REP FC 147 2024/03/05 2022-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: March 5, 2024 Re: Comm.No. 744/Res.No. 443-24 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawai`i TIME: 3:05 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Finance,to which was referred Resolution No. 443-24,reports as follows: Resolution No. 443-24, transmitted by Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz,via Communication No. 744 dated February 14, 2024, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the United States Geological Survey for a water quality study of the lower Puna region. This resolution allocates $428,000 from the County Geothermal Relocation and Community Benefits Fund to conduct a study on the potential effects geothermal energy production may have on potable water sources and the near-ocean environment. Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz provided background on this measure. Multiple testifiers spoke to this measure, and Ms. Kierkiewicz directly addressed a concern from a testifier who wondered why this study was being funded by the Geothermal Relocation Fund, which the Puna Geothermal Venture provided. Ms. Kierkiewicz stated that the survey would not be funded by that account but by the Geothermal Relocation and Community Benefit Fund. Ms. Kierkiewicz introduced Deputy Director Stephen Zahniser of the Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Research Hydrologist Shaul Hurwitz, and Hydrologic Technician Daniel Sinclair from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Mr. Zahniser,Mr. Hurwitz, and Mr. Sinclair were available to answer questions from the committee. Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada spoke in support of this survey. Committee Member Cindy Evans asked Mr. Zahniser if this study would be focused on drinking water and if they would be working with the Department of Health,to which he confirmed that it would,but that at this point in time,they did not have any direct involvement with the State Department of Health. Committee Member Michelle Galimba asked Ms. Kierkiewicz and Mr. Zahniser if they could provide a timeline for this survey. Mr. Zahniser stated that this study would have two phases. One phase would be during the wet season,and the second would be during the dry season to see if there would be any variability. Mr. Zahniser provided a possible timeline of 24 to 27 months once each phase has been completed. Mr. Sinclair spoke about the specifics of what they would be looking for, such as rare metals,mercury, and pentane,to name a few. Committee Member Heather Kimball asked if this research could narrow down Puna Geothermal's impact on these waters, and they confirmed that it could. FC Report No. 147