REP FC 005 2019/01/08 2018-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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FC-5 Page 2 January 8,2019 Mr. Kucharski went on to list upcoming sewer system needs. He mentioned that in 2020 the Kealakehe facility will require additional operators to manage the distribution of the recycle-reuse water. He further stated that the Big Island has an aged sewer system requiring an increase from $500,000 to $1.3 million for repair and replacement of systems. He also noted the increase will fund ten new positions including sorely needed project managers. The Director continued, stating the rate increase will not fix all the deficiencies but will be a good start. He commented that he is a member in a state cesspool conversion working group and they are taking a look at methodologies to close, replace, and upgrade cesspool systems in a sensible manner. The last time there was a sewer rate study was along with the fee increase in 2002. Ms. O'Hara commented that since a centralized sewer system is hard to justify in rural areas and may not be the solution, and inquired what other alternatives were being explored. Mr. Kucharski answered that there are a number of new rural area pollution technologies, and methods that deal with small sub- regional systems of four to five homes for example, which together would spread infrastructure costs over several users such as in subdivisions with homeowner's associations. Mr. Richards asked what it would cost to put sewer system management in place for 50 percent of the population. Mr. Kucharski considered Hilo and Kona and the varying types of rural and condensed communities such as Puako, Ali`i Drive in Kona and up to Hamakua, and said his best estimate would be in the $800 to $900 million range. Mr. Chung commented that only a small percentage of homes are sewered throughout the island. He feels the issue is whether the county should continue to subsidize the present program with General Fund monies. He stated he would favor smaller increases over a longer period of time, tied to DEM program plans in the near and far future. He will be voting against the bill at this time. • Mr. Kucharski responded to an inquiry by Ms. O'Hara, stating he would not go to the general public until such time that the council has moved this forward or rejects it. He feels this is the respectful approach. DEM has not had any meetings or outreach with the public. Raising sewer fees will pose hardship on some people and will be inconvenient to others. Despite that, it is something that needs to be done to protect the environment of the county. In closing, Mr. Kucharski clarified that the gang cesspool fee is to maintain the systems, not to treat them. He noted if there is a blockage in the system or the line breaks, the department is required to go out and make the repairs until such time the gang cesspool is closed. That is the purpose of that fee. Pursuant to Section 2-207, Hawaii County Code, Committee Chair Maile David entertained a motion to refer Bill 210 to the Environmental Management Commission and the Department of Environmental Management for review and recommendations. The motion was made by Ms. Lee Loy, seconded by Ms. O'Hara, and unanimously carried.