2025-02-11 Emergency Proclamation Relating to Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant

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C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor William V. Brilhante, Jr. Managing Director Merrick Nishimoto Deputy Managing Director County of Hawaii - Office of the :'Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Phone (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 Phone (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION RELATING TO HILO WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT WHEREAS, Chapter 127A Hawai'i Revised Statutes ("HRS"), provides for the establishment of County organizations for emergency management and disaster relief with the Mayor having direct responsibility and authority over emergency management within the County; and WHEREAS, HRS Chapter 127A and Chapter 7, Articles 1 and 2 of the Hawaii County Code, establishes a Civil Defense Agency within the County of Hawaii and prescribes its powers, duties, and responsibilities, and Section 13-23 of the Hawaii County Charter empowers the Mayor of the County to declare emergencies; and WHEREAS, the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant was constructed in 1994 and is the only major municipal treatment facility serving the sewered areas within the District of South Hilo, County of Hawaii; and WHEREAS, the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant (hereinafter referred to as "Plant") serves and treats domestic and commercial wastewater generated by approximately 30,000 residents, businesses and visitors; and WHEREAS, the Hawaii Department of Health issued NPDES Permit No. H10021377 for the Plant, effective on May 1, 2020; and WHEREAS, NPDES Permit No. H10021377 authorizes the County of Hawaii to discharge secondary treated wastewater through Outfall Serial No. 001 into the Pacific Ocean through a diffuser located within Puhi Bay in the District of South Hilo; and WHEREAS, the advanced age of the Plant combined with deferred maintenance, plant location, and environmental conditions, have resulted in significant corrosion, deterioration, and disrepair of the Plant and its associated infrastructure; and WHEREAS, the Plant's associated infrastructure, including but not limited to sewer pump stations, force mains, portable pumps, and the collection system, which contribute to the conveyance of wastewater to the Plant, also have deficiencies; and WHEREAS, should failure of this critical infrastructure occur, it would pose an imminent risk of raw sewage spillage, endangering public health and safety; and County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.