HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0808.001 2002-2004
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Barbara Bell
Director
Harry Kim
Mayor Deputy Nelson HO
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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
25 Aupuni Street, Room 210 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252
(808) 961-8083 • Fax (808) 961-8086
eohdem@interpac.net
October 28, 2004
The Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Council Chair
And Council Members
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
SUBJECT: BILL 352 RELATING TO SEWER SERVICE CHARGES
Dear Council Chair Arakaki and Councilmembers,
The Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Water Supply have serious
concerns about Bill 352 as written.
In reviewing this issue, the Environmental Management Commission studied and voted on a proposed
ordinance with somewhat similar language. At their April 29, 2003 meeting they deferred action. At
their May 28, 2003 meeting, they voted to take no action on the proposed ordinance on the basis that
there was no public benefit. (Proposed Bill and minutes from May 28 meeting attached.)
Department of Water Supply (DWS) requires that meters are installed in the public right-of-way so
they can read the meters accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner. Relevant sections of DWS
rules are Section 3-5, (6) and (7).
It may be possible to add the concept behind this bill to our existing County Code with some additional
language. If the bill was amended in Section 21-29 to read:
"No sewer charges shall be levied on water used for irrigation or other uses [only when separate water
meters are installed for such purposes and the water drawn through such meters is not discharged into
the sanitary sewage system.] when the water is not discharged into the sewer system and a separate
metering system acceptable to the County and in accordance with Rules and Regulations set
forth by the Department of Water Supply, is installed to provide a method of accounting for the
amount of water which is or is not subiect to the sewer use charges as the case may be.
Comm. No. 80
Ref. To:
Hawaii County is an equal opportunity provider and employer Ref. Dote
We ask for your assistance in this matter, and to not pass the bill as written.
Sincerely,
Barbara Bell Milton Pavao
DIRECTOR DIRECTOR
Department of Environmental Management Department of Water Supply
cc: Harry Kim, Mayor
Environmental Management Commission
Wastewater Division
enclosures: Proposed Bill
Minutes, May, 2003 Environmental Management Commission