[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 84 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24514-24515]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-10591]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
[NPS-PWR-PWRO-0308-6923;9082-HONO-420]
Honouliuli Special Resource Study, Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and
Kauai Counties, HI
AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Scoping for Honouliuli Special Resource Study,
Hawaii.
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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that pursuant to provisions of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190) and the
Council on Environmental Quality's implementing regulations (40 CFR
1502.9(c)) the National Park Service has initiated the public scoping
phase for the conservation planning and environmental impact analysis
process needed to identify and assess potential impacts of alternatives
for resource protection and other considerations within the Honouliuli
Special Resource Study area in Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii,
[[Page 24515]]
and Kauai Counties of Hawaii. The purpose of the scoping phase is to
elicit early public comment regarding issues and concerns, preliminary
alternatives, and the nature and extent of potential environmental
impacts (and as appropriate, mitigation measures) which should be
addressed.
Background: As authorized by the Department of the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L.
111-88- October, 2009), the National Park Service (NPS) is conducting a
special resource study of the area known as Honouliuli Gulch, and
associated sites. The study evaluates the Honouliuli Gulch Internment
Camp and associated sites located on Oahu and five other islands
located in the State of Hawaii with respect to (1) Their significance
as components of World War II; (2) significance of the sites as related
to the forcible internment of Japanese Americans, European Americans,
and other individuals; and (3) historic resources at the sites.
In conducting the study, the NPS study team shall use criteria for
potential inclusion within the National Park System as described in
Sec. 8 of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5). The Special Resource
Study will evaluate the national significance, suitability, and
feasibility of including the Honouliuli Gulch and associated sites in
the National Park System. Factors which the NPS study team will
evaluate include: The value of the site in interpreting the themes of
our nation's heritage; the integrity of the site's resources; whether
the study area includes types or quality of resources not already
adequately represented in the National Park System; whether long-term
protection and public use of the area are feasible; and whether the
area can be adequately protected and administered at a reasonable cost.
The authorizing statute directs the NPS to consult with (1) The
State of Hawaii; (2) appropriate Federal agencies; (3) Native Hawaiian
and local government entities; (4) private and nonprofit organizations;
(5) private landowners; and (6) other interested parties.
Recommendations of the NPS study team may vary for different portions
of the study area. The NPS study team will also consider alternative
strategies for management, protection and use of significant resources
within the overall study area, including management by other public
agencies or the private sector; technical or financial assistance
available from established programs or special initiatives and
partnerships; and cooperative management by NPS and other entities.
Public Engagement: During the study process, a range of
alternatives will be developed in consultation with Federal, State and
local governments and interested members of the public, groups, and
organizations. The NPS study team will conduct an environmental review
of the alternatives and potential consequences of resource protection
considerations as part of the Honouliuli Special Resource Study. At
this time, it has not been determined whether an Environmental
Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared,
however, this scoping phase will aid in the preparation of either
document, and public comments will aid in making this determination.
The public will have several opportunities to comment and participate
throughout the study process. Additionally, the public will be afforded
the opportunity to review and comment on the ensuing environmental
document following its release.
For initial scoping and alternatives development, the most useful
comments are those that provide the NPS with assistance in identifying
issues and concerns which should be addressed, or providing important
information germane to this study. All responses to this Scoping Notice
will also be used to establish a mailing list of interested persons,
organizations, and agencies that desire to receive further information
as the environmental document is developed.
All comments regarding the Honouliuli Special Resource Study must
be postmarked or transmitted no later than June 1, 2011. Interested
individuals, organizations, and agencies wishing to provide written
comments should respond to: National Park Service, Honouliuli Special
Resource Study, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Box 50165, Ste 6-226, Honolulu, HI
96850. Comments may also be transmitted through the Honouliuli Special
Resource Study Web site (http://www.nps.gov/pwro/honouliuli).
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Periodic information updates about the
study process and opportunities for the public to participate will be
distributed via direct mailings, regional and local news media, and the
study's Web site (noted above). The NPS study team may also be
contacted via e-mail at [email protected]. Availability of the
forthcoming environmental document for review and written comment will
be announced by local and regional news media, the above listed Web
site, and direct mailing--at this time the document is anticipated to
be available during Fall, 2011.
The official responsible for the initial recommendation will be the
Regional Director, Pacific West Region, National Park Service. The
official responsible for amending or ratifying the recommendation and
transmitting the final document to the Secretary of the Interior will
be the Director of the National Park Service. The final document will
identify the alternative that, in the professional judgment of the
Director of the National Park Service, is the most effective and
efficient method for protecting significant resources and providing for
public enjoyment. The Secretary of the Interior subsequently will
forward the completed study along with a recommendation regarding the
Secretary's preferred management option for the area to Congress for
their consideration. It is anticipated that the final study report will
be available in 2012.
Dated: March 2, 2011.
Christine S. Lehnertz,
Regional Director, Pacific West Region.
[FR Doc. 2011-10591 Filed 4-29-11; 8:45 am]
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