2020-06-24 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Discussion: Commissioner Fulton said the clarification Commissioner Gaffney provided on her motion to send a letter requesting that private entities be invited to discuss a public- private partnership for wastewater treatment at Kealakehe did not get included in the revised motion. In discussing how to correct this, it was determined that she could amend or clarify the motion when the subject was discussed again at today’s meeting. Chair Pequeño said a correction was needed on page 9, first paragraph, where it should say “at this time” rather than “as this time.” Motion, second, and vote: Commissioner Gaffney moved to approve the minutes as corrected by Chair Pequeño, Commissioner Burns seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted aye. 3. STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIR Chair Pequeño encouraged the commissioners to follow the news on the County of Hawaiʻi vs Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, as it is an important topic with far reaching impacts for the island, the government, businesses, and even individuals. He thanked them for keeping up with safe practices in regard to the coronavirus, as the island and state are doing better than many others. Lastly, his hope is that DEM and EMC can engage in difficult conversations together and do what is right and pono. 4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS Chair Pequeño noted that Sandra Demoruelle had provided written testimony and indicated she prefers to testify earlier. Sandra Demoruelle: Regarding the Nāālehu and Pāhala ʻwastewater projects, she was astonished to see there was no mention in the director’s report of the federal lawsuit that was filed on April 6, which is challenging the adequacy of the EA and requiring an EIS be done. However, she is really concerned because the sewage lines are as defective as they were back in 2007. The markings are on the road where the lines are to go, but they never got put in. People in Nāālehu and Pāhala areʻ seeing sewer leaks in their yards, on the ground, and into the drainage canals that go out to the sea. It looks like it will be past 2027 before the lines get put in. The leaks get patched up, but it will not be satisfactory for much longer. She thanked Commissioner McIntosh for stepping up to serve on the commission. Jerome Warren: Regarding water shut-off for non-payment of sewer bills, gang cesspools are illegal under federal law. People who are on them must not be threatened to have their water shut off, and Hawaiʻi County should be investigated for malfeasance surrounding the Nāālehu sewer project. For future agenda items, abandoned vehicles should ʻ be listed. The registered owner of the vehicle should be made to pay the towing charge. If the owner does not pay, then the DMV should not allow the renewal of their vehicle registration until the towing charge is paid, and they should be charged an administrative fee. He would 2