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Draft EA for Ho'olehua scattered lots outlines infrastructure, mitigation and path to FONSI
Summary
DHHL planning and consultants presented a draft Chapter 343 environmental assessment and anticipated finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for a Ho‘olehua scattered‑lot subdivision that would create 12 subsistence/supplemental agricultural lots and associated infrastructure; staff said final EA and FONSI request are tentatively scheduled for the February commission meeting.
Planning and Land Development staff and consultants briefed the commission on the draft environmental assessment (EA) for the Ho‘olehua scattered‑lot subdivision project on Molokai, which proposes subdividing five TMKs into 12 subsistence and supplemental agricultural lots.
Robert Ng (project manager) and Nancy McPherson (planning office) described proposed roadway, potable‑water and agricultural‑water improvements, drainage work, the removal of at least two cesspools and demolition of abandoned structures, and the need for several technical studies (archaeology, cultural impact, biological surveys, hazardous materials) to support the EA. Consultant Carlin Fukuda said reviewers — including US Fish and Wildlife Service and the State Office of Planning — provided comments on the draft EA, which was published in October 2024 with an anticipated FONSI.
Staff emphasized that beneficiaries supported the project in an informational meeting on Nov. 12, 2025, and that the final EA (with responses to comments) and a request for a FONSI determination will be scheduled for a future commission meeting, tentatively the February 2026 meeting, with publication of the final EA dependent on any additional comments received through spring 2026.
The commission discussed wastewater requirements, noting that individual wastewater systems must meet Department of Health standards if a beneficiary elects to build a residence; staff clarified that subsistence agricultural lessees who only farm the lots would not need household wastewater systems.
Staff also noted the project would be prepared for NAHASDA funding and that construction plans and subdivision permitting are being pursued with an aggressive schedule dependent on removal of existing structures and cesspools.
