2012-03-28 Minutes Environmental Management Commission

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4. Environmental and socioeconomic feasibility • The report looked primarily at the use of constructed wetlands as the method of leachate treatment in a proposed new or expanded landfill and compared that method of disposing East Hawai'i's solid waste to utilizing the Pu`uanahulu landfill for all of the island's waste disposal needs. • The report is now available at the www.hawaiizerowaste.ora website. • The department welcomes all comments and suggestions as it reviews the report in more detail in the coming months. Discussion of Japanese Marine Tsunami Debris: What is the County doing about it? - Deputy Director Bishop offered the following information: • A list of the current informational websites was distributed and is attached to the original minutes. • There have been no confirmed sightings at either Midway Island or Hawaii. • The debris is predicted to reach land in Hawaii in 2014. • Much of the debris has already sunk and the remainder is being mixed with other ocean debris dispersing widely. • National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the lead governmental agency. • The county will be coordinating with NOAA and following the County Disaster Debris and Emergency Plans as it has done with past disasters. Civil Defense is the County's lead agency. • Clean-up efforts will be coordinated with Civil Defense and other appropriate county agencies. • No harmful radioactive materials or human remains are expected. • Residents are requested to treat any personal items found with respect and report the findings to authorities. • The threat of receiving debris is very real and the County is prepared. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Pua Pump Station Tour — May 23, 2012 • Sewer Rate Study presentation relating to the findings. • Sewer Connection Waiver /Exemption Policy Update to include expected date of implement. • Subcommittee report on Commission Mission and Goals revision • Report on Available Grants for Department 9. MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS May 23, 2012, Hilo, Puna Conf Room — County Bldg. (Room 1501), Hilo, HI July 25, 2012, Waimea, Keck Observatory 65 -1120 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, HI September 26, 2012, Kona Liquor Control Conference Room, Bldg. B, 2nd Floor, Kailua -Kona, HI November 28, 2012, Hilo, Puna Conf Room — County Bldg. (Room 1501), Hilo, HI 10. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Lim moved to adjourn. Commissioner Lee seconded and it passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.