COM 0176.123 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

I ask once again that the County Council further invesfigate whether the County's current design storms are inadequate before arbitrarily imposing standards that will negatively impact the cost of living and also require addiflonal tax dollars for maintenance. Design standards should not be changed unless it can be shown that the cost to design, construct and maintain the required drainage systems provides a net benefit to the tax payers of this county. I am in agreement with members of the ad hoc committee who believe some of the proposed amendments could create a negative impact regarding public health and safety as large ponds may need to be constructed which could put residents at risk should there be a large earthquake or extreme flood situation that causes dams to fail. Before passing the proposed amendments,l ask that you consult with professional engineers with experience on the Big Island as this island is truly unique in its geology, topography, climate and environment. Mainland methods and standards often aze not compatible with our environment. If the Council is truly concerned with protecting public health and safety I recommend that they appropriate adequate money for flood studies. These studies should result in the mapping of drainage channels and perhaps the creation easements for those channels which prohibit habitable structures within the easements. Topographic mapping at 2 foot contour intervals should be obtained so that watershed divides can be accurately drawn. Better soil mapping is required so that runoff can be more accurately esfimated. More rain gauges should be established and data collected and analyzed so that there is more science and less speculation as to how much rainfall is really causing flood problems. Records of flood damage and the causes of the damage should be kept and analyzed. Only then will we be able to determine whether the design storms currently being used are adequate. Flood studies should also include recommendations for regional flood plain management improvements necessary to protect vulnerable communities. Cost estimates and implementation plans should also be provided for any recommended improvements. I recommend approval of the amendments proposed by the Department of Public Works at the earliest possible date so that the County remains in compliance with FEMA requirements. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony on the subject of Chapter 27. I can be reached at 325-3182 or 960-5896 should you have any questions regazding my testimony. Respectfully Submitted, /~c,J~'7"'~ ~J-t.~~' Nancy E. Burn/ s, P.E. ec Bruce McClure, Director, Depamnent of Public Works Galen Kuba, Division Head, Department of Public Works, Engineering Division Mayor Hany Kim