2018-11-28 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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Chair Bennett noted the monetary aspects were not articulated, and Vice Chair Olson said they were undefined and that the bill gives the director the opportunity to look at what the costs related to these functions are, as they do not show up in the budget. This is the intent of the bill. Director Kucharski explained what DEM already is required to do, and does, regarding feral animals, and how it came out of having to do predator control because of endangered birds at the Kealakehe WWTP. Commission Fulton said that speaking as a citizen as well as a commissioner, there are serious health issues relating to feral cats. The toxoplasmosis they can carry is a serious risk to pregnant woman, and there are other health issues that tie into the control of feral cats. The DOH may need to raise its sensitivity to this. Chair Bennett said that at this point, he could not support Bill 192, Draft 3. He appreciates the concern about the problem, but the bill does not offer any workable solution to it. Vice Chair Olson asked if they have the option of taking no action on the bill, and Director Kucharski said if EMC takes no action, it would be considered non-support of the bill. Vice Chair Olson said that as in all things, the solution is money. However, DEM is already fulfilling many of the things outlined in the bill, without any recognition of the cost. The County Council should be aware of and talk about the unbudgeted dollars DEM is spending on programs. Commissioner Pequeño said the bill should have included a line for a dollar amount to be inserted. Chair Bennett called for the question and told those in favor of recommending adoption of Bill 192, Draft 3, to so indicate by saying aye. Vote: Commissioners Fritz, Fulton, and Pequeño and Chair Bennett voted no. Vice Chair Olson abstained. c. Discussion on Bill 210, which was referred by the County Council’s Finance Committee to this Commission for comment and recommendation. Bill 210 proposes to increase wastewater service charge rates to cover the costs of providing the services. Motion and second: Commissioner Fulton moved to recommend adoption of Bill 210 for discussion purposes, and Commissioner Pequeño seconded the motion. Director Kucharski explained that the commissioners had been provided a copy of a PowerPoint presentation he had given to the County Council’s Finance Committee 8