Final Public Notice: DR-4366-HI Waiānuenue Avenue Bridge Modernization Project Phase II

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Waiānuenue Avenue Bridge Modernization Project Phase II Hawaii County, Hawaii | HMGP-4366-010-014

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposes to provide federal financial assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to the County of Hawaii Department of Public Works (Subapplicant) in Hawaii County, Hawaii, to mitigate the risk of infrastructure damage by hardening the Waiānuenue Bridge (proposed action). Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) and Executive Order 11990 (Wetlands Management) and FEMA’s implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides interested parties with a notice of its final decision and an explanation of the alternatives that were considered. 

The purpose of the proposed action is to reduce seismic and capacity hazards associated with aging infrastructure. The proposed action consists of the following: 1) drilling new arch abutments; 2) demolishing and disposing of the existing railings and bridge deck; 3) limited grading of the adjacent landscape; and 4) constructing a new, wider bridge above the existing arch and abutments. 

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number 1551660903F, effective date September 29, 2017. The FIRM shows that the proposed action lies within a Special Flood Hazard Area: Zone AE, an area that has a 1-percent probability of flooding every year and where predicted floodwater elevations have been established. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory map shows freshwater forested/shrub wetlands associated with the Ainako Stream within the project area. 

A map of the project area and its location within the floodplain and wetlands is available for public inspection. Parties interested in receiving a copy of the map should contact the FEMA Region 9 Environmental Officer using the contact information provided in this notice. 

Three alternatives to the proposed action were considered: Alternative 1: No Action; Alternative 2: Strengthen Existing Arch, Maintain Width of Bridge, Add Pedestrian Bridge; and Alternative 3: Extend Width of Existing Concrete Arch and Abutments. Alternative 1 would be to take no action. This Alternative is not recommended because the bridge would continue to be a safety hazard for pedestrians and cyclists and would remain posted for reduced load capacity in a critical medical district. Alternative 2 would use the existing arch for the reconstruction of the bridge and add an independent pedestrian bridge on the side. This Alternative is not recommended because the life span of the arch would only be approximately 25 years and construction would require the bridge to be closed, which is not recommended given its location in a critical medical district. Under Alternative 3, the existing arch would also be used for the reconstruction of the bridge, but it would be widened to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. Therefore, Alternative 3 is not recommended for the same reasons noted under Alternative 2. FEMA has determined that the proposed project is the only practicable alternative available; therefore, the proposed action must be in the floodplain and wetlands. The proposed action would have no significant adverse impact on the floodplain or wetlands and would benefit the area by reducing the risk of infrastructure damage. Therefore, measures to minimize impacts on the floodplain are not necessary. The County of Hawaii has declared that the proposed action conforms to local floodplain standards, and would be responsible for the management, construction, and maintenance of the proposed action. 

Additional information about FEMA’s proposed action may be requested by writing to the FEMA Region 9 Environmental Officer at FEMA, 1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, California 94607, or FEMA-RIX-EHP-Documents@fema.dhs.gov. All requests should be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this date