2019-05-22 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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• Clarification on the sump in Kona, which has discharge limits that act as a permit: Director Kucharski pointed out to Chair Bennett that the sump does not have a discharge permit, but has an authorization to discharge called “approval to discharge.” Standards have to be met to have this approval. • Update on the department’s budget: The first reading on the county budget is today, and no amendments have been received regarding DEM’s budget. Chair Bennett said he wanted timelines on when the R-1 system will be operating, and Director Kucharski said the schedule was to have it available and running in late 2020. However, as he informed them earlier today, the EIS cannot be finalized until the 106 review is done, so it may be pushed back. Chair Bennett said he wanted an update at the next meeting on DEM’s vacant positions and how long they have been open. Director Kucharski said the whole hiring process is lengthy and complicated, and all applicants go through the county’s Human Resources Department for screening on qualifications. There can be multiple applications for a position, with no one actually qualifying. Chair Bennett asked about training opportunities for employees, so they can move up, and Director Kucharski said he can report on that. The process has been changed recently so that if an employee in a lower position gets a license for a higher position, he can receive the pay for the higher position while being in the lower position. Progress is being made. They are also checking on whether they can get third-party professional services contracts to support their operations and have received some sample contracts from Honolulu. In addition, a federal program has been providing training for their wastewater workers through the Hawaiʻi Rural Water Association. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Bennett told the commissioners to let him know if they want anything placed on the next agenda. Director Kucharski said he would like to have George Hayducsko, the head of DEM’s recycling section, come and discuss the recycling program and answer questions about what they do and their limitations. Ms. Mellon-Lacey brought up training, as the commission had requested training on the Sunshine Law and appeals. If she is to train the whole commission, it needs to be done at a meeting and perhaps could be done at the end of a regular meeting. If someone wants to appeal a decision by Director Kucharski, the EMC is the entity charged with hearing the appeal. The training should take under two hours. The commissioners decided they wanted the training at their next Hilo meeting, on July 24, 2019. The secretary was instructed to check on extending the reservation for the meeting room into the afternoon. 9