(BIVN) – The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on Wednesday announced that it has issued its final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Honomū Subsistence Agriculture Homestead Community on Hawaiʻi Island.

DHHL’s Honomū project will be the first of its kind on the island. “Honomū is a pilot project to implement the Department’s new rules for subsistence agricultural lots,” said Hawaiian Homes Commission Chair William J. Aila, Jr. in a media release. “These lots will allow beneficiaries to live and cultivate their land while producing locally grown food for themselves and their families, all in fulfillment of Prince Kuhio’s vision. We are excited to work with the County in advancing this subdivision. I’m certain future lessees are looking forward to joining the existing Honomū community.”

photo of the expected area of development in Honomū, courtesy DHHL

A bid for the first phase is anticipated to go out in early 2020 after project plans are submitted to the Hawaiʻi County Planning Department in December, DHHL says. The project’s first phase is anticipated to cost $2 million and will include the infrastructure development for 16 one-acre subsistence agricultural homestead lots near Akaka Falls.

The project is anticipated to eventually include up to 375 lots, which DHHL says will provide beneficiaries subsistence agriculture parcels ranging in size from one to three acres.

map courtesy DHHL