COM 1062.034 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Harry Kim Dixie Kaetsu Mayor Tt 0)^ Managing Director Barbara Kossoxv Deputy Managing Director County of Hawaii 891 Ululani Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 329-5226 • Fax (808) 326-5663 April 21, 2008 The Honorable Dominic Yagong, Chairperson, and Committee Members Committee on Finance Hawaii County Council County of Hawaii Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Resolution 551-08 - Approval of Multi-Year Contract Wheelabrator Proposal - Waste to Energy Dear Chairperson Yagong and Council Members: I would like to thank the County Council for its diligence in seeking public input by holding public hearings on the Wheelabrator waste-to-energy proposal. The administration has also held numerous community informational meetings to explain the proposal to the public. Presenters at the community meetings tried to ensure that questions were answered as thoroughly and fairly as possible. Like some members of the Council Council, attendees had many questions that focused on the issues of cost and environment. As we know, specific questions on cost and environment cannot be answered unless we proceed with the Wheelabrator contract. I strongly urge you to approve Resolution 551-08, to allow the contract with Wheelabrator to be executed, for the following reasons: • Financial concerns: Upon signing the contract, Wheelabrator will proceed with the final design so a firm design/build cost can be determined. This will address many of the financial questions that cannot be answered without firm costs. This final design/build cost will be available in six months (180 days), and the work to obtain the cost will be home entirely by Wheelabrator. After receiving the actual cost figures, the Council can terminate the contract with no obligation. • Environmental concerns: Upon execution of the contract, Wheelabrator will be required to begin the lengthy Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. They will also be required to begin work on an Environmental Analysis Report (EAR). This EAR will be completed within nine months (270 days) and will provide an early report on the anticipated environmental impacts of the waste-to-energy facility. The County negotiated for this non-standard report to be done so we can have information on environmental impacts as soon as possible, well before an EIS could be completed. After completion of the EAR, the Council can terminate the contract with no obligation, financial or otherwise. Note that all costs of this EAR will be borne by Wheelabrator. Gomm. Nm 106114 Ref. To- !feaeew prd Ref. Date APR 21 MOO Hawaii County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.