommendation was carried through in the design of the facility and will be coordinated with the Hawai‘i County DPW Traffic Division. • Although no traffic signal is warranted at this time, assure that future major developments occurring in the area with traffic impacts to the segment of Mohouli Street between Komohana Street and Kūkūau Street provide an evaluation of traffic signal warrants for the Mohouli Street/Kupuna Lane intersection. The 2020 TIAR did not, of course, calculate the additional traffic from the proposed temporary morgue facilities, although it did include a number of traffic-generating buildings and activities at the Call Center that were later removed from the project. The estimated additional one to four peak hour trips would not affect Level of Service or congestion in any measurable way. The Hawai‘i County DPW Traffic Division regularly monitors traffic in the area. Should traffic Level of Service begin to drop at the intersection of Kupuna Lane and Mohouli Street, there is funding in place to install a traffic signal and/or develop other traffic mitigation. Accordingly, there appears to be little to no potential for significant traffic impacts. 3.4 Secondary and Cumulative Impacts The proposed action will not involve any substantial secondary or cumulative impacts, such as population changes or effects on other public facilities. Traffic can be considered a secondary impact of facility development, and it has been fully evaluated and determined to be negligible, as discussed above in Section 3.3.2. Cumulative impacts result when implementation of several projects that individually have limited impacts combine to produce more severe impacts or conflicts in mitigation measures. The proposed action will have limited and temporary construction period impacts, such as noise, traffic, dust and sedimentation. Two other projects are known to be in planning in the vicinity. Directly adjacent is a State property that is under Executive Order to the County of Hawai‘i for development of Hale Ola O Mohouli, a housing project roughly 100 units of additional affordable housing, scheduled within the next three years. About 1,000 feet to the north is the proposed Wailani mixed-use project. In planning since 2009 but long delayed, its implementation schedule is unknown. It consists of a residential/commercial project situated on a 171-acre parcel of land between Komohana Street and Mohouli Street in the vicinity of the mauka terminus of Ponahawai Street. The design, which has varied widely over the decade of planning, currently calls for up to 700 residential units and a maximum commercial area of 420,000 square feet of floor space. Ponahawai Street would be extended to Mohouli Street to deal with traffic, and streets would have curbs, gutters and sidewalks to provide an urban and walkable feel. Finally, a Portuguese Cultural Center is planned for the corner of Komohana and Ponahawai Streets. The roughly 6,000 square foot facility would serve as a museum, performance space and dining hall and would also include a garden and stone oven. Fundraising is underway, but the timing of construction is currently not set. During construction of projects that are nearby, there is often a potential for noise, traffic and dust impacts from the projects to acccumulate, under the scenario of all two or more more being constructed at the same time. In this case, the construction impacts for the temporary morgue are extremely limited and Page 24 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue confined. They would not interact with impacts from other projects, even under the unlikely scenario that any of those three projects begin construction during 2024, which currently does not appear likely. Operationally, the only impacts from the four projects that would tend to accumulate would be traffic. As discussed above, the impacts of the temporary morgue project on peak hour traffic on nearby streets is so small as to be discountable. Accordingly, there appears to be little to no potential for significant secondary or cumulative impacts. 3.5 Required Permits and Approvals The following permits and approvals would be required: • New or Amended Special Permit (Windward Planning Commission) (potential) • Grading and Grubbing Permits (County DPW) (potential) • Building Permits and Plan Approval (County DPW and Planning) 3.6 Consistency with Government Plans and Policies 3.6.1 Hawai‘i State Plan Adopted in 1978 and last revised in 1991 (Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, Chapter 226, as amended), the Plan establishes a set of themes, goals, objectives and policies that are meant to guide the State’s long-run growth and development activities. The three themes that express the basic purpose of the Hawai‘i State Plan are individual and family self-sufficiency, social and economic mobility and community or social well-being. The proposed action would promote these goals by providing an appropriate temporary site for a critical public health and safety function, thereby enhancing quality-of-life and community and social well-being. 3.6.2 Hawai‘i County Zoning and Special Management Aea The project site is zoned Agriculture A-1a (minimum lot size one acre). Most public health and safety facilities are generally permitted in this zone only with a Special Permit, which may be required for the proposed action. Section 3.6.3, below, discusses the Special Permit process. The property is not located within the County’s Special Management Area (SMA). 3.6.3 Hawai‘i State Land Use Law and Special Permit Chapter 205 HRS classifies all land in the State of Hawai‘i into one of four land use districts – Urban, Rural, Agricultural, or Conservation. The property is in the State Land Use Agricultural District. Although the planned facilities are not a conformant use within this State Land Use District designation, State Land Use law allows for further definition by County ordinance. Hawai‘i County Code Section 25-4-11 permits “public uses, structures and buildings” in any zoning district, provided that the Planning Director has issued plan approval for such use. The criteria for approving a Special Permit are based on Rule 6 in the Planning Commission Rules. Section 6-6 states that the Planning Commission shall not approve a Special Permit unless it is found that Page 25 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue the proposed use (a) is an unusual and reasonable use of land situated within the Agricultural or Rural District, whichever the case may be; and (b) the proposed use would promote the effectiveness and objectives of Chapter 205, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, as amended. In addition to the above listed criteria, the Planning Commission shall also consider the criteria listed under Section 6-3(b)(5) (A) through (G). These evaluate whether the proposal might a) be contrary to the objectives sought to be accomplished by the Land Use Law and Regulations; b) adversely affect surrounding properties; c) unreasonably burden public agencies to provide facilities and services; d) respond to unusual conditions, trends, and needs have arisen since district boundaries and regulations were established; e) occur on land unsuited for the uses permitted within the district; f) substantially alter or change the essential character of the land and the present uses; and g) be contrary to the General Plan. The Planning Department as part of the Plan Approval process will evaluate the relationship of the project to the State and County regulations for this district along with the existing Special Permit for the Emergency Call Center. If required, DPW would apply for any required new or amended Special Permit. 3.6.4 Hawai‘i County General Plan The General Plan for the County of Hawai‘i is a policy document expressing the broad goals and policies for the long-range development of the Island of Hawai‘i. The plan was adopted by ordinance in 1989 and revised in 2005 (Hawai‘i County Planning Department). The General Plan itself is organized into thirteen elements, with policies, objectives, standards, and principles for each. There are also discussions of the specific applicability of each element to the nine judicial districts comprising the County of Hawai‘i. Most relevant to the proposed project are the following Goal and Policies, and Courses of Action of particular chapters of the General Plan: PUBLIC FACILITIES-PROTECTIVE SERVICES 10.1.2 GOAL (GENERAL PUBLIC FACILITIES) (a) Encourage the provision of public facilities that effectively service community and visitor needs and seek ways of improving public service through better and more functional facilities in keeping with the environmental and aesthetic concerns of the community. 10.1.3 POLICIES (GENERAL PUBLIC FACILITIES) (a) Continue to seek ways of improving public service through the coordination of service and maximizing the use of personnel and facilities. (c) Develop short and long-range capital improvement programs and operating budgets for public facilities and services. 10.1.4 STANDARDS (GENERAL PUBLIC FACILITIES) (a) Continue to seek ways of improving public service through the coordination of service and maximizing the use of personnel and facilities. (c) Develop short and long-range capital improvement programs and operating budgets for public facilities and services. 10.3.3 POLICIES (PROTECTIVE SERVICES) (a) Development of police and fire facilities should entail joint use structures whenever feasible. (b) The establishment of a fire/police facility shall consider site size and locations that permit quick and efficient vehicular access. 10.3.4.2.2 COURSES OF ACTION, SOUTH HILO (PROTECTIVE SERVICES) Page 26 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue (a). Expansion of Police, Fire, and emergency medical facilities should be considered in accordance with district needs. Discussion: The proposed action is completely consistent with the Public Facilities goals, policies, standards and courses of action, in that it provides effective and functional public facilities in accordance with district needs that have been developed through agency coordination and careful formulation of long- range capital improvement programs. The proposed action would coordinate Police and Medical Examiner functions on a temporary basis until a permanent site is secured at an easily accessible location that maximizes use of personnel and facilities. HISTORIC SITES 6.2 GOALS (a) Protect, restore, and enhance the sites, buildings, and objects of significant historical and cultural importance to Hawai‘i. (b) Appropriate access to significant historic sites, buildings, and objects of public interest should be made available. Discussion: The proposed action would occur on a site that has been completely graded and which prior to grading underwent archaeological study and review by the State Historic Preservation Division to ensure that no historic sites would be affected. Therefore the action satisfies relevant goals, policies, and courses of action for historic sites in Hawai‘i County. NATURAL BEAUTY 7.2 GOALS (a) Protect, preserve and enhance the quality of areas endowed with natural beauty, including the quality of coastal scenic resources. (b) Protect scenic vistas and view planes from becoming obstructed. (c) Maximize opportunities for present and future generations to appreciate and enjoy natural and scenic beauty. 7.3 POLICIES (a) Increase public pedestrian access opportunities to scenic places and vistas. (d) Access easement to public or private lands that have natural or scenic value shall be provided or acquired for the public. (i) Do not allow incompatible construction in areas of natural beauty. Discussion: The proposed action does not involve scenic areas or vantages and would not be inconsistent with the natural beauty of the Hilo area. Therefore the action is consistent with relevant goals, policies, and courses of action of the Natural Beauty section of the Hawai‘i County General Plan. NATURAL RESOURCES 8.2 GOALS (a) Protect and conserve the natural resources from undue exploitation, encroachment and damage. (b) Provide opportunities for recreational, economic, and educational needs without despoiling or endangering natural resources. Page 27 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue (c) Protect and promote the prudent use of Hawaii’s unique, fragile, and significant environmental and natural resources. (e) Protect and effectively manage Hawaii’s open space, watersheds, shoreline, and natural areas. 8.3 POLICIES (b) Encourage a program of collection and dissemination of basic data concerning natural resources. (h) Encourage public and private agencies to manage the natural resources in a manner that avoids or minimizes adverse effects on the environment and depletion of energy and natural resources to the fullest extent. (i) Encourage an overall conservation ethic in the use of Hawaii’s resources by protecting, preserving, and conserving the critical and significant natural resources of the County of Hawaii. (u) Ensure that activities authorized or funded by the County do not damage important natural resources. Discussion: The proposed action involves a completely graded site and no impact to natural resources. It is thus not inconsistent with the goals, standards and policies of the Natural Resources chapter of the Hawai‘i County General Plan. The Hawai‘i County General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG). The LUPAG map component of the General Plan is a graphic representation of the Plan’s goals, policies, and standards as well as of the physical relationship between land uses. It also establishes the basic urban and non-urban form for areas within the planned public and cultural facilities, public utilities and safety features, and transportation corridors. The project site is classified as Medium Density Urban. Use of the project site for the proposed facilities is consistent with this designation. PART 4: DRAFT ANALYSIS As discussed in Section 1.2, this Environmental Report is intended to provide information for DPW to determine whether the project is minor and meets certain standards related to sensitive locations or resources and may thus be considered exempt and does not require preparation of an EA. HAR 11-200.1-15 (c) states that “The following general types of actions are eligible for exemption” and includes as Item 3: (3) Construction and location of single, new, small facilities or structures and the alteration and modification of the facilities or structures and installation of new, small equipment or facilities and the alteration and modification of the equipment or facilities, including, but not limited to: A) Single-family residences less than 3,500 square feet, as measured by the controlling law under which the proposed action is being considered, if not in conjunction with the building of two or more such units; (B) Multi-unit structures designed for not more than four dwelling units if not in conjunction with the building of two or more such structures; (C) Stores, offices, and restaurants designed for total occupant load of twenty individuals or fewer per structure, if not in conjunction with the building of two or more such structures; and D) Water, sewage, electrical, gas, telephone, and other essential public utility services extensions to serve such structures or facilities; accessory or appurtenant structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences; and, acquisition of utility easements; Page 28 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue HAR 11-200.1-15 (d) then goes on to state: All exemptions under subchapter 8 are inapplicable when the cumulative impact of planned successive actions in the same place, over time, is significant, or when an action that is normally insignificant in its impact on the environment may be significant in a particularly sensitive environment. The following analysis, which is normally conducted as part of an EA, also provides valuable findings for determination of exemption eligibility. HAR 11-200.1-13, outlines those factors agencies must consider when determining whether an Action has significant effects: (a) In considering the significance of potential environmental effects, agencies shall consider and evaluate the sum of effects of the proposed action on the quality of the environment. (b) In determining whether an action may have a significant effect on the environment, the agency shall consider every phase of a project, the expected impacts, and the proposed mitigation measures. In most instances, an action shall be determined to have a significant effect on the environment if it may: 1. Irrevocably commit a natural, cultural, or historic resource. No valuable natural or cultural resource would be committed or lost by the temporary facilities on a completely graded site that has no historic sites or native vegetation or habitat. No valuable cultural resources and practices such as forest access, fishing, gathering, hunting, or access to ceremonial sites would be affected in any way. 2. Curtail the range of beneficial uses of the environment. No restriction of beneficial uses would occur by the temporary emplacement and operation of the morgue facilities on the project site. 3. Conflict with the State’s environmental policies or long-term environmental goals established by law. The State’s long-term environmental policies are set forth in Chapter 344, HRS. The broad goals of this policy are to conserve natural resources and enhance the quality of life. The proposed action is environmentally beneficial and all impacts minor, and it is thus consistent with all elements of the State’s long-term environmental policies. 4. Have a substantial adverse effect on the economic welfare, social welfare, or cultural practices of the community and State. The proposed action would not have any substantial adverse effect on the economic or social welfare of the Big Island community or the State of Hawai‘i. 5. Have a substantial adverse effect on public health. The temporary morgue use does not affect public health. 6. Involve adverse secondary impacts, such as population changes or effects on public facilities. The scale and context of the proposed action would not produce any major secondary impacts, such as population changes or effects on public facilities. Page 29 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue 7. Involve a substantial degradation of environmental quality. The proposed action is minor and environmentally benign, and thus it would not contribute to environmental degradation. 8. Be individually limited but cumulatively have substantial adverse effect upon the environment or involves a commitment for larger actions. The adverse effects of building and operating the facilities involve temporary disturbance to traffic, air quality, noise, and visual quality during construction that is so negligible as to be discountable. As such, and given the distance in time and space to other potential projects that have impacts in similar categories, no cumulative impacts are expected. 9. Have a substantial adverse effect on a rare, threatened, or endangered species, or its habitat. No rare or listed threatened or endangered plant species are present on the graded site. Restrictions on lighting will ensure that there are no impacts to listed seabirds that may transit over the site at night. 10. Have a substantial adverse effect on air or water quality or ambient noise levels. No substantial effects to air, water, or ambient noise would occur. Brief, temporary effects would occur during construction and would be mitigated. Dust will be controlled per State regulations through BMPs. Erosion and sedimentation impacts will be avoided by implementation of BMPS during grading, which will occur in a very limited area. The best available practicable technology for reducing noise at the source will be utilized, and sound absorbing noise barriers will be constructed to significantly reduce noise for the sensitive receptors of neighboring residences. The potential for odor will be minimized to negligible levels through standard practices demonstrated to work in other temporary morgues: by minimizing container door opening time, systematic operator training, efficient design of the driveway and ramps, having equipment inside the containers that allows efficient placement and removal of bodies, and having backup generators keyed to thermostats allow seamless transition to backup electrical power when power from the grid is interrupted. As an additional precaution, the facility will also incorporate air filtration and an industrial-scale exhaust fan with a venting stack to recirculate and filter air, reducing any odor buildup. 11. Have a substantial adverse effect on or be likely to suffer damage by being located in an environmentally sensitive area such as a flood plain, tsunami zone, sea level rise exposure area, beach, erosion-prone area, geologically hazardous land, estuary, fresh water, or coastal waters. Although the proposed action is located in an area with volcanic and seismic risk, the entire Island of Hawai‘i shares this risk. The facility is not imprudent to construct and employs design and construction standards appropriate to the seismic zone. The project site is not located in a flood zone or any other hazardous area, and it would not affect any such area. Due to the elevation of the project site at approximately 350 feet above sea level, there is no risk to the proposed action from sea level rise. 12. Have a substantial adverse effect on scenic vistas and viewplanes, during day or night, identified in county or state plans or studies. No scenic views are located nearby or would be affected in any way. Only minor exterior lighting is planned, and it will be shielded to protect dark skies and transiting seabirds. 13. Require substantial energy consumption or emit substantial greenhouse gases. Small amounts of energy input and greenhouse gas emission would be required for construction and operation. Carbon emissions as a result of construction and operation of the proposed action would be considered negligible and are not expected to contribute significantly to global climate change. Page 30 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue REFERENCES Devereux, T.K., D.F. Borthwick, H.H. Hammatt, and M.O. Orr. 1997. Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey of Keaukaha Military Reservation, South Hilo District, Hawai‘i Island, (Hawai‘i National Guard) 503.6-acre parcel, TMK: 2-1-12:3 and 2-1-13:10. Cultural Surveys Hawaii, Kailua, HI. Gagne, W., and L. Cuddihy. 1990. “Vegetation,” pp. 45-114 in W.L. Wagner, D.R. Herbst, and S.H. Sohmer, eds., Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai‘i. 2 vols. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. Giambelluca, T.W., Q. Chen, A.G. Frazier, J.P. Price, Y.-L. Chen, P.-S. Chu, J.K. Eischeid, and D.M. Delparte, 2013: Online Rainfall Atlas of Hawai‘i. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., doi: 10.1175/BAMS-D-11-00228.1. Handy, E.S.C., and E.G. Handy. 1972. Native Planters in Old Hawai‘i: Their Life, Lore, and Environment. B.P. Bishop Museum Bulletin 233. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu. Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works (DPW). 2009. Final Environmental Assessment for Fire Administration Support Complex. Prep. by M&E Pacific, Inc., for DPW. Hawai‘i County Planning Department. 2005. The General Plan, County of Hawai‘i. Hilo. Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation (HICDC). 2020. Final Environmental Assessment, Hale Ola O Mohouli Affordable Housing Project. Prep. by Geometrician Associates for HICDC. Hilo. Heliker, C. 1990. Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawai‘i. Washington: U.S. GPO. Kamakau, S. 1961. Ruling Chiefs of Hawai‘i. Honolulu: The Kamehameha Schools Press. Kelly, M. 1981. “Archaeological and Historical Studies for the Alenaio Stream Flood Damage Reduction Study, Hilo Hawai‘i. Report 1. Background History.” Department of Anthropology, B.P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu. Prepared for U.S. Army Engineer District, Pacific Ocean. Kelly, M., B. Nakamura, and Dorothy Barrére. 1981. A Chronological History, Land and Water Use in the Hilo Bay Area, Island of Hawai‘i. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press. Maly, K. 1996a. Appendix In: “Archaeological Assessment Study Hilo Judiciary Complex Project, Lands of Wainaku, Pōnohawai, Pi‘ihonua, and Waiākea, South Hilo District, Island of Hawai‘i (TMK: 2-6-15:1,2; 2-6-16:2; 2-4-49:18,19; 2-2-15:33; 2-4-1:12).” Paul H. Rosendahl, Inc., Hilo. PHRI Report 1721-061496. Prepared for State of Hawai‘i, Honolulu. _____. 1996b. Historical Documentary Research and Oral History Interviews, Waiākea Cane Lots (12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20 & 20A). Hilo: Kumu Pono Associates. McEldowney, H. 1979. “Archaeological and Historical Literature Search and Research Design: Lava Flow Control Study, Hilo Hawai‘i.” Manuscript on file, Department of Land and Natural Resources-State Historic Preservation Division. Page 31 Environmental Report Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue Moniz, J.J. 1992. Summary of Prior Archaeological Work: Historical and Archaeological Synthesis of Land Use and Settlement Patterns Waiākea Ahupua‘a. Hilo, Hawaii. UH Anthropology 645. Historic Preservation, Fall 1992, Honolulu. Pukui, M.K., Elbert, S.H., and E.T. Mookini. 1976. Place Names of Hawaii. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2000. Seismic Hazard Maps for Hawaii. By F.W. Klein, A.D. Frankel, C.S. Mueller, R.L. Wesson and P.G. Okubo. U.S. Soil Conservation Service. 1973. Soil Survey of Island of Hawai‘i, State of Hawai‘i. Washington: U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service. University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Dept. of Geography. 1998. Atlas of Hawai‘i. 3rd ed. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, Sea Grant College Program. 2014. Climate Change Impacts in Hawai‘i - A summary of climate change and its impacts to Hawai‘i’s ecosystems and communities. UNIHI-SEAGRANT-TT-12-04. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2024. ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species-reports. Wolfe, E.W., and J. Morris. 1996. Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai‘i. USGS Misc. Investigations Series Map i-2524-A. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Geological Survey. [This page intentionally left blank] Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue Environmental Report APPENDIX 1 Site Plans [This page intentionally left blank] 20 ' - 0 " ±1 1 5 ' - 1 0 " 20'-0" SCALE: 1" = 30'0 30'60'N1OVERALL SITE PLAN ± 90'-0" 176° 22'643.58 2 5 3 ° 5 9 ' 5 2 " 2 5 8 . 5 0 343° 50' 643.18 343° 50' 269.21 29 ° 3 9 ' 1 4 . 5 0 " 43. 0 3 2 5 3 ° 5 0 5 0 . 0 0 298 ° 0 0 ' 4 5 . 5 0 " 43. 0 3 R = 1,950.00 (E) EMERGENCY CALL CENTER (E) CHILLER ENCLOSURE (E) EMERGENCY GENERATOR (E) FUEL TANK (E) TOWER COMPOUND 1 A201 KUPUNA P L A C E MOHOULI HEIGHTS SENIOR NEIGHBORHOOD M O H O U L I S T R E E T T.M.K. 2-4-001: 177 T.M.K. 2-4-073: 002 T.M.K. 2-4-073: 001 T.M.K. 2-4-069: 046 LOT 2 540 KUPUNA PLACE TMK: 2-4-001:176 5.0030 ACRES (217,931 SF) 30'-0" PROPERTY LINE SIDE YARD SETBACK LINE FR O N T Y A R D S E T B A C K L I N E 80 ° 5 5 ' 1 5 " 37 0 . 1 3 SIDE YAR D S E T B A C K L I N E E A S E M E N T 2 - A E A S E M E N T 2 - B SUNRISE ESTATES/ RIDGE PRIVATE RESIDENCES D R I V E W A Y EASEMEN T W - 1 DRIV E W A Y LANDSCAPE TREE & GROUND COVER, SEE LANDSCAPE DWGS 1 7 6 ° 2 2 ' 6 4 3 . 5 8 2 0 ' - 0 " ±1 6 ' - 0 " 8” CMU WALL 10 FT HIGH FENCE WITH ACOUSTIC BARRIER 8 FT x 40 FT x 9 FT HIGH REFRIGERATED CONTAINERS W/ ENTRY VESTIBULES ±74'-9" R E A R Y A R D S E T B A C K L I N E AC PAVEMENT DRIVEWAY & PARKING ±92'-3" ± 5 6 ' - 6 " COUNTY OF HAWAI'IDEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, BUILDING DIVISION BUILDING DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DATEDIVISION CHIEF DESIGN BY: DRAWN BY: CHECKED BY: SHEET NO. OF SHTS REVISION REVIEWED: DATE DESCRIPTION MADE BY APPROVED HAWAIʻI COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT TEMPORARY MORGUE Job No. B-4806 WAIAKEA, SOUTH HILO, HAWAI'I TMK: (3) 2-4-001 : 176 B R I A N F.FU N A ...SIIU A W HA A Exp. 04/30/26 No. AR-7698 LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT I SIGNATURE WILL BE UNDER MY OBSERVATION. CONSTRUCTION OF THIS PROJECT ME OR UNDER MY SUPERVISION, THIS WORK WAS PREPARED BY A101 OVERALL SITE PLAN - CSL - - SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"0 4'8'3 RIGHT SIDE ELEVATION SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"0 4'8'2 LEFT SIDE ELEVATION/ SECTION SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"0 4'8'1 FRONT ELEVATION SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"0 4'8'4 REAR SIDE ELEVATION LINE OF CONCRETE FOOTING BEYOND METAL DOOR, SEE SCHEDULE CONTAINER OUTLINE BEYOND METAL ROOFING DRIVEWAY LEVEL FIN. GRADE DRIVEWAY LEVEL PLYWOOD T-1-11 8 FT x 40 FT x 9 FT HIGH REFRIGERATED CONTAINERS 12 3 12 3 DOWNSPOUT & GUTTER PLYWOOD T-1-11 SEE STRUCTURAL DWGS. TOP OF SLAB ±8 ' - 9 1 / 2 " V . I . F . TOP OF SLAB TOP OF PLATE/BEAM ±8 ' - 9 1 / 2 " V . I . F . 12" DIAMETER EXHAUST DUCT EX H A U S T D U C T MI N . 1 5 ' - 0 " A B O V E G R A D E EXHAUST FAN, SEE MECH. DWGS EXHAUST FAN, SEE MECH DWGS EXHAUST FAN & DUCT, SEE MECH DWGS REMOVABLE BOLLARD W/ EMBEDMENT SLEEVE TOP OF PLATE/BEAM 12" DIAMETER EXHAUST DUCT STORM PROOF LOUVER W/ INSECT SCREEN, SEE MECH 1 4'-0" 7' - 0 " METAL DOOR, FLUSH PANEL, POLYURETHANE CORE, PAINT, ACC DOOR HARDWARE, SEE DET 6/A301 2" METAL FRAME, PAINT SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"0 4'8'5 DOOR SCHEDULE 3' - 2 " (3 4 " m i n - 4 8 " m a x ) DOOR DOOR HARDWARE FINISH FLOOR 48 " m a x DOOR LOCK ELEVATION ACC DOOR TO COMPLY WITH DOJ 2010 ADA STD SEC 404 FLOOR OR GROUND SURFACE TO COMPLY WITH DOJ 2010 ADA STD SEC 404.2.4.4 THRESHOLDS TO COMPLY WITH DOJ 2010 ADA STD SEC 404.2.5 DOOR HARDWARE TO COMPLY WITH DOJ 2010 ADA STD SEC 309.4 & 404.2.7 DOOR & GATE SURFACE TO COMPLY WITH DOJ 2010 ADA STD SEC 404.2.10 NOTE: 1/ 4 " ma x CHANGES IN LEVEL (fig. 303.3) CHANGES IN LEVEL (fig. 303.2) 1 2 SLOPE 1/ 2 " ma x 1/ 4 " - 1 / 2 " 1/ 4 " CHANGE IN LEVEL PERMITTED AT 1/4" CHANGE IN LEVEL PERMITTED AT 1/2" NOTE: WALKING SURFACE WALKING SURFACEWALKING SURFACE 0NO SCALE 1 1/2"3"4 1/2" ACCESSIBLE DOOR HARDWARE DETAIL SCALE: 1/2" = 1'-0"6 0 2'4'7 CHANGES IN LEVEL CHANGES IN LEVEL TO COMPLY WITH DOJ 2010 ADA STD SEC 303 SEC 303.4: RAMPS: CHANGES IN LEVEL GREATER THAN 1/2 INCH SHALL BE RAMPED, AND SHALL COMPLY WITH DOJ 2010 ADA STD SEC 405 OR 406. THRESHOLDS TO COMPLY WITH DOJ 2010 ADA STANDARDS SECTION 404.2.5 A301 EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS, DOOR SCHEDULE - CSL - - COUNTY OF HAWAI'IDEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, BUILDING DIVISION BUILDING DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DATEDIVISION CHIEF DESIGN BY: DRAWN BY: CHECKED BY: SHEET NO. OF SHTS REVISION REVIEWED: DATE DESCRIPTION MADE BY APPROVED HAWAIʻI COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT TEMPORARY MORGUE Job No. B-4806 WAIAKEA, SOUTH HILO, HAWAI'I TMK: (3) 2-4-001 : 176 B R I A N F.FU N A ...SIIU A W HA A Exp. 04/30/26 No. AR-7698 LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT I SIGNATURE WILL BE UNDER MY OBSERVATION. CONSTRUCTION OF THIS PROJECT ME OR UNDER MY SUPERVISION, THIS WORK WAS PREPARED BY 8' - 9 1 / 2 " V E R I F Y I N F I E L D SE E S E C T I O N A T C O N T A I N E R SCALE: 3/8" = 1'-0"0 2'4'6'1 SECTION THRU BUILDING EX H A U S T D U C T MI N . 1 5 ' - 0 " A B O V E G R A D E PRE-PAINTED METAL ROOFING PRE-ENGINEERED TRUSS SYSTEM @ 24" O.C.- REFER TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION & SHOP DWGS. 12" DIA. EXHAUST DUCT, SEE MECH. DWGS 2x4 PURLINS @ 24" O.C. OVER 1/2" THK PLYWOOD SHEATHING MIN R-30 INSULATION OVER VESTIBULE 12 3 PORTABLE PLYWOOD & 2x FRAME RAMP EXHAUST & DUCT, SEE MECHANICAL DWGS CONT GUTTER & DOWNSPOUT CONCRETE DRIVEWAY LVL PAINTED PLYWOOD SOFFIT B A401 C A401 CONTAINER DOOR, REFRIGERATED SHIPPING CONT. BEYOND TOP OF PLATE TOP OF SLAB 6" V. I . F . MIN R-19 INSUL CONT. WALL FOOTING, SEE STRUC DWHS 8" 0SCALE: 1-1/2" = 1'-0"6"1'1'-6'A DUCT FLASHING DETAIL CORRUGATED METAL ROOFING, SEE ROOFING PLAN ROOF CAP, SEE MECH DWGS DUCT, SEE MECH DWGS "GREENHECK" ROOF CURB OR EQUAL CRICKET FLASH A3 A401 A2 A401 1' - 0 " 8"8" SL O P E SL O P E 24 GA PREFIN FLASH, COLOR TO MATCH RFG PLAN NO SCALEA1 SECTION NO SCALEA2 24 GA PRE-FINISHED FLASHING, COLOR TO MATCH RFG FASTENER W/ NEOPRENE WASHERS (CORROS RESIS) OUTSIDE CLOSURE STRIP W/ BUTYL SEALANT TAPE TOP & BOTTOM MET RFG, SEE ROOFING PLAN 2x4 WD PURLINS AT 24" OC 30# FELT HEM EDGE DUCT, SEE MECH DWGS "GREENHECK" ROOF CURB OR EQUAL CRICKET FLASH WD TRUSS OR RAFTER, SEE STRL PLYWOOD SHEATHING, SEE SEE STRL DWGS. 2x FULL HEIGHT WOOD BLKG BEND UP AT EACH VALLEY 1'-0" SE E M E C H D W G FO R H G T SEE MECH DWG 24 GA PRE-FINISHED FLASHING, COLOR TO MATCH RFG 2x FULL HEIGHT WOOD BLKG 2x4 WOOD PURLINS AT 24" OC METAL RFG, SEE ROOFING PLAN 24 GA PREFIN FLASH, COLOR TO MATCH RFG MET RFG, SEE ROOF PLAN 2x4 WD PURLINS AT 24" OC 30# FELT HEM EDGE "GREENHECK" ROOF CURB OR EQUAL WD TRUSS OR RAFTER, SEE STRL DWGS. PLYWD SHEATHING, SEE STRL DWGS. DUCT, SEE MECH DWGS SECTION NO SCALEA3 0SCALE: 3/4" = 1'-0"1'2'3'B DETAIL 2x WD FASCIA, SEE ROOF PLAN FOR SIZE METAL ROOFING, SEE ROOF PLAN WOOD PURLINS PRE-ENGINEERED WOOD TRUSS, SEE ROOF FRAMING PLAN 2-2x WOOD TOP PLATE PLYWD SHTG, SEE STRUC. DWGS OVERHANG SEE ROOF PLN WOOD BLOCKING, W/ VENT, SEE STRUC. DWGS. INSIDE "PROFILE VENT" OR EQ GUTTER T1-11 PLYWOOD SIDING FINISH WALL & CLG, SEE FIN SCHEDULE PLYWD SHTG, SEE STRUC. DWGS 15# FELT UNDERLAYMENT 1" CONT. AIR GAP BATT INSUL, OVER VESTIBULE ONLY 0SCALE: 1-1/2" = 1'-0"6"1'1'-6'A DUCT FLASHING DETAIL CORRUGATED METAL ROOFING, SEE ROOFING PLAN ROOF CAP, SEE MECH DWGS DUCT, SEE MECH DWGS "GREENHECK" ROOF CURB OR EQUAL CRICKET FLASH A3 A401 A2 A401 1' - 0 " 8"8" SL O P E SL O P E 24 GA PREFIN FLASH, COLOR TO MATCH RFG PLAN NO SCALEA1 SECTION NO SCALEA2 MET RFG, SEE ROOFING PLAN 30# FELT DUCT, SEE MECH DWGS "GREENHECK" ROOF CURB OR EQUAL CRICKET FLASH WD TRUSS OR RAFTER, SEE STRL PLYWOOD SHEATHING, SEE SEE STRL DWGS. SE E M E C H D W G FO R H G T SEE MECH DWG 24 GA PRE-FINISHED FLASHING, COLOR TO MATCH RFG 2x FULL HEIGHT WOOD BLKG 2x4 WOOD PURLINS AT 24" OC 2" 4" 6" M I N 4 3 / 4 " BASE, SEE FIN. SCHED. 30# FELT CONC FTG, SEE STRL. DWGS T.O.F. CONCRETE CURB ALL AROUND (EXTERIOR ONLY), SEE STRUC DWGS 0SCALE: 1-1/2" = 1'-0"6"1'1'-6'C DETAIL / EXTERIOR COUNTY OF HAWAI'IDEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, BUILDING DIVISION BUILDING DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DATEDIVISION CHIEF DESIGN BY: DRAWN BY: CHECKED BY: SHEET NO. OF SHTS REVISION REVIEWED: DATE DESCRIPTION MADE BY APPROVED HAWAIʻI COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT TEMPORARY MORGUE Job No. B-4806 WAIAKEA, SOUTH HILO, HAWAI'I TMK: (3) 2-4-001 : 176 B R I A N F.FU N A ...SIIU A W HA A Exp. 04/30/26 No. AR-7698 LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT I SIGNATURE WILL BE UNDER MY OBSERVATION. CONSTRUCTION OF THIS PROJECT ME OR UNDER MY SUPERVISION, THIS WORK WAS PREPARED BY A401 SECTION THRU BUILDING, DETAILS - CSL - - [this page intentionally left blank] Hawai‘i County Police Department Temporary Morgue Environmental Report APPENDIX 2 Comments in Response to Early Consultation [This page intentionally left blank]