2018-09-26 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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a thorn in the side of the Hāmākua Coast, especially the Pāpaō ʽikou and Pepeʽeke communities, because of the burning that will take place. A hundred massive truckloads of wood will be making the long trek over from Pāhala each day, going up through Volcano, down through Keaō. There are so many negative things ʻau, into Hilo, and out to Pepeʽeke about this energy plant, and people are concerned. Commissioner Neff questioned how effective it would be to talk about Hū Honua with the EMC today, as she is not sure the EMC is the right commission to speak to. Chair Bennett asked if an EIS was done, and Commissioner Neff said no. Director Kucharski said it is exempt from an EIS. Commissioner Neff said 300,000 tons of green gas emissions per year will be carried by the trade winds. The hundred truckloads per day of logs from Pāhala will impact the roads. 21 million gallons per day will be drawn from the Hakalau aquifer every day for the next 30 years. They are seeking a permit to dispose of 21 million gallons of contaminated water back into the ground. Injection wells are close to the cliffs at Pepeō, and the ʽeke ocean water and marine life will be destroyed. Scientists have been finding that injection wells are responsible for some earthquakes. Her community is calling for a public hearing. They are looking for public input and want to have a say on what is happening. There are so many levels to the project, and people are very concerned. She said this is the short version of her presentation, since the EMC may not be the right commission to hear it. Chair Bennett said the permit is being issued by the Clean Water Branch and will be under federal government authority. Therefore, she could appeal to the Region 9 EPA if there is a belief the permit is not being managed appropriately. However, the EMC cannot do much on this matter. Commissioner Neff thanked everyone for listening and for their suggestions. 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Gaffney said he wanted a presentation on the process of creating a special improvement district for sewers, and Chair Bennett asked if he had anyone in mind. Commissioner Gaffney asked if the Director could do so, and Director Kurcharski said it is generally handled by Finance. He could request the Finance Director to send someone to do that at an upcoming meeting. There is a process that takes place, and he can show the EMC the process they went through for the Lono Kona district, and try to get someone on the financial side. There are special rules and a full process required for improvement districts. Commissioner Pequeño said he would like a report on how the meetings and discussions went with the Charter Commission. Commissioner Gaffney said that during Chair Bennett’s presentation he had mentioned that other counties had gotten the DOH out of the loop. He would like to discuss that as a possible recommendation down the line. It would give the County more flexibility