HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0119.001 2004-2006 From: KimmieRowe@aol.com - ~ FCr- ~;iir} i
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2005 10:51 Atvf
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Hilo Bay Modeling.
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February 25, 2005
Kim Rowe
Environmental Co-Chair
Keaukaha Community Assn
c/o 435 Desha Ave.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Chair Safarik and County Council Members
County of Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chair Safarik and County Council Members,
Subject: Letter of Support for Funding a Hilo Bay Modeling Project (Bill 38)
The purpose of this letter is to express support for authorization of County funds for the Hilo Bay Modeling Project (Bill 38).
Hilo Bay and its tributaries do not comply with all State of Hawaii water quality standards and were therefore listed as
'impaired' by the State Department of Health (DOH). As a result, the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHMJ received U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant funds through DOH to bring tFie Hilo Bay watershed into compliance with
State water quality standards.
The Hilo Bay Watershed Advisory Group (HBWAG) was formed in July 2003 during the Public Input Process, the first step
in the EPA grant program. The HBWAG consists of a group of volunteers established to represent the local community in
addressing water quality and other watershed-related issues. Current HBWAG participants include community members,
staff from County Planning, County Public Works and other agencies, UH Hilo staff, and County Council members.
Working collaboratively, UHM and HBWAG have completed the Public Input Process and are now working together on the
next step of the EPA grant program, developing a Restoration Plan for Hilo E3ay.
Because the Hilo Bay breakwater and resulting circulation limitations and poor water quality were top concerns raised
during the public input process, the HBWAG formed a Breakwater Subcommittee. This subcommittee has been
collaborating with Public Works staff and the Hilo Harbormaster on the potential development of a computer model of Hilo
Bay to investigate ways to improve the water quality and circulation. There is very little sampling data or other information
about the bay circulation available. Funding the Hilo Bay Modeling Project would be a significant step toward better
understanding the bay circulation and finding cost effective ways to improve Hiio Bay water quality and the health of the
bay ecosystem.
As representative of the HBWAG, I strongly support the funding of the Hilo Bay Modeling Project.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment on this upcoming deci:;ion.
Sincerely,
Kim Rowe
Environmental Co-Chair
Keaukaha Community Assn
Comm. N~, q • I
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