2017-03-16 Letter to Rosalyn H. Baker and Mike Gabbard re HB 1244, HD1 relating to cesspools

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Harry Kim Mayor Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director V-41UUN of 'Fatual"i (Joffixr of for Anpr 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720. • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 . Fax (808) 323-4440 March 16, 2017 Senator Rosalyn H. Baker, Chair Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Hawai'i State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair Committee on Agriculture and Environment Hawai'i State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chairs Baker and Gabbard, and Members: RE: HB 1244,HD1 Relating to Cesspools Thank you for this opportunity to testify against Part II of HB 1244. 1 know the bill is well intended, but the abolition of cesspools is unnecessary and it is contrary to our efforts to make housing more affordable. Yes, I realize that Hawaii has changed and we are now in the 21st century, but those of us who grew up in ancient times know that some of the old practices, while not entirely compatible with modern thought, are nevertheless environmentally sound and do not need to be discarded. As a prime example, in Hawaii County we have literally thousands of lots on which cesspools pose absolutely no hazard to groundwater nor any risk of pollution. Many of these lots may represent the best hope for current and future Hawaii residents to live in a dwelling rather than on the street. I recently directed my departments to do everything in their power to figure out how to bring down the cost of housing. If we were to require septic tanks in areas where cesspools should be acceptable, we immediately would be adding $10,000-$20,000 to the cost of every dwelling, with no environmental benefit whatsoever. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.