2016-05-25 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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Sue Aronson shared information on the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant (KWWTP). - She was a member of a task force in years past that urged the county to put in an R-1 treatment system. She feels that the R-1 upgrade is urgent and questioned why it has not been considered a priority and is just now being accomplished. - Commissioner Bennett noted that he has worked with Ms. Aronson on a focus group that was organized to deal with county wastewater issues and shared his support and appreciation for Ms. Aronson. 5. CORRESPONDENCE/REPORTS/DISCUSSION: ■ Director's Report (attached to original minutes): WASTEWATER DIVISION - Kealakehe WWTP: o The inclusion of mauka storage tanks will require additional pump stations. o Commissioner Bennett suggested the county use a conservative approach like California and not charge for the R-1 water usage. o The director indicated a fee schedule will be discussed when the R-1 is ready to go. o Anticipated R-1 users are County P&R, Honokohau Harbor, Regional Park and Queen Lili'uokalani Trust. o It is conceivable but not probable that the WWTP site could be expanded. The State DLNR and DHHL own the land beyond the buffer which includes the burial site of King Kamehameha I and there are Hawaiian archeology sites in the area. SOLID WASTE DIVISION - No additional updates ■ Commission Member District Update Reports—includes information obtained from meetings with council members and district residents since the last commission meeting District 1: Commissioner Neff requested a site visit to the Papaikou Transfer Station. The Director indicated the department would furnish a site map of the transfer station to the commissioners for further discussion. District 6: Commissioner Bennett indicated he planned to attend the community meeting on the Na`alehu WWTP. District 8: Commissioner Fear shared his support for Bill 140 and noted that KWWTP project needs to be completed so the department can move forward on other projects. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Discussion and Recommendation of Bill 204 Relating to Public Education for reduction of polystyrene foam disposable food service containers The director indicated she did not support Bill 204 as it was not an added tool for Bill 140 but rather proposed education instead of reduction of polystyrene food service containers. Commissioner Trina Nahm-Mijo made a motion to provide a recommendation of No Support to the council. Commissioner Bennett seconded the motion and it passed unanimously with members present: Fritz, Bennett, Fear,Nahm-Mijo,Neff and Osborne voting yes. Discussion and Recommendation of Bill 140 Draft 2 which amends Chapter 20 of the HCC by adding a new article relating to reduction of polystyrene foam "Styrofoam" food containers and service ware The Director informed the commission that Councilmember Wille was preparing a Draft 3 of this bill. She also indicated that research has shown that the increased cost of using"Styrofoam"food containers is minimal. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer