HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0458.001 2024-2026�
P / Caarlcil
Bill 79/COlQ4.958
John Pelletier
Ahupua'a'o'O'oma,
Kailua-Kona, HI
September 15, 2025
jdp2766@gmail.com
Hawai'i County Council
Hawaii County Building
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25 Aupuni Street
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Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
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RE: Bill No. 79, Amends Ordinance No. 25-46
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Aloha nui kakou, aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the Council,
I'm John Pelletier, a resident of Kona, and I'm testifying in support of
Bill 79.
The Kona community has long advocated for the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant
R-1 Upgrade, but costs prevented it from moving forward. With the County's settlement
agreementwith Hui Malama Honokokau now requiring completion by June 30, 2029,
this project has shifted from a community priority to a legal mandate. I strongly support
Bill 79 to ensure the project is included in the Capital Budget without delay.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the settlement, upgrading to R-1 water will
deliver important benefits to the Kona community, including:
High quality reclaimed water for the County to sell, incentivizing additional sewer
hookups to the treatment plant.
• Water availabitly for park irrigation, especially for the planned Kealakehe Regional
Park, which will depend on R-1 water for irrigation.
• Improved water quality in the treatment plant ponds, which are a habitat for native
and migratory birds.
I wish to extend my appreciation to the Department of Environmental Management for
their innovative approach in advancing this project despite the time and budgetary
constraints, and to the Council for their dedication in working to secure the necessary
funding to bring it to fruition.
Mahalo for your time and for your consideration of my testimony in support of Bill 79.
Ke aloha no, Comm. AI
John Pelletier Ref. To:
Ref. Date SE 1 7 2025