2004-04-27 Water Board Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Keehne stated that there is no rule of thumb for them to apply as far as numbers. The community has only indicated it is higher. In the final plan, it will probably be an across - the -board percentage, keeping in mind the number of lots that are in particular areas that are available, which is driving the projection growth because no zoning change is required. She did not feel it changes the next couple of steps that have to happen. What would impact the schedule is how much water is there when the well is drilled. Mr. Wilkins pointed out, from experience, that fiberoptics needs no electricity in the ground. As it is branched off to users, electricity is applied at the surface so there is no electrical hazard between fiberoptic and water pipes. He is also troubled with State Highways continually barring any attempt to put pipelines along their right -of -way, and yet the Board never hears any direct feedback from them. Mr. Kawamura stated that he contacted the State Highways division in Hilo and was referred to their right -of -way branch on Oahu regarding their policy on charging for utility easements. He got no response to his letters; but upon calling, was told that they would take each project on a case -by -case basis. Ms. Scarr reiterated her past suggestion of inviting the Director of the State Highways Department to a Water Board Meeting. Mr. Levin mentioned there needs to be an understanding that Townscape is a private consultant that does not have the authority to demand something of the Director of State Highways, but felt the question can be directed to him to the extent that the County or Mayor's office can be of assistance and will try to help the consultant get the information. RECESS: Mr. Tanaka moved for a 5- minute recess. Recess 11:28 a.m. to 11:33 a.m. Chairman Nakashima opened the floor for more public statements or questions of Townscape. Mr. Nitsche addressed the cost of the pipeline, which they feel is overpriced. They have been told by one of the largest contractors in the State that the waterline, turnkey, can be put in for $400,000 or less per mile (total length is almost eight miles) in a trench, covered up according to current specifications. There has been information from other contractors about highway right -of -way work with State Highways by going through State representatives to make a more practical approach at it instead of hard and fast rules. They feel they can be fact - finders and aid the County in getting this off the ground instead of "hear- say." He reiterated that all they are looking for is a source of water in their community and understand they will have to pay to bring it to their houses. Their idea is a Phase 1, from the existing line, come to South Point tank (only 2.3 miles) and a tank (way up the hill). It is not that big a project, but it would cut the problem in half for the haulers to be able to haul water from South Point instead of from Na`alehu. Phase 2 would be bringing the pipeline down the highway in the trench with the fiberoptics. He added that communications from [Sandwich Isles] indicate their thought to change the route to passing Pahala instead has not been set in concrete). Cutting the ditch is the biggest part of the project, so if this could happen, it would cut the cost way down. Mr. Nitsche also asked about the test well at the highway level and was informed that Mr. Tribble would be covering that a little later in the meeting. He felt that coming up into Ocean View is more expensive. It would mean more depth to drill, bringing a 3 -phase Page 8 of 25 4- 27 -04min (Ocean View).doc