COM 0865.001 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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y Draft Environmental Assessment June, 1998 Old Hilo Wastewater Treatment nt Page 6 the cleaning and coating of facilities to be retained for the proposed conversion. Funding in excess of this amount will be provided by the University of Hawaii. The preliminary project cost for the demolition and conversion is estimated to be in the range of $700,000 to $1,500,000, much of which will be spent on local labor and for contracts with local contractors and suppliers. 5.3 Social Characteristics Aside from Pua Street Pump Station at the site, the community will gain an aquaculture center and a bit more land for the DHHL park in the place of the abandoned sewage treatment plant. Benefits resulting from the conversion of the wastewater treatment plant include: Benefits to the Keaukaha Hawaiian Community • The community members will be trained in various aspects of aquaculture. The Center will be a resource of information and guidance for the development of small and medium scale aquaculture farms. This can improve both nutrition and income within the community. • The Center will support the development of the local aquaculture industry by providing ' juvenile fish for sale at nominal cost to local fish farmers. • Information related to sustainable development of coastal resources will be available to the local community. • Jobs will be created in the local community through construction, renovation and operation of the Center, plus any aquaculture farms which start up as the result of the Center's activities. Benefits to the University of Hawaii • Teaching facilities for the UHH undergraduate programs in aquaculture and marine science will be substantially expanded. • Research Facilities of the UHH for aquaculture and marine science will be improved. The Center will enable the UHH to conduct laboratory studies on locally-important saltwater fishes and shellfish. • It will become possible for the University personnel to conduct cold-water aquaculture research in cooperation with researchers at National Environmental Laboratory Hawaii Associates. • Office facilities for the Sea Grant Pacific Program, which has activities throughout the US- affiliated Pacific islands, will be consolidated and enhanced. Benefits to the Surrounding Community • Services provided by the Center to the Keaukaha Hawaiian community will also be available to other communities throughout the State. • The Center's technical services will be available to state and federal agencies involved in ' fisheries management.