2018-04-25 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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bills were on funding, increasing, and extending tax credits for people converting from cesspools. Director Kucharski reported on questions that came up at the last meeting: - The ponds at the Kealakehe WWTP are 56 feet above sea level. There is a 10 to 15-foot buffer between the bottom of the ponds and groundwater. - The Planning Department will do a presentation on the rise in sea level impacts at the EMC’s June 27, 2018, meeting in Hilo. - Regarding the salt intrusion problem in Kona, he received some updated reports, which were handed out, from the Wastewater Division. There is a bill to allow counties to enter private property which is sewered to do inflow and infiltration testing and force owners to repair their lines if there is too much salt water coming into the system. - Regarding R-1 water, they are in the preliminary design phase. Once they’re out, they will get detailed designs. They are looking at having water which is not used go through the UV system prior to discharge, and he expects that to require an NPDES permit. He believes that at some point the DOH will require water upgraded to R-1 to have NPDES permits because of the Maui decision. It is not a promise but a prediction. - Regarding statistics on how many abandoned vehicles have been towed, a report had been handed out. Vice Chair Olson noted that in terms of local pricing and interest, the figures correlate exactly with what he knows about what the local scrap guys are doing. Director Kucharski said he has provided Councilmember O’Hara draft bill language to allow towing from private ungated subdivisions. - Regarding the discharge former Commissioner Fear was concerned about, Dr. Bennett has located where it is. They are in the process of trying to get the state out to sample the area. - Regarding the Keauhou regional study, he received some information from Planning and had it handed out. Regarding greenwaste, Director Kucharski said they have issued a press release on the fact that the greenwaste from East Hawaiʻi has been treated and is enhanced mulch. A majority of the vectors, such as coquis and fire ants, have been destroyed. The west side of the island, due to its dryness, appears to have few vectors. The mulch on both sides appears to be vector free. The EPA will have people coming over next month for an asset management program. They will be looking at the Wastewater Division’s equipment and lines and getting information on the funding that goes into repairs and maintenance to see if things are properly covered. He can provide more information on this at the next meeting. 12