Hawaii Environmental Policay and Act (HEPA) Essay

Hawaii Environmental Policay and Act (HEPA) - Essay Example Those who would want to make this type of developmental change must get the governments permission. Even proposed buildings or expansion projects of existing structures owned or controlled by the agencies of the government on public land is not exempt from getting the governments permission. You can get said permission from the Environment Department. The Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) is directly charged with issuing the permission. The OEQC's primary task is to stimulate, expand and coordinate efforts to maintain the optimum quality of the States environment. All private as well as public entities and agencies must secure the aforementioned permission. This is how strict the government is that it requires itself, the Laie Elementary School is a government controlled and operated school, to obtain permission to build from itself, the OEQC another agency of the government. This safeguard is to make sure that there will be no destruction of the environment in any way. The Laie Elementary school wants to expand its cafeteria, and so must obtain the needed permission. They understand that they have to carefully study and know the rules of the OEQC. The school is prepared to do everything that the OEQC requires. I will discuss the issues that may affect the environment upon the implementation of the schools plan for developmental change. I will also explain the rules that must be followed before any expansion of the school may be allowed in Hawaii. I- Factual Background The project is located in the central area of Laie town in Oahu Island, more specifically in the campus of the Laie Elementary School. The place is owned by the State of Hawaii and the City and the County of Honolulu. The Campus is about 7.61 acres. Its land use classification is urban and is an R-5 residential under the zoning of the land use ordinance. R-5 zoning means that only single family residential units is occupying the neighboring lands. The proposed project consists of the expansion of the existing Laie Elementary school cafeteria. It will add an approximate of 3,600 SF or over 50% to the existing cafeteria. The cafeteria is approximately 30 years old and can fit only 250 occupants. At the present time the enrollment capacity of the school is at 900 students. To accommodate all students, the cafeteria's meal services have been made to provide meals in three shifts or batches. Presently Lunch is served in three seating shifts, from 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM. With the proposed expansion, lunches will still be served in shifts but it will be decreased to two seating shifts. The proposed expansion includes a dining area; new heater and electrical room; new tray return and wash area; locker room; toilet and an office space. The existing kitchen will be made bigger to accommodate the needs of cooking for the ever increasing school population. This will also ensure that meals are kept hot, preventing any bacterial growth and health issues that may arise from such growth. This developmental change will also include a much needed wastewater facility for the cafeteria. The facility will be connected to a local sewer system. At present, the cafeteria is not connected to a local sewer system. It uses a cesspool system. That pit poses environmental, health as well as safety