[Federal Register: December 20, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 243)]
[Notices]               
[Page 71103-71104]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20de99-50]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service

 
Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed, County of Hawaii, HI

Agency: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Action: Notice of availability of record of decision.

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Summary: Kenneth M. Kaneshiro, Responsible Federal Official for 
projects administered under the provisions of Public Law 83-566 in the 
State of Hawaii, is hereby providing notification that a record of 
decision to proceed with the installation of the Lower Hamakua Ditch 
watershed project, signed November 1, 1999, is available.
    The record of decision documents the intent to implement 
Alternative 3--Repair and Restoration of the Lower Hamakua Ditch. The 
project will provide a stable, adequate, and affordable supply of 
agricultural water to farmers and other agricultural producers in the 
Lower Hamakua Ditch service area. The improvements will provide 
structural repair and reduce water losses along the Lower Hamakua 
Ditch. Twenty-two of the 24 wooden flumes will be replaced with 
corrugated metal pipe or inverted pipe siphons. Metal I-beams will 
replace the rotting timber supports. In the open ditch sections, 
sediment will be removed and the concrete lining will be repaired. The 
diversion structures at Kawainui, Alakahi, and Koiawe streams will be 
repaired and modified to prevent structural failure, reduce maintenance 
requirements, and restore 30 percent of base streamflow to Waipio 
Valley streams. A 1-MG reservoir will be installed at the Honokaia 
lateral. The 10-MG Paauilo Reservoir will be lined. Approximately ten 
lateral distribution systems will be repaired or installed. Hakalaoa 
Falls will be restored through

[[Page 71104]]

the repair of the tunnel behind the falls and removal of the temporary 
flume structure. A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system will 
be implemented to allow remote data collection and operation of key 
components. Technical and financial assistance will be provided to 
Hamakua and Waipio Valley farmers to implement soil and water 
conservation measures.
    The record of decision documents that the Lower Hamakua Ditch 
Watershed project uses all practicable means, consistent with other 
essential considerations of national policy, to meet the goals 
established in the National Environmental Policy Act. The FEIS has been 
prepared, reviewed, and accepted in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act.
    For further information or single copies of this record of decision 
contact Kenneth M. Kaneshiro, State Conservationist, Natural Resources 
Conservation Service, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 4-118, P.O. Box 50004, 
Honolulu, Hawaii, 96850. Telephone 808-541-2600 ext. 100.

(This activity is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under No. 10.904, Watershed Protection and Flood 
Prevention, and is subject to the provisions of Executive Order 
12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and 
local officials.)

    Dated: November 1, 1999.
Kenneth M. Kaneshiro,
State Conservationist.
[FR Doc. 99-32896 Filed 12-17-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-M