HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 220 02/18/2004 2002-2004REPORT OF THF,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: February 18, 2004 Re: Comm. No. 502/Res. No. 157-04
PLACE: Council Chambers
TIME: 10:10 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 157-04, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 157-04, transmitted by Director of Finance William Takaba, via Communication No. 502, dated
February 5, ?004, authorizes a Council initiated improvement district implementation study for the construction
of certain wastewater and sewer system improvements for Waiakea, District of South Hilo, Hawaii.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has promulgated Underground Injection Control regulations on
December 7, 1999 which require that large capacity cesspools existing prior to that date must be upgraded or
closed by April 5, 2005. The owners of the KT'A Shopping Center and the Puainako Towne Center have
requested the assistance of the County in its efforts to comply with the EPA regulation and connect to the County
sewer system.
Pursuant to Section 12-10, Hawaii County Code, titled "Initiation by council; study of proposed improvemenC
adoption of improvement hearing." it states that `"i'he council shall, by resolution requiring not more than one
reading for its adoption, direct the chief engineer, or the manager in the case of a water system improvement
district. to prepare and submit to the council a report."
Your Committee heard testimony in favor of the measure from Barry K. "faniguchi, President of K'I'A Super
Stores.
During its discussion, Your Committee learned the preparation of a report is the tirst step for an Improvement
District. 'The Department of Environmental Management-Wastewater Division is working on a funding source to
hire a consultant for an implementation study.
Peter Boucher of the Department of Environmental Management explained that he spoke to an EPA
representative who pointed out that the County may not meet the deadline in the consent agreement with the EPA,
and there is no formal method for extension or waivers on their requirements. However, the EPA does recognize
that the County is making efforts, and it does not aggressively pursue those who are acting in good faith to
comply with the regulations.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 157-04 and recommends
its adoption.
smc
AYES NOES \&r: ABti
CHUNC X
SAFARIK X
ARA KAKI X
ELARIONOFF X
HOLSCHUH X
JACOBSON X
REYNOLDS X
TULANG X
TYLER X
Respectfully submitted
FINANCE
AARON S.Y. CHUNC, CHAIR J
FC REPORT NO. ~gg*t
ADOP rf:D: MARMAR 5~nn~