2017-09-27 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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o Been in conversation with Keith Okamoto from Department of Water Supply (DWS) to see if they have any requirements to have water re-use. Per DWS, it’s occasionally required on bigger developments where they have irrigation needs, they are required to use brackish water to reduce usage of potable water. Would like to have a discussion with Planning and DPW to see if can make it a requirement for new facilities to install purple pipe. Commissioner Bennett informed the Commission that City and County of Honolulu has a program like this. It would be beneficial if people in charge of that program could come and speak to the Commission and possibly County Council. Director Kucharski will contact his counterpart on Oahu to work out the details. Commissioner Bennett will also get contact information. o We’re moving forward with the land acquisition and designs for Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala. Public hearing for Pāhala will be in December. Nā‘ālehu public hearing will be in the spring. Has quarterly meetings with EPA on the progress of both projects. o Continuing meetings for the Lono Kona Project. This will be the first sewer improvement district that we have done. Working on getting an extension from the Department of Agriculture on the grant. Project was supposed to be complete by September 2018, however will be closer to December 2019. o Kealakehe WWTP upgrade and maintenance on the pond liner are continuing. The full process should be completed by mid-October. o Looking at upgrading sewage pump stations. o SWD has new requirements for their drivers. Currently working with the Union to ensure we get the right people to carry these licenses. Therefore currently not able to fill the vacant positions permanently. o We have a right of entry agreement for predator control at Kealakehe WWTP to protect the endangered birds. Primary predators caught are mongoose, feral cats and cattle egrets. Have been in discussion with animal rights groups regarding feral cats on how to trap them in a humane way and to neuter/spay. o Residential collection for used motor oil has stopped recently due to facility on Maui being shut down. Working with HELCO to see if they can process the oil so we don’t have to ship off-island. Businesses have their own process of disposing of used motor oil. o Commissioner Bennett asked about the abandoned vehicle program. Director Kucharski reported the program continues to work however it includes multiple departments so the process is longer. The AV Program cannot tow a vehicle until they receive a report from Police. Process is for Police to ticket the vehicle, wait 24 hours, if vehicle is still there a report is sent to their headquarters, gets processed there then sent to our AV program. Once the AV program receives the report, they have 72 hours to send the tow request to the contractors who then in turn have 72 hours to remove the vehicle. Director Kucharski will send the AV procedures to the Commissioners. o Commissioner Vidgen asked about tires. Director Kucharski reported it’s a special issue because we are not allowed to dispose of it at our facilities. The law is set up for businesses who sell tires, charge a fund and in turn need to take back the old tires and dispose of them. Collected tires during Dengue outbreak but was because Department received funding. Commissioner Vidgen reported there’s a large pile of tires off Māmalahoa Highway so will send the location to the Director. Director Kucharski will have someone look in to it and see what can be done. o Discussed with Mayor about full litter program. Currently researching other state litter laws to look at their language. Will keep Commission updated. b. Commission Member District Update Reports: o District 4: Commissioner Olson reported that he’s been working with his Council Member on a point of purchase collection fees, staring with the larger items. Fees will be for items 6