What updates are available on the Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS)?
The Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared pursuant to Chapter 343, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS), and Title 11, Chapter 200.1, Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR), Department of Health (DOH), State of Hawai‘i.
The report covers matters such as: archaeological, cultural, flora and fauna, geotechnical, noise, engineering, hazardous materials, traffic, and economic considerations.
The Final EIS is scheduled to be completed in Summer of 2021.
The State will get the Programmatic EIS completed and approved. If supplemental EIS’ or further environment assessments are required, this will be the responsibility of Real Estate Co to obtain.
Copies of the EIS can be accessed at www.nased.Hawaii.gov
What are the next steps in the DEIS process and the anticipated timeline?
- There was a 45-day period for collecting comments from the public and other
interested parties who would like to participate in the review and consideration of the DEIS. All questions and comments made during this period will be addressed.
After the comment period, any adjustments to the DEIS will be wrapped into the formulation of the final EIS (FEIS).
Which government agencies need to approve the DEIS?
- The accepting agency is the Office of the Governor.
Did the COVID-19 pandemic have an impact on the DEIS process? If so, how?
- The pandemic did initially limit our ability to communicate with various stakeholders and advisors. However, like everyone, the team quickly adapted and completed all required communications and consultation to inform the DEIS.
What is a ‘programmatic’ EIS and what does this mean for future development and environmental studies for the site?
- A “programmatic” EIS is a variation of a standard EIS, whereby, the
programmatic EIS seeks to evaluate the effects of proposed actions that typically
include a series of projects (or a ‘program’) to be carried out for a common
purpose – e.g., NASED. When additional project-level details are determined or
changed, additional project-level environmental review documentation, which may take the form of a Supplemental EIS or Environmental Assessments, may be required if it is determined that significant changes have been made to the project-level designs such that the contemplated project-level actions are no longer substantially similar to those evaluated in this programmatic EIS. Such project-level environmental review documents, if required, will analyze a narrower project-level proposal as related to the broad (programmatic) proposal identified within this EIS.
What studies informed the DEIS?
- A comprehensive set of studies has been undertaken which inform the DEIS,
covering matters such as: archaeological, cultural, flora and fauna, geotechnical,
noise, engineering, hazardous materials, traffic, and economic considerations.
If the appropriate government agencies or public comments identify areas that are lacking in the DEIS, will additional studies be needed?
- Given the breadth and depth of studies undertaken, and the programmatic nature
of the DEIS, additional studies are unlikely to be required. However, if the public
comment period does identify a requirement for more information to finalize the EIS, then this will be acted upon immediately.
Did the results of the DEIS identify any major environmental concerns, such as
hazardous contaminants that pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of the people who currently use/visit Aloha Stadium or to nearby residents and
businesses?
Did the results of the DEIS identify any major concerns that could impact the
project vision, scale, budget, financial feasibility or timeline?
- The DEIS does not identify any significant issues or concerns that would prevent
the project from being delivered as envisioned. The DEIS is a document of
‘discovery’ and disclosure that primarily identifies environmental matters
impacting the project site and develops strategies and mitigations for remedying
those matters. It is not a financial feasibility or project budgeting study. While this discovery process did identify several issues or concerns for the project site, these are all expected to be addressable and managed through good project planning, administration and governance.
When the EIS was conducted, were nearby projects such as the Honolulu rail
factored into the overall assessment?
- The DEIS does, within its scope, consider neighboring developments such as the
Honolulu Rail Transit Project and the Halawa station, which upon delivery will
positively influence the NASED project.
In addition to the NASED project, there are two other major projects in the
planning stages in that area, including the proposed new jail in Halawa and the
potential redevelopment of Navy-owned land. Are issues such as traffic, noise, the
environment, congestion, infrastructure, utilities, etc. being taken into account?
- All known and discoverable environmental influences affecting the NASED
project are factored into the production of the DEIS.
Were cultural descendants for the Halawa ahupua‘a consulted for the cultural impact assessment, as well as to help identify historical/archaeological resources and burial sites?
- Yes. Summaries of interviews with lineal and cultural descendants with ties to the
project area are included in the DEIS, and information on other past oral
testimonies are also provided. Data was extrapolated from these sources that
provide an unprecedented comprehensive look at the previous cultural resources
on this ʻāina.
Did the DEIS identify any historical or culturally significant resources that were
not previously identified, and how will that impact the project going forward?
- The DEIS took into account all known and discoverable material. A separate and
specific archaeological inventory survey (AIS) is currently underway for the entire
site, although an AIS is not a requirement of an EIS.
Does the DEIS address the potential impact to nearby military operations,
including any national security concerns with having such a large-scale project
with sightlines into the nearby base and military assets?
- The NASED project team is in consultation with the Navy regarding such concerns
and the effect the NASED may have on operations, including security of Joint Base
Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH). These discussions are ongoing. The Navy has
expressed that it is imperative that NASED does not compromise national security
or the physical security of the adjacent JBPHH. Consequently, the developers for
NASED will be required to consult with the Navy, as appropriate, to develop a
design and implementation of NASED that will not adversely impair the physical
security of the JBPHH installation.
Did the DEIS evaluate different project configurations, sizes and uses to
determine what impact alternative project scenarios might have?
- Yes, three options were initially studied, leading to the identification of one
location to study in greater detail. From that one option, a master plan was
generated that illustrated one possible configuration for the entire development of
the Halawa site. This stadium location was selected, because it appears to have
the greatest overall potential impacts to the site and future operations.
Are there additional federal or state review processes that are required?
Why is an EIS being prepared?
- State law requires that an EIS be prepared for this project.
What is the proposed project?
- In response to ongoing engineering assessments and expert analysis of the
deteriorating condition of the existing Aloha Stadium and the considerable cost
necessary to maintain the stadium’s structural integrity, the State of Hawaii is
working to identify the means by which a new stadium can be constructed and
the Halawa site transformed into a vibrant, thriving community entertainment
district. The project will include new, mixed-use development that will offer a
range of resident and visitor amenities, catalyze economic development and job
creation, and celebrate the history and culture of Aloha Stadium and the
communities that surround it.
What geographic area is included in the EIS?
- The Aloha Stadium site, which comprises approximately 98 acres, includes land
north of the H1/Salt Lake Boulevard intersection, west of H1, east of
Kamehameha Highway, and south of H201.
Who is conducting the EIS?
- The Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) is administering
the EIS and has contracted Crawford Architects, which is based in Kansas City,
Missouri, and has an office in downtown Honolulu, to prepare the EIS and master
planning for this project. Several subcontractors, which are all Hawaii-based
companies, are working with Crawford. Wilson Okamoto Corporation (WOC), a
Hawaii-based company, is working with Crawford to directly oversee the EIS
process.
How was the company that is conducting the EIS selected?
- DAGS invited companies with master-planning credentials and experience in this
type of work to submit qualifications for the project. A qualifications evaluation
and interview process ensued and Crawford was selected. A Notice to Proceed
was issued on November 7, 2018.
What qualifications does the company have for doing this type of work?
- Crawford has developed many master plans for sports facilities within mixed-use
developments. Most recently, Crawford worked with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings
on their headquarters and practice facilities and with four NCAA Division 1
universities on their stadiums and related facilities. These universities included:
South Dakota State, Montana State, Penn State and Pennsylvania. Crawford
also designed some of the nation’s most iconic stadiums, including Camden
Yards (Baltimore, Maryland), Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wisconsin) and
CenturyLink Field (Seattle, Washington).
Crawford and its sub-consultant WT Partnership have considerable experience in public-private-partnership (P3) project delivery. P3 is the anticipated plan for the
New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) and the ability to engage
with developers during the solicitation period and project delivery phases will
require familiarity with this delivery methodology. - Wilson Okamoto Corporation (WOC), a Hawaii-based company, is working with
Crawford to directly oversee the EIS process. WOC has a planning department
possessing wide-ranging experience and knowledge spanning local and national
statutes, rules, regulations and policies for land use and Environmental Impact
Statements.
What government agencies are involved in the EIS process?
- Hawaii’s environmental review process is facilitated by the State of Hawaii
Department of Health’s Office of Environmental Quality Control. The approving
agency is the Office of the Governor. Other county, state, and federal agencies
are engaged as part of the EIS discovery process.
How will the EIS be used?
- It will ensure that the public is involved in the government decision-making
regarding the disclosure of known activities that might affect our environment.
What does the EIS process involve?
- At a minimum, the EIS process involves: identifying environmental concerns,
obtaining various relevant data, conducting necessary studies and analysis,
receiving public and agency input, evaluating alternatives, and proposing
measures for avoiding, minimizing, rectifying or reducing potential adverse
impacts.
Is the EIS considering different project alternatives?
- Yes. A master plan for the site is part of the DEIS. Different options are being
considered for the redevelopment of the site. Each option contains a new Aloha
Stadium at a slightly different location within the site. One of those locations has
been chosen in order to undertake a more in-depth analysis of the environmental
issues for the entire site.
How much will the EIS and master plan cost?
- The EIS and master plan will cost approximately $5 million.
Where are the funds for the EIS and master plan coming from?
- The State Act 49, Session Laws of Hawaii 2017, Item H-18, appropriated funds
for this purpose.
How much will the redevelopment of the stadium site cost and how will it be
funded?
- Concurrent with the EIS, the project is undertaking procurement planning, cost
estimating and funding analyses. The state intends to cap funding for the new
stadium and site development to limit budget risk and engage private sector
investment to develop a financially robust plan for the NASED.
Will Aloha Stadium operations and/or events be impacted while the EIS is being
conducted?
- In the course of undertaking the EIS, Aloha Stadium has announced that stadium
operations will be undergoing changes for the foreseeable future.
What can residents and businesses in the nearby area expect during the EIS
process?
- All activities within the nearby area will be unaffected.
Is the EIS taking into account the purported effects of climate change?
- Yes. Changes in the state statute that regulates the preparation of an EIS take
into account sea level rise and greenhouse gas emissions. These have been
considered in the DEIS for NASED.
Is the city and/or HART involved in the redevelopment planning as part of its
transit-oriented development?
- The master plan for transit-oriented development surrounding the HART station
near the stadium has been taken into account during the development of the
DEIS for NASED.
Has the EIS that was conducted for the Aloha Stadium rail station been taken into consideration as part of this EIS?
Will the public have an opportunity to review and provide comments on the EIS
process, the findings and any proposed actions?
- Yes. There are mandatory requirements for engaging in public consultation
during the preparation of the EIS and periods within the preparation process for
public comments to be made, considered and responded to. The first step in the
process was the publication of an EIS Preparation Notice (EISPN) and a 30-day
comment period that NASED voluntarily extended to 45 days. Comments were
reviewed and, in response, there has been consultation with appropriate
agencies, citizen groups and concerned individuals. Following the publication of
this DEIS, there is another comment and review period that is being voluntarily
extended to 45 days prior to the Final EIS being accepted and approved.
How is the public being kept informed during the EIS process?
- Public outreach and consultation are important components of the EIS and master plan processes. Therefore, a website https://nased.hawaii.gov/ was created to keep the public informed about the project. In addition, ongoing meetings are being held with community groups and key stakeholders to keep them updated on the project’s status. Cultural experts and neighborhood boards are being consulted and asked to provide their feedback. Likewise, input is being solicited from key stakeholders representing business, entertainment, government, media, military, sports, television,
tourism, etc. Through outreach and consultation with these groups, informed
decisions are being made during the master planning process that address the
community’s needs, as well as those of numerous stakeholders.
Have public meetings been held?
- There have been several public meetings throughout the course of the EIS process
as part of the requirement for public consultation. Details are available on the project
website: https://nased.hawaii.gov/
Once the EIS is completed, what are the next steps?
- The state is undertaking procurement processes in parallel to the EIS. This is to
select developer(s) to design and construct the NASED, including the new Aloha
Stadium. - As part of these processes, prospective developers will be requested to submit
proposed designs for the new stadium and district. - The most suitable developer(s) will be selected, and they will be required to
further progress and then deliver their proposed designs.
How will the NASED project affect the Swap Meet and Marketplace?
- The Stadium Authority values the Swap Meet and Marketplace and recognizes that
it generates a significant portion of the stadium’s overall revenues. We want the
Swap Meet to remain central to the future of the new venue and accommodations
of vendors’ needs will be integrated into the new facility’s programming.- The current plan is to keep the Swap Meet and Marketplace in operation
while the new Aloha Stadium is being constructed. - The Stadium Authority is maintaining ongoing communications with Swap
Meet and Marketplace vendors as the NASED planning progresses. - A stadium representative attends vendor meetings to provide updates
and answer questions.
More to Come...
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