2017-07-26 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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how many are similar to the one on Ali`i Drive; similar meaning cast iron and in the ground for over 50 years. There are about eight or nine sections of lines in Hilo and Kona. The cost to repair these pipes will cost about $15 million. A presentation was made to the Mayor regarding these fixes. We are looking at how to proceed and move this project forward. The WWD is short engineers so looking at how to get more. Our engineer's average four to seven projects each, while Public Works Engineers only have one project each. The problem has existed for many years, but we're trying to fix it now. We need to replace pump stations in Kona as they are 20 — 30 years old. Dr. Bennett asked if when Ali`i Drive is redone, will it have the capacity for Kuakini since there is no system there now. Director Kucharski stated he will need to check the plan to see if it's already included in there. Mr. Vidgen asked if the Department is looking at doing things correctly on the mountain side as well. Director Kucharski stated the long view answer is yes. The short view answer is that the shoreline needs to be looked at and dealt with now. o The Department is proceeding with Na`alehu and Pahala. We are trying to get the property purchased and continue on the design of the treatment systems. The system is designed for anticipated growth in Na`alehu and Pahala. Dr. Bennett asked what kind of capacity. Director Kucharski stated he doesn't have the number right now but will get that answer for the next meeting. Archaeological study has been done for Na`alehu and Pahala, and will be included in the Environmental Assessment. o Dr. Bennett stated he doesn't see anything in the Director's Report, but would like to bring up that he has been hearing good reports that DLNR is cooperating to sewer Honokohau Harbor. Director Kucharski there is a meeting tomorrow regarding the project. The sewer line will be extended to Hina Lani Street. There is also discussion of Honokohau using our R-1 water to wash down the boats. o The Solid Waste Division (SWD) is proceeding with plans for the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill (SHSL) closure. Mr. Fear asked if there is any update on the trucking of trash. Director Kucharski stated nothing has changed. Once SHSL closes, there will be eight trucks a day going over to the west side. There will be a spare road coming down from Daniel K. Inouye Highway to just before Kealakehe to avoid the Waikoloa area. o SWD is progressing with negotiations with Hawaiian Earth Recycling. SWD is looking at an alternative location away from the Pana`ewa area and will soon be proceeding with the Environmental Assessment. b. Commission Member District Update Reports: o District 4: Mr. Olson stated a ground breaking will be scheduled the middle or end of next month for the new shopping center in downtown Pahoa. The County has set aside money for our Regional Town Center, so hoping will get a consultant for that real soon. They will look at how to deal with the increased traffic that comes in. The bins continue to be an issue as they can't be emptied fast enough, particularly in Pahoa and Volcano. Kea'au has gotten a little better. When the recycling plan was done for Kea` au Transfer Station, there was supposedly 5 acres set aside for a greenwaste facility. Director Kucharski stated a greenwaste facility is in the budget, so he will need to look in to it. o District 8: Mr. Fear stated we still need to work on getting better signs for wastewater. We need to step up as a community and start recycling. Kona highway is coming along. Need to take care of 1 8 million gallons of untreated water going to Kealakehe. 4