2017-03-31 Letter to Jill Tokuda re HB 1244 HD1 SD 1 re Relating to cesspools

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WilOkabe Managing Director Harry Kim Mayor Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director County of Hawai‘i Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 (808) 323-4444Fax (808) 323-4440 March 31, 2017 Senator Jill N. Tokuda, Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawai'iState Captiol Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Tokuda and members: RE:HB 1244, HD1, SD1 Relating to Cesspools Thank you for this opportunity to testify against HB 1244, HD1, SD1. I know the bill is well intended, but it is unnecessary, and it is contrary to our efforts to find a way 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 or 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. If the Legislature wishes to offer financial incentives to install septic or other treatment systems, by all means do so, but please do not outlaw cesspools, even if the prohibition does not take effect until 2050. County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.