[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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