DRAFT EIS PUBLISHED FOR LARGE-CAPACITY INTER-ISLAND FERRY

The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the statewide large-capacity inter-island ferry is available for public review and comment starting today.

The draft EIS includes an evaluation of the environmental impacts of Department of Transportation’s harbor improvements, and its secondary impacts (i.e., those of a large-capacity ferry vessel and its operations) and cumulative impacts.  It specifically addresses: impacts on ocean life, marine animals and plants, including a whale avoidance policy and procedures; water resources and quality; harbor infrastructure; vehicular traffic; public safety and security; controlling the spread of invasive species; cultural resources, including hunting, fishing, and native Hawaiian resources; and economic impacts.

In addition to the more than 400 copies of the document distributed directly to reviewers and public depositories (libraries statewide will have a paper copy of the report), electronic copies are available online on the Department of Transportation website at: http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors.  It also is posted on the Office of Environmental Quality Control website at: http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/oeqc/index.html/.

A CD or paper copy can also be requested through the consultant, Belt Collins Hawai`i Ltd.  The cost of reproduction will apply.  Please submit your request to Belt Collins at 2153 North King Street, Suite 200, Honolulu, HI 96819, in attention to Ms. Lesley Matsumoto.

Written comments to the OEQC, with a copy of the comments to the DOT, should be received or postmarked within 45 days of today’s release of the report. Because the close of the 45-day comment period (February 22, 2009) falls on a Sunday, comments postmarked one day thereafter, on February 23, 2009, will be accepted.

The written comments should be mailed or faxed to:

Ms. Katherine Kealoha
Director, Office of Environmental Quality Conrol
235 South Beretania Street, Suite 702
Honolulu, HI  96813
Fax: (808) 586-4186

Mr. Michael D. Formby
Deputy Director, Department of Transportation Harbors Division
79 South Nimitz Highway
Honolulu, HI  96813
Fax: (808) 587-3652

(Posted by Wendy Osher:  Thursday, January 08, 2009)  (Image courtesy:  Hawaii state Department of Transportation)