COM 0824.001 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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16 May 2006 Hawaii County Council Subj: Hilo Bay Front Restoration Project ' r Restoring the Hilo Bay Front, as illustrated by photos prior to the 1946 "Tsunami," is a highly commendable Project. The History of Hawaii depicts Hilo Bay as a destination, where Sailing Ships used to visit from the days of Kamehameha I. Restoring the Bay, could be a very challenging project, however, it could illustrate a highly stimulating remembrance of the people that lived in Hawaii, in that time frame. Of times past for many, the beauty of Hilo Bay, could once again be reintroduced to the total populace. I share the same thoughts as Chairman Higa, for I too, remember the days of Shinmachi, Hilo Theatre, etc. And although I do support the idea of restoring Hilo Bay, I would like to recommend to the Council, that other issues that affect the Beauty of Hilo Bay, should be considered. Developing a beautiful Hilo Bay that would constantly be marred by heavy rains and storm surges would not be in the best interest for the County or the populace. These two continuing problems must be addressed. A permanent solution should be installed. 1. All Council Members are aware of the flooding on Kamehameha Avenue and the closure of the Bay Front Highway, especially at the Pauahi Intersection, each time heavy rain descends on the East Side of this County. The cause of this flooding comes from the Alenaio Channel. The Rain Water from Kaumana and the upper slopes flow into the Alenaio Channel. The flooding problem originates from the re-direction of rain water, in the Alenaio Channel, intoWailoa Pond. The small, shallow ditch that connects to the Wailoa Pond, is not capable, of accommodating all of the Rain Water flowing in the Alenaio Channel, causing overflow into the §pccer Fields. Additionally, the water level in Wailoa Pond is rising at the same 1j1pe through another Channel which pours into the Pond from the Upper Slopes. The result of the combined actions causes the over-flow of rain water on Kamehameha Avenue. The Project to re-direct the Alenaio Channel, was approved, by prior County Administrations, with the comment, "It only happens once in a &nndred years". Prior to the Council's approval of the Bill, I personally testified before the Council, that the Project was a "Band Aid" repair and not a permanent solution. The Council approved the Band Aid Project and the citizens of this County have endured the flooding of Kamehameha Avenue. Closure of Kamehameha Avenue, due to flooding, occurred 8 to 10 times to my knowledge, since this project was completed. Contaminated soil was discovered during the re- direction project, and somehow, this issue was also addressed by burrowing the soil. What was the total cost for the taxpayer to pay for each of the Clean-Ups that followed each Road Closure condition? What if the same amount of money was used to pay for a permanent solution to the flooding problem? Is there any logic connected to this approach? Even Lava flow eventually finds its way into the Ocean. Why wouldn't the Rain Water do the same? Comm No.. 11241 2d. 2ef. To ef. :Da}e