SECTION 106 PUBLIC NOTICE

MCBH is proposing to conduct Electrical Distribution Modernization (P-935/P-968) at the Kaneohe Bay installation located on Mokapu Peninsula in the District of Ko`olaupoko, Ahupua`a of Kaneohe, on the Island of O`ahu, TMK 1-4-4-008:001. This project is currently in the planning phase.

This undertaking seeks to provide a clean, reliable, and adequate electrical power and communications system. Key elements of the project include (1) replacement of existing switching station components at Primary Substation 1; Primary Substation 2; Primary Substation 3; and Main Switching Station; (2) installation of a new SCADA system including workstations in buildings 201 and 242; (3) relocation of overhead to underground electrical circuits and communication lines, including underground duct-lines, manholes, handholes, pad mounted transformers and switches and removing the existing poles, overhead lines, and overhead transformers; (4) upgrades to conductors including existing feeders to increase capacity; (5) upgrade to tie circuits to increase capacity and reliability; (6) installation of underground communication duct banks at various locations; (7) relocation of building 1274 to a new location outside the airfield primary surface; (8) replacement of switches and aging transformer substations at various locations; and (9) replacement of aluminum cables with copper cable for feeders.

Pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Section 106 Implementing Regulations at 36 CFR 800.4(b), qualified preservation professionals have carried out the identification of historic properties within the area of potential effects (APE) in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Identification. One building (201) built prior to 1970 was found to be eligible for the Hawaii State and National Registers of Historic Places under Criteria A (American history) and C (architecture). No buildings constructed after 1970 were found to be eligible. With respect to archaeology, previous archaeological studies have identified eligible archaeological deposits and/or sites in the western portion of Mokapu Peninsula. These archaeological properties may be affected by this undertaking. They are significant and of value chiefly for the information on prehistory or history they are likely to yield through archaeological, historical, and scientific methods of information recovery. Therefore, MCBH is proposing archaeological monitoring designed to do data recovery for all ground disturbing activities associated with this undertaking. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) has determined data recovery of archaeological materials to be an adverse effect, and MCBH is thus consulting on execution and implementation of a memorandum of agreement in accordance with the ACHP’s recommended approach for the recovery of significant information from archaeological sites.

In accordance with the Section 106 Implementing Regulations at 36 CFR 800.6(a)(4), MCBH seeks comments from interested persons on resolving the adverse effects of the undertaking on properties eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Specific information about the project, including documentation specified in 36 CFR 800.11(c), will be made available to those interested persons who request the information from the contact below. All questions, comments, and correspondence should be directed to the MCBH Cultural Resources Manager at section106publicnotice@usmc.mil no later than 12 January 2021.