HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0046.019 2024-2026From: Karen Anderson
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 9:41 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Puako for Reefs (NGO) testimony for Communication 46 for DEM Segawa hearing
Attachments: County Communication 46 Segawa testimony by Puako for Reefs Final.pdf
Dear County Council members,
Please find attached the testimony from the Puako for Reefs organization which is working with the
Puako community to save Puako Reef by working for the last 11 years, donating over $2.51VI and
thousands of volunteer hours to install a sewer system in Puako to remove all wastewater from the reef,
an action deemed necessary by scientists and supported by the 2024 Hawaii County and North Kohala
wastewater studies.
With Aloha,
Puako for Reefs Board members,
Karen Anderson, John Huggins, Barbara Bell, George Fry
A Community Dedicated to Saving Puako Reef
FUAK0 FOR Return the reef to its historic 7 % coral coverage from its existing 7%.
REEFS www.puako4reefs.org
HAWAI I COUNTY COUNCIL
COMMUNICATION #46
Appointment of Wesley Segawa
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
TO: Hawaii County Council, Chair Holeka Goro Inaba,
Vice -Chair, Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, and
Members, Michelle M. Galimba, James Hustace, Jenn Kagiwada, Ashley L. Kierkiewicz,
Matt Kaneali' i-Meinfelder, Heather L. Kimball, Rebecca ViRegas
RE: Communication No. 46 Appointment of Wesley Segawa as Director of the Department of
Environmental Management
Date: January 20, 2025
Preserving Puako Reef: A Call to Action
Over the past 50 years, Puako Reef —a vital environmental, economic, and cultural asset —has suffered a
dramatic decline in coral coverage, from 70%to a mere 7%. Thirteen years ago, NOAA and the State of Hawaii
recognized its critical importance, naming it one of the two most vital reefs in the state for restoration.
However, despite this designation, the reef continues to deteriorate.
Key Threats:
1. Wastewater from local homes and neighboring Hapuna Beach Parks.
2. Agricultural runoff impacting water quality.
3. Insufficient fisheries management.
Scientists warn that if these threats are not addressed immediately, the reef could collapse within a decade.
Why Puako Reef Matters:
Puako Reef is more than an environmental treasure —it is the primary driver of West Hawaii's economy and
culture. It supports four major resorts, sustains thriving water sports businesses like snorkeling and diving, and
provides critical resources for local fisheries.
Community Leadership and Action:
A decade ago, the Puako community took proactive steps to address wastewater, the one threat within its
control. A generous community member donated $2 million, with others contributing hundreds of thousands
more and thousands of volunteer hours to combat this issue.
A Community Dedicated to Saving Puak6 Reef
PUA'~- FOR Return the reef to its historic 70%0 coral coverage from its exi8timg7I/o.
REEFS
Through the non-profit organizations PuakmCommunity Association and Pwakmfor Reefs, the community has
worked tirelessly since 2013 to develop a shovel -ready sewer project. These efforts have garnered support
from two previous County administrations, two DEM directors, state representatives, and federal officials.
The Solution:
Akovvpressuresevversysten\oonfinmedbvrnu|bp|estudies--indudin8tvxoconnnnunitv-hundedengineering
reports, the 2024 Hawaii County and Kohala Coast Wastewater Studies, and a federally funded designneport--
istheophrna|so|ution.AnoericenVVatersatW1aunaLanihasaBreedtoacceptPuako'svvastevveter,andthe
community has committed to funding its share. In a recent survey, 80% of respondents supported the projectif
costs tothem were reasonable.
Call hmAction:
We urge the County administration, County Council, Mayor, Department of Environmental Management and
the new Director ofDEMtoprioritize this project andaUocatethenecessoryresources.Connp|eUngthesevver
system within four years would not only save Puako Reef but also represent a significant achievement in
Hawaii County's wastewater management.
Thareef's future isinour hands, and time is running out. Let usact novv--1ouether—toprotect PuakoReef
for our environment, economy, and future generations.
Saving Puako Reef: Science -Driven Solutions
Decades of research by leading institutions, including the University of Hawaii, Yale University, Cornell
University, NCIAA, and The Nature Conservancy, have confirmed that Puako Reef is in severe decline due to
three major threats exacerbated by climate change:
l. Wastewater from local sources.
2. Agricultural runoff impacting water quality.
3. Insufficient fisheries management.
Scientific Consensus mmImmediate Action
A July 2023 study, published in Nature by Arizona State University, NOAA!s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science
Center, and Bangor University, emphasizes that addressing land -based threats is essential before attempting
reef restoration. As Greg Asner, senior author of the study and director of ASU's Center for Global Discovery
and Conservation Science, stated:
"There is a very strong perception that declining reef health is mainly driven by climate change, which is true in
the long term. However, what we are putting in our waters from our shores, as well as the amount of fishing
A Community Dedicated to Saving Puako Reef
FUAK6 FOR Return the reef to its historic 70% coral coverage from its existing 7%.
REEFS www.puako4reefs.org
A 2018 study by Hawaii's Department of Aquatic Resources (DAR), NOAA, and The Nature Conservancy also
concluded that existing management strategies are insufficient to restore marine ecosystems or halt current
declines. NOAA scientist Mariska Weijerman highlighted that reducing land -based pollution and limiting fishing
would yield the most balanced outcomes for stakeholders.
A Path to Recovery
Dr. Asner, who has extensively studied Puako Reef, has observed its decay firsthand but believes recovery is
possible. He emphasizes that interventions such as coral outplanting and larval injections could regenerate
thousands of new corals. However, he cautions:
"We are unable to do this outplanting work without improving water quality first. Otherwise, we would be
exposing new corals to the same conditions that killed them in the first place."
By building on scientific guidance and the community's commitment, Puako Reef can be restored to health,
securing its environmental, cultural, and economic benefits for generations to come.
A Community Committed to the Reef
The Puako community, through the Puako Community Association and the Puako for Reefs nonprofit, has
demonstrated decades of unwavering dedication to preserving Puako Reef and its surrounding marine
ecosystems. Collaborating with government agencies and nonprofit organizations, these groups have made
significant progress in protecting the marine resources of Puako Bay, the Puako Reef Fisheries Management
Area, Waialea Bay Marine Life Conservation District, Hapuna Beach State Park, and Paniau, the beach area at
the south end of Puako Beach Drive,.
Key Accomplishments:
• 2005-2020: Operated the community -led Makai Watch program.
• 2000-2023: Contributed $30,000 annually for fire and reef protection, alongside thousands of
volunteer hours.
2006: A devastating fire prompted the community to adopt Firewise practices.
• 2011: Officially recognized as a Firewise community.
• 2013: Secured a $2 million donation from a resident to address wastewater impacts on the reef.
• 2013: Partnered with the nonprofit CORAL to design and permit a wastewater system.
2015: Completed a study by AQUA Engineering on three potential wastewater solutions.
• 2016: Began working with a new Hawaii County administration and completed a preliminary sewer
system design for Puako and Waialea Bay.
A Community Dedicated to Saving Puak6 Reef
PLIA'~- FOR Retturn the reef to its historic 70% coral coverage frommits existing 7^/o.
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° 2017: Conducted a community survey, with 70% of residents supporting a new sewer system.
0 2019: Hawaii County agreed to oversee the treatment system for Puako.
o The state listed Puako as a Priority 1 cesspool conversion site.
o Secured a $1.5K4 State [|P grant to study and permit a wastewater system.
° 2020: County administration redirected the $1.5M to a broader county wastewater study.
o Established Puako for Reefs (PFR) to advance the sewer project.
o Updated the AQUA Engineering report.
° 2022: Responded to six stormwater flooding events and enhanced community engagement through a
new website and quarterly newsletters.
o Held regular meetings with the Mayor and Department of Environmental Management (DEM).
o Secured an agreement with American Waters at Mauna Lani to accept Puako's wastewater.
o Supported the federally funded Basis ofDesign Report for the sewer system.
• Hosted four community meetings to update residents on project progress.
o Increased community engagement with six project meetings.
o Conducted a survey showing over 80% of residents would support the sewer system if costs
were reasonable.
o Engaged a county-recom mended engineering firm to develop a detailed plan, including
construction and maintenance costs.
o Began working with anew Hawaii County administration.
o Hired professional experts and working with others pro-bono including a project manager and
an experienced Hawaii -based legal team to draft the preliminary Community Facilities District
(CFD) application.
o Initiated financial modeling to provide residents with accurate cost estimates.
A Call for Partnership:
A Community Dedicated to Saving Puako Reef
PUAKO FOR Return the reef to its historic 70% coral coverage from its existing 7/�,.
REEFS www.puako4reefs.org
The Puako community remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring Puako Reef. However, the community
cannot achieve this goal alone. County partnership is essential to build and manage a collection system that
transports wastewater to the American Waters plant at Mauna Lani.
Together, we can protect Puako Reef for future generations while addressing critical environmental challenges.
Four Studies, One Design for Puako Wastewater Management
Four expert -led studies have identified the optimal solution for wastewater management in Puako and its
surrounding parks. These studies evaluated four collection systems: onsite septic systems, aerobic systems,
gravity -fed sewer systems, and two types of low-pressure systems.
Key Findings:
1. Onsite systems, including high-level aerobic systems, fail to sufficiently remove nutrients to restore the
reef.
2. Gravity -fed systems are impractical due to Puako's low, flat geography near the shoreline.
3. Low-pressure systems are the most effective and viable solution, capable of removing nutrients
without the limitations of other methods.
Limitations of package treatment plant:
Past evaluations also considered installing a wastewater treatment package plant in Puako. This option was
deemed unsuitable due to:
1. Flooding Risks: Annual mountain floodwaters could compromise the plant's infrastructure.
2. Land Constraints: The community lacks suitable land to manage treatment by-products.
3. Geographic Challenges: Puako's flat terrain increases the risk of wastewater returning to the reef.
Project Progress:
The Puako community has engaged Pederson Engineering, a county -recommended firm, to develop
preliminary plans and cost estimates per the South Kohala Wastewater Regional Plan for a low-pressure
collection system. This system will extend along Puako Road and connect to the American Waters plant at the
Mauna Lani resort. Multiple routing options for the collection line are currently under evaluation to determine
the most efficient and cost-effective path. The design will finalize the optimal route for transporting
wastewater to the American Waters plant, determine construction costs, and establish repayment mechanisms
through a Community Facilities District (CFD). Additionally, it will estimate operation and maintenance (O&M)
costs per household for the collection system.
By implementing this proven low-pressure sewer solution, the Puako community, in partnership with the
county, can protect the reef and ensure its long-term recovery.
.,y A Community Dedicated to Saving Puako Reef
PUAKO FOK Return the reef to its historic 70% coral coverage from its existing 7%.
REEFS www.puako4reefs.org
Partnering to Save Puako Reef
The Puako community, through the Puako for Reefs organization, is ready to partner with Hawaii County to
make a sewer system in Puako a reality, marking a critical step toward saving the reef. No other community on
the island has advanced a project of this magnitude as far as Puako. Agreements have already been reached on
critical system design decisions with key organizations. The project is now at a stage where the county can join
this dedicated 'ohana and, with its expertise, complete the sewer system within four years.
Key Next Steps:
1. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Support:
o DEM and its team to meet with the Puako for Reefs (PFR) team to familiarize themselves with
the project.
2. Mayor and Administration Support:
o DEM and PFR to brief the Mayor, secure administrative backing, and align resources.
3. Resource Allocation:
o The Mayor and DEM to assign the necessary expertise to finalize the system design and
establish the Community Facilities District (CFD).
4. Finalize MOU:
o Complete the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hawaii County and American
Waters, detailing capital and ongoing operating costs.
5. Community Outreach:
o PFR to hire a community outreach advocacy firm to educate residents, address concerns, and
secure support for the project.
6. County Council Support:
o Gain County Council approval for the CFD.
SAVE PUAKO REEF NOW, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
NOW is the time to act. This administration has a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by partnering
with the Puako community and leveraging the millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours invested in
this project. We support the confirmation of Mr. Segawa as DEM Director if he commits to collaborating with
Puako for Reefs and its partners to implement the sewer system and protect Puako Reef.
Together, we can preserve this invaluable environmental asset for Hawaii's future.
A Community Dedicated to Saving Puako Reef
PUAKO FOP, Return the reef to its historic 7 % coral coverage froni its existing 7%.
REEFS www.puako4reefs.org
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We trust that you will stand with us in safeguarding the
Puako Reef and its invaluable contributions to Hawaii and its future.
Sincerely,
The Puako for Reefs Board and many volunteers
Officers: Karen Anderson, John Huggins, Barbara Bell, George Fry