Hawaii Dairy Farms to discuss EIS prep notice

KOLOA — Hawaii Dairy Farms will host a community briefing and open house on Feb. 19 to discuss the recently published Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice for its proposed dairy in Mahaulepu Valley.

The meeting is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Koloa Elementary School cafeteria.

The purpose of the briefing is to encourage the community to provide comments on the recently published EISPN for HDF’s voluntary EIS.

“Community participation is key to developing a comprehensive EIS, which is why we are hosting this voluntary community briefing and open house as part of our ongoing effort to collaborate with the community about our proposed grass-based farm,” said Amy Hennessey, director of communications for HDF.

She said HDF encourages anyone with questions about the EISPN to come learn and provide comments to ensure all relevant issues are addressed in their studies.

“We look forward to continuing the conversation with the community to create a farm that provides fresh, local milk for Hawaii’s families in a sustainable, environmentally sound manner,” she said.

The publication of the EISPN on Jan. 23 began a 30-day comment period during which the community can request to become a consulted party to receive the Draft EIS, as well as to provide comments on issues it believes should be covered in the Draft EIS.

The public comment period ends Feb. 23.

The EISPN is available at www.hawaiidairyfarms.com/eis or from the State Office of Environmental Quality Control.

All comments must be submitted in writing by mail or email no later than Feb. 23 to Group 70 or the State Department of Health’s Office of Environmental Planning in order to be included.

To comment by mail, send to: State of Hawaii, Department of Health, Laura McIntyre, Environmental Planning Office, 919 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 312, Honolulu, HI 96814.

To provide comment by email, send it to HDF@Group70int.com or epo@doh.hawaii.gov.