2020-06-24 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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of vandalism in their toilets statewide, and it also was determined there was sand in the system. Though it is a state agency, at some point it hooks up to a county pipe, so at some point the sewage also becomes the responsibility of the county. This area is of great concern, as it is used by thousands of people. It is an area of special interest, and there needs to be constant coordination between the state and county agencies to ensure there aren’t problems causing deterioration of the water quality. In addition, due to the constant assault upon the old sewer pipes on Aliʻi Drive, he would urge they be reviewed more frequently than every three years. The same may be true for the sewer system in Keaukaha. Chair Pequeño moved on to agenda item 7f. f. Status of the East Hawaiʻi Organics Facility (requested by Commissioner Cardwell). Director Kucharski said they are continuing to work with Hawaiian Earth Recycling on finalizing the design and moving forward on the facility. Commissioner Cardwell asked whether the land had been procured, and Director Kucharski said the site has been identified and paperwork is going on between the county and Shipman. Commissioner Cardwell asked if the timeframe was still to finish by the end of the year, and Director Kucharski said it was actually supposed to open in July. The timeframe is difficult to know now, with the coronavirus situation and permitting being held up. g. Status of coronavirus in wastewater (requested by Commissioner Fulton). It is known that shedding the virus can be measured in wastewater. Hawaiʻi County has not done any testing on this, but Oahu did 14 to 15 tests, which all came back with the virus as non-detectable. Given the low number of infections on this island and the limited sewering, it is not certain what the cost benefit ratio will be. If there is a second wave of infections, it may need be considered. h. Status of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Maui permit requirements. This was discussed under agenda item 5b. Commissioner Cardwell asked if they were going to discuss the question Sandra Demoruelle had emailed regarding the current schedule for the Nāālehu project and the ʻ director’s report. Ms. Mellon-Lacey said it could be placed on the next agenda, so that people would know it was going to be discussed. Ms. Cardwell said she did want it included on the next agenda. Chair Pequeño took the meeting back to agenda item 5 (Unfinished Business) c. 11