2017-08-23 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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Commissioner Osborne stated this topic was brought forward during the previous administration and Council was opposed to it. However, this is a different era so hopefully things can change. Commissioner Osborne would like to request that as Director Kucharski goes along is journey of discussions, if he could come back to the Commission with things they can do that will be effective. Commission Chair Fritz stated he will draft the letter and have it ready for review at the next meeting. 6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE: a. Director's Report (attached to original minutes): o The Wastewater Division (WWD) is making progress on the Pahala & Na`alehu LCC project. Properties have been identified and will be going to landowners regarding purchase of the properties. The Pahala property may have to be a condemnation because it's owned by Kamehameha Schools and they are not allowed to sell property. Progressing with the preliminary designs for both facilities. o We are working with USDA on the Lono Kona Sewer project. The preliminary design is out and under review. Will have more information at the next meeting. Commissioner Fear asked for clarification on where Lono Kona is. Director Kucharski stated it's the area in downtown Kona between Kuakini and Alii Drive. It will be about a mile of sewer that will go to Kealakehe. o WWD will be upgrading and replacing the cast iron pipes in the Hilo and Kona areas. Will be upgrading the piping system that collapsed by the King Kamehameha Hotel. The division was able to find funding for this. However if we can bundle all these together as one package there is a possibility that we could receive SRF funds. Currently working with the State on this. Cast iron pipes will be replaced with PVC. o Modifications and repairs at Kealakehe WWTP remain ongoing. The new contractor is in place, as the original contractor went bankrupt. Traveler's was responsible for fmding the new contractor. Only additional cost to the County was having the construction manager onsite for this extended period of time. Commission Chair Fritz asked where the sludge goes. Director Kucharski stated the sludge is dewatered then transported to the Pu'uanahulu Landfill for disposal. o The Solid Waste Division (SWD) is proceeding with the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill closure. o Greg Goodale, SWD Chief will provide an update on the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (ISWMP) at the October meeting. The SWMP will look at increasing the tipping fees. He will also discuss the new road our trucks will take when hauling rubbish from East Hawai`i to West Hawai`i. o Still in the process of revising the compost facility contract with Hawaiian Earth Recycling Looking at sites and getting a contractor on board to do the EA's for alternate locations for the facility. o There is continued activity with abandoned vehicles because of the scrap metal price. The County pays $680.00 to dispose a vehicle, excluding the towing cost. Commissioner Olson stated it doesn't seem like the fee on our registration isn't enough. Director Kucharski stated there is sufficient money to deal with vehicles, but there are also other expenses associated with that. Right now there is not a need to increase the fee. Commissioner Fear asked who the metal salvage contractors are in East Hawai`i and West Hawai`i. Director Kucharski stated he believes it's only one (1) contractor for the whole island but will double check and report back at the next meeting. 3