2002-10-23 Enviromental Management Commission Minutes

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NORTH KONA IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT: Proposed ordinance has not been agendized at council. NEW SEWER USER FEES: Denial of previous rate increase requests over the past 5 years, project postponements due to staffing, and equipment replacement projects totaling approximately $10 million over the next 5 years will require significant sewer ratBoucher will present budget at next meeting for commission concurrence. PROPOSED SEWER EXTENSIONS: Both Komohana Heights and Queen Lili`uokalani Subdivision extensions have been approved by the Mayor and forwarded to Council for consideration. Design monies will be requested from the Mayor. KEALAKEHE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT O&M INSPECTION: The unacceptable rating given by the Department of Health at their July 10, 2002 inspection was due to delays in constructing effluent reuse projects. Some options to remedy this rating would be development of a golf course, wetlands project, more users, or upgrading to the R-1 level. The next step in developing the wetlands project is finding money to construct a pilot scale facility. An environmental assessment will also be needed. While there has been a hold on in proceeding with the wetlands project is insufficient staffingand having to prioritize projects due to staff availability. Boucher and Bell will work to resolve the staffing issue. Bell suggested that the Frankel made a motion commission could furnish a letter of support for resolving staffing issues. to authorize the Chair to work with the Director to draft a letter to the MayorÓs Office, stressing the importance of resolving the position vacancies, and to address the incomplete effluent reuse issues from the Kealakehe Treatment Plant that have resulted in an unacceptable rating from the Department of Health. Asato seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. Action concerning Addendum to the ISWMP : Discussed in Item #5, DirectorÓs Report. Discussion and Approval of Ordinance relating to Increase in Tipping Fees : Discussed in Item #5, Solid Waste Division ChiefÓs Report. Discussion and Approval of Ordinance relating to Increase in Sewer User Fees : Discussed in Item #5, Wastewater Division ChiefÓs Report. Discussion and Approval of Sewer Connection Exemptions : Discussed in Item # 5, Wastewater Division ChiefÓs Report. NEW BUSINESS 7. Corporation Counsel Opinion on sewer connection exemptions : Deferred to next meeting. . Discussion and Approval of Resolution authorizing Kalanianaole Phase II Collector Sewer DHHL is awarding 11 lots on Nene Street in Keaukaha. DHHL completed an environmental assessment and DOH approved individual wastewater systems. It is a critical area served by the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant and septic use will negatively affect coastal water quality. The Director and Wastewater Division Chief concurred and strongly recommended, by letter to the -4-