HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0176.042 2006-2008 Page 1 of 2
Caseria, Susan
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From: Witcher Engineering LLP [bewitch@ilhawaii.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 2:31 PM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: McClure, Bruce; Kuba, Galen; Nancy Burns
Subject: Flooding Ordinance Chapter 27
Council Members:
My name is Bruce E. Witcher. I am a licensed professional engineer in the State of Hawaii, residing in Holualoa, HI. I
am owner/partner in a consulting civil engineering company, Witcher Engineering LLP. I have a great deal of
experience in designing for flood-impacted areas. I am a past president of the Hawaii Society of Professional
Engineers, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a member of the Water Environment Federation and
a past board member of the Kona Soil and Water Conservation District.
It appears to me as a professional engineer with some 40 years of professional experience that the Council needs more
guidance in resolving the problems associated with Chapter 27.
In the first place, there seems to be confusion that Chapter 27 should cover grading issues. Grading is contained in
Chapter 10. There are some problems with Chapter 10 which need to be addressed. These are primarily in the field of
enforcement.
Reading the West Hawaii Today this morning, I came across an article concerning the changes the Council wishes to
make to Chapter 27. In this article, it was stated that Bruce McClure would like to see a 90-day stand down on the part
of the Council in order to review the situation. He suggested that an Ad Hoc committee or two be formed to review the
impact of these proposed amendments and to provide guidance to the Council. I wholeheartedly agree with this
approach.
My observation is that the Council members are making recommendations for change without the benefit of any kind
of study, or studies, to support their positions or without the aid of professional opinions.
The above being said, I make the following suggestions if the Council feels it should act at this time:
1. Make only those changes requested by the Department of Public Works to bring Chapter 27 into compliance
with the requirements of the NFIP.
2. Put some real teeth into the Grading Ordinance, Chapter 10. Put sufficient penalties in the ordinance that
somebody would think twice before willfully violating the ordinance.
3. Put together the Ad Hoc committees as Bruce McClure suggests and give them 90 days to provide a draft of
a revised Chapter 10.
Anytime drastic changes are made to codes and regulations, unanticipated consequences can occur. With this in mind,
a financial impact study should be performed for these changes. Such questions as "How does this affect affordable
housing?", or "How does this affect agriculture?" should be addressed.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my opinion. Please give these suggestions some thought. ~
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Bruce E. Witcher, P.E.
5/15/2007