2020-06-24 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Fulton asked questions about the Kailua Pier leak, the possible causes of the algae blooms, what happens when salinity spikes are found at the pump stations, and whether high chloride levels suggest infiltration of seawater and exfiltration of raw sewage. She has concerns about swimmers not being informed soon enough about potential contamination. Director Kucharski clarified that DEM has the obligation to inform DOH of any release into waters of the state, and DOH has the obligation of posting the information. She said there is weakness in the notification system, as DOH does not seem to always get the word out to the public. She knows everyone is doing their job, but as a frequent swimmer in Kailua Bay, she would appreciate the pollution information being publicly posted as soon as possible. Commissioner Adams said this area did not seem to be within the commission’s purview, although they could perhaps write a letter to DOH about it, and Commissioner Cardwell said it in their purview, because wastewater is part of what they deal with. She asked if DEM could request that DOH warn the public quickly when there are these pollution events, and Director Kucharski explained that DOH has their standards. They do testing, and if water quality standards are violated, it is reported and posted. There are many sources of pollution, and they can’t post something they think might be a problem, as that would be subjective. DOH has its authority and responsibility, and DEM will follow whatever requirements DOH places upon them. DOH could use a lot more help than they have. He is at a loss on how to fix the notification problem when 90% of the time it is not really a problem. Commissioner Gaffney said he still did not have answers to his very specific questions. His first question had to do with whether DEM had identified any leaks in the county sewer lines between the corner of Kuakini and Palani to the King Kamehameha lift station. Another question was whether there are known leaks in the county sewer system between the King Kamehameha lift station and Royal Kona Resort. He and his constituents want to know whether or not the county knows of any leaks in their system and whether or not the county knows if there are any leaks in the laterals connecting to their system. Director Kucharski said he had answered Commissioner Gaffney three times on his questions. The answer is no, DEM is not aware of any leaks in that system. As to whether they have monitored every foot of that collection system, he had answered no, and he informed them today that monitoring is on a three-year cycle. Regarding the laterals, he said no, they do not know whether there are leaks, and they do not have the authority currently to go up those laterals. Commissioner Gaffney said this was the first time he believed he had answers to any of his specific questions. Further discussion was held about being able to check private laterals and having the owners repair leaks. Commissioner Gaffney said he reached out to DLNR’s Boating Division about the Kailua Pier restroom, as there had been community discussion about a leak there. According to DLNR, there was no leak or violation, and they made no report to DOH. There has been a high degree 10