HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0598.020 2006-2008
My name is Kathy McMillen, I work as an adrninistratiye manager in my husband's small land
surveying business. If Bill 151 passes, it wi71 likely create more work for land surveyors, so let
me be clear I am not here to represent anyone other my self.
Prior to my present position, I worked in construction management for 18 years. In my last
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position I was in charge of the construction management for Keahole Airport, the rgain pr~ct
being the runway extension during the 1990's. In my career I spent 5 years working on 3 arrajor
flood control projects that were administered by the Corp of Engineers.
I've attempted to read different versions of this bill and the only thing that is clear is draina~e
design issues are confused with flood plain management issues. Wh~7e there may begood-,~
intentions backing this b>71, it is clear to me by the way it is written that no one on this counc~7
really understands the technical issues. I do have a basic understanding but even I would never
presume to write this kind of legislation. I wouldn't even sponsor this bill unless the lead was
taken by a PRACTICING licensed DESIGN HYDROLOGIST with intimate knowledge of the
various conditions on the Big Island. No one else has the expertise needed to do the anaiysis for
this kind of legislation. And no such person has been seriously involved in creating this
legislation. If anyone on this council really did understand the technical issues, they would know
that Bill 151 does not solve the kind of drainage problems we have actually have on this island.
If you want to be productive, focus your attention on ENFORCEMENT of the laws we aheady
have, primarily the GRADING ordinance. An inspector should be on site for every grading and
grubbing permit when land is broken open. Staff positions need to be funded to make this
happen. Fines for violations need to be stiff, but before you implement penalties you need to
work with the State to get grading permits processed in a reasonable amount of time.
There were several years of an out of control pro-development council. Now you aze getting a
reputation ofbeing ananti-development council. You are all bright, dedicated people who have
great potential and what I'd prefer to see is a council who supports sensible development. Please
don't start passing legislation because it feels right or sounds good. That is no way to run our
County.
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Ref. To, lroseoteA ur'IU I
Ref. Dote AUG 22 200T
I've witnessed a drainage code go from 10-year flood design to 100-year to 25-year hke you
were bartering for dry goods at a market. Do not change technical codes 1>7ce this without sound
engineering principals to back up your argument. Copying something from a California code or
listening to an administrative engineer with zero design experience is not the way to go. Please,
get the FEMA requirements met and then take a good, long hard look at what you are doing and
WHY you are doing it. And don't forget HOW you are going to fund the enforcement of
whatever you decide.