Kaua'i Community Correctional Center (KCCC)
Kaua'i Community Correctional Center (KCCC)
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Process:
In order to implement the Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center relocation project, an environmental review process will need to be completed. Pursuant to HRS Chapter 343 and Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules (HAR) Chapter 11-200.1, the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required for the proposed KCCC project because it triggers the following criteria:
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Use of State Funds: Seeing the need for the relocation of the existing KCCC facility, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature has allocated $20 million for the relocation and redevelopment of KCCC. This meets criteria triggering an EIS under § 343-5(1), as actions involving the expenditure of state funds or use of state lands are subject to environmental review to assess potential significant impacts.
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Amendment to County General Plan Affecting Land Use: The project includes a Kauaʻi County General Plan amendment that would change the designation of lands from agricultural to urban use. This constitutes a significant change that may result in substantial impacts relating to land use, natural resources, and the community, and further triggers the need for an EIS under HRS § 343-5(6).
In order to ensure that the environmental review is comprehensive, the Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice (EISPN) provides a means for the community to comment on the scope to shape the content and items considered in the future draft EIS. The EISPN outlines the possible impacts the project may have on the affected environment and explains in what ways the EIS will provide in-depth review of the various elements that make up the surrounding natural environment, as well as potential impacts to human welfare for surrounding communities.
The following technical studies are anticipated to be included in the Draft EIS:
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Archaeological Survey
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Cultural Impact Assessment
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Flora and Fauna Biological Study
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Noise Study
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Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
(Phase II if hazardous materials found) -
Traffic Impact Analysis
The overall objective of this process is to ensure that DCR thoroughly considers and mitigates potential impacts of this project to the greatest extent practical.
EIS Preparation Notice (EISPN)
On December 8, 2025, an EISPN for the KCCC relocation project was published to the State's Environmental Review Program (ERP) bi-monthly bulletin The Environmental Notice (TEN). This document summarizes the project and outlines what the environmental review process will be moving forward.
The public has 60 days to comment on the EISPN with a deadline of February 6, 2026. While State regulations normally limit a comment period for this purpose to 30-days, DCR has opted to extend this deadline to accommodate interested community members during the busy holiday season.
There are several ways to provide your comments to guide the future draft EIS content:
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Using the interactive module below, you can review the EISPN and click anywhere in the document to provide your comments.
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Contact the project team directly using the Contact Form at the bottom of the page.
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Mail-in comments are also accepted at the following address
501 Sumner Street, Suite 620, Honolulu, HI 96817 ATTN: Alice McLean
Join us for the upcoming KCCC EISPN Public Scoping Meeting!
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Kauaʻi Community College
Building 17 - Office of Continued Education and Training, Room 106
3-1901 Kaumualiʻi Highway, Līhuʻe, HI 96766
Mahalo for your participation!