Sunday, January 4, 2009

DEIS Discusses Protection of Valuable Lands

Critical decisions will be made in 2009 on numerous aspects of Honolulu’s rail transit project. Citizens have until February 6 to submit written comments on the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). This blog has provided links to the document’s several chapters and encourages citizens to avail themselves of their opportunity to have their say.

We highlighted the Environmental Justice chapter of the DEIS last month. EJ requires that federal projects do not disproportionately impact minority and low-income populations. 

Chapter 5 of the DEIS discusses the project with respect to Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966. The rail project must take into account the protection of public parklands and recreational lands, wildlife refuges and historic sites of National, State or Local significance.

Written comments may be sent to the Department of Transportation Services, 650 South King Street, 3rd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813. Comments must be received or postmarked by 4:30 p.m. on February 6.

The entire DEIS is viewable online.  Copies also can be reviewed at State libraries, the City library, the Department of Transportation Services (at the above address) and at the Rapid Transit Division office, 1099 Alakea Street, Suite 1700.

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