2017-11-28 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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Motion and vote: Commissioner Fear nominated Vice Chair Bennett to be chair and Commissioner Olson to be vice chair. Commissioner Osborne seconded the motion, and all members present voted aye. f. Tentative 2018 meeting schedule. The tentative 2018 schedule was passed out to the commissioners. Vice Chair Bennett asked if there were any comments on the schedule. Commissioner Fear said his term was ending in December, and Ms. Wong told him and Commissioner Vidgen that though their terms were to end in December, they could stay on for another 90 days or until someone else is appointed in their districts. Deputy Director Noda said a press release would be going out, asking County-wide for people to apply for positions on boards and commissions. The application form is also on the Mayor’s website. Vice Chair Bennett asked if DEM could put out a press release regarding the EMC’s vacancies and seeking interested people by district. Director Kucharski said yes, and the release would indicate which districts are open. Vice Chair Bennett said it would be good if the release says there is no technical or previous experience required to be a commissioner, just a commitment to help the County and to show up. Director Kucharski said they would get it out. He also had spoken to several people and asked them to apply, but so far there has been no success. (1) Director’s request for a meeting date before January 19, 2018. Ms. Wong said that the request was being withdrawn. They would have the regular January meeting, then the limited meeting for the site visit, and then adjourn. They could do the site visit meeting after the regular meeting. 6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE a. Director’s Report. Director Kucharski summarized the letter from Dr. Pressler of the Department of Health, dated November 15, 2017, which was part of their packet. Her letter was in response to the EMC’s letter to the DOH on its concerns about wastewater discharge in Kealakehe. To summarize, it was a “thank you very much, but this is well out of our area of ability to modify” letter, and it would take a full EPA movement to make it happen, but we’re with you and will work with you. Vice Chair Bennett said that was a good summation of the letter. Director Kucharski said he agrees that getting a national standard changed would take full action from the EPA—it is a headquarters issue. There would need to be studies done to show the necessity, efficacy, and basis for the rule change. There would need to be a scientific basis for the modifications needed. 8