2019-08-28 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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Director Kucharski explained that accessible properties are billed, but billing them has no relationship to whether or not they are connected. Some of the old sewer systems were installed in the 1960s, when there were no electronic files. A way to check would be to go into the collection system with CCTV cameras, stopping at laterals to check for a flow. However, there is a lack of personnel to do that, and even if they had more positions, it is hard to fill them. There are select locations where they plan to do smoke testing, which is another method that helps determine who is and is not connected. These tests are being done in Pāpaʽikou, but the most important area to focus on is Aliʻi Drive, where there is infiltration and inflow with salty water. The I&I needs to be stopped so the future R-1 water does not have high salinity. The entire sewer system needs a concerted review and replacement of force mains and pump stations. Chair Bennett said he wanted to acknowledge the steps and progress DEM has made in this regard. Improving the quality of the R-1 water by reducing the salt water inflow is a major objective, as the water would be more useable. The public needs to understand that everyone would benefit from an efficient collection system and successful reuse system. The commission could put together an educational piece on this and provide it to the department for editing, tailoring, and dissemination to the public. People take sewers for granted, and there are challenges being faced in regards to the rise in sea level and increased nutrients. A strong public constituency is needed to address these challenges. Vice Chair Olson said it comes down to the cost for property owners to connect. Most people he has spoken to said they simply do not have the money. The state or county should create a revolving loan fund to help out. As the state has more leverage with federal money, it should come through them. Director Kucharski said using SRF funds has been discussed, but there are side issues such as who will be the bank and what to do if or when payments are defaulted upon. DEM has trouble with people not paying their monthly $18 sewer fee, so having them pay a higher monthly loan to connect is not likely to happen, meaning that defaults can be expected. Further discussion was held on financial ways to help people connect. Chair Bennett felt that to be successful, there needs to be a source of grant funds or cheap loans. Director Kucharski said several sources have been explored, including HUD, which has a loan program for low income people, and the USDA Office of Rural Development, which has a sewer connection fund, and there are other options. He believes it is not a matter of people not knowing they should connect, but knowing they should and deciding they can’t or won’t. Chair Bennett and Vice Chair Olson wanted to ask Councilmember Matt Kanealii- Kleinfelder, who was present, to speak. However, Ms. Mellon-Lacey said having him speak was not on the agenda, meaning the public was not given notice. Vice Chair Olson said the future agendas should have the councilmember listed as an item, so if he can make the meeting they can have dialog, and Chair Bennett agreed.