2018-10-24 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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Commissioner Gaffney said it would also be complicated because of the connections between the EPA, the state DOH, and the county. They will need to look at what Kauaʻi has done and talk to their council people and others who pushed for this, see why they wanted it, how they did it, and how it is working. This research should be done before making any recommendation about our own county. Director Kucharski said there is a water reuse working group that was set up by the last legislative session, and he is a member. They had a meeting yesterday on this subject. Many questions were raised, and a report is going to go to the legislature in November on graywater use. He learned several things, including that R-1 water cannot be used to wash down boats at the harbor because it would be an illegal discharge of R-1 water into the ocean. There are many nuances on this issue. The report should be out in early to mid- November, and he will provide it to the commissioners once it has been finalized. Chair Bennett said this is an issue the EMC should stay on top of, as the potential is so huge. d. Brief introduction and recommendation for a policy and motions tracking process for the Commission. Chair Bennett explained that the thought occurred to him recently that they have no method to keep track of what motions the EMC has passed and whether any action was taken. He went through all the on-line minutes, pulled out all the motions, and listed them on a spreadsheet (he passed around the spreadsheet). He has asked Commissioner Gaffney to keep the list updated and to bring any matter back to the EMC’s attention if it required a response and there was none, and Commissioner Gaffney seemed to think it was a good idea for creating continuity and accountability. Commissioner Neff said this would make a huge difference, as when she came on board she didn’t know what she was coming into. She had requested a visit to her transfer station long ago, and it never happened. Chair Bennett said when he stepped into a leadership position on the EMC it was his goal, and still is, that what they do will be significant. It may be controversial or not popular, but they are here to represent the public’s interest and to have oversight and make recommendations. Having a continuity of history is important, and it was in that spirit he did this. Discussion was held on how to track motions, requests, and recommendations. With Director Kucharski’s approval, it was requested that the secretary continue the tracking, as she does the minutes. She will update the list upon the completion of minutes and send it to Commissioner Gaffney, who can bring up outstanding items at meetings. 6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE Director’s Informational Report.