HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0494.003 2020-2022 l
RAWEFYC
COMM.4qq
COUNTY CLE
COUNTY HAWAL
October 28, 2021, 3:30p -Water Supply- Kilauea Rect ing
We would expect the County to utilize allocated State and Federa ands to re-establish our power and roads
We are asking that DWS make good on its commitment to maintain its water supply to its customer base
We appreciate the opportunity to,again, provide testimony regarding infrastructure restoration in lower Puna. The
biggest concern is our trust with the County/DWS and in their accountability. Some of the State and Federal funds
that are allocated to restoring lower Puna have been re-directed to other areas, or not utilized. In the meantime,
residents who cannot access their property,cannot rebuild and re-establish their livelihoods...wait! After 3(three)
years,we do not believe that there is reasonable cause for the County's delays.
Why is buyout a priority INSTEAD of restoration of the lower Puna infrastructure? How can a buyout be rationalized
as a viable option in the future of lower Puna? Is it that the State and Federal funding allocated for lower Puna has
already been designated for other areas? If so,this misappropriation of funds should be identified and rectified by
the County.
DWS has stated that not enough residents want to move back to their properties to make water infrastructure
restoration feasible. Although many inaccuracies have been shown in the County/DWS accounting of those that
want a buyout vs those property owners that want to rebuild/restore their property. To identify how many lower
Puna residents want to move back to their property and those that want a buyout: Why doesn't the County utilize
their property tax database or DWS could utilize their customer database that they use for billing to send out a
questionnaire? They could send out a mailing and ask the one question: Would you move back/restore your
property in lower Puna that was impacted by the 2018 lava flow if the County water,power,roads were restored
to your property? One simple question! How many lower Puna residents do you think would say"No"especially if a
reasonable timeframe for construction of said restoration was included?
The Federal and State government stepped up and provided funding which would allow for restoration without loss
to the Department of Water Supply. DWS chose the methodology and have been granted the right of funding based
on the value of what was lost. Lost waterlines for which you sought compensation included water infrastructure
paid for by the lower Puna residents that had committed County water availability. The public should be able to
rely on DWS's commitment to maintain water supply once a connection is established. So,we believe that the
Department of Water Supply has both a moral and legal obligation to restore water.
Whether the residents want to rebuild or sell—County water and infrastructure will make their property more
valuable. Restored infrastructure will allow residents to rebuild, utilize their land, increase the economic base,and
provide a tax base for lower Puna to flourish.The County's slow response to the needs of the residents in lower
Puna should be resolved. The County's resource that has been untapped should be more actively utilized: The
lower Puna community that volunteer on citizen/county committees. Give them management roles and let them
have an active voice to help promote the infrastructure restoration of lower Puna!
Sincerely,
John R Miller/Janet Paist
13-689 Upper Hinalo Road (South Hinalo)
Comm. o
Ref. o: 13 1
Ref. Date NOV 1 6 2021