HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 091 08/12/2008 2006-2008REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: August 12, 2008 Re: Comm. No. 1367/Res. 717-08
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred
Communication No. 1367, regarding Resolution 717-08, reports as follows:
Resolution 717-08, transmitted by Council member K. Angel Pilago, via Communication
No. 1367, dated July 28, 2008, encouraging the State of Hawaii Board of Land and Natural
Resources and the Department of Water Supply to expedite commencement of repairs to
Reservoir 1 and Reservoir 2 located in the District of South Kohala.
Public testimony was given in support of this proposed resolution by David Greenwell
representing Lalamilo Farm Lots Association.
Department of Water Supply Civil Engineer, Mr. Finn McCall and Public Information &
Education Specialist, Ms. Kris "Kanani" Aton appeared before your committee. Mr. McCall and
Ms. Aton provided the following update: a proposed scope of work from a geotech consultant
hired by FEMA, provided a May 24, 2007 report on the recommended repairs on the reservoirs;
also the Department of Water Supply's consultant provided their independent recommendations;
a letter on the recommendations for the repairs on the reservoirs was sent out to FEMA in
September 2007; and FEMA responded in Apri12008. Mr. McCall stated this project is eligible
for FEMA funding since it's related to the October 15, 2006 earthquake and has to proceed with
care so that it complies with FEMA requirements. If approval is not received from FEMA and
repairs are done, FEMA funding may be lost. The Department of Water Supply sent another
letter in May 2008 requesting approval and is still waiting for a response from FEMA.
Mr. McCall added that the completion of repairs to the reservoirs may not be finished until
February 2010.
Council Vice-Chair Angel Pilago commented that if this proposed resolution moves to first
reading at the next County Council meeting, he is requesting that they do a 15 to 20 minute
presentation or overview on the status of the reservoirs. He further stated the need to have the
reservoirs repaired and fully operational during these difficult times; and added that these
PWIRC RPTNO. 91
Page 2 Communication No. 1367 / Res. 717-08
reservoirs need to be in place for economic prosperity and are critically important for economic
diversity and sustainability for the agricultural community's lands and protection of its watershed
in that area.
Committee Chair Brenda J. Ford inquired if the Department of Water Supply has available
funding to do these repairs with or without the 75 percent funding from FEMA, and if FEMA
understands the viability of the reservoirs to the farmers and residents in the area and the urgency
of the repairs needed? Ms. Aton verified funding has been earmarked for this project and will
stick to the plan in place, regardless of FEMA funding. Mr. McCall does believe FEMA
understands the importance of this issue but will send an additional letter to the State Civil ,
Defense reiterating its importance.
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution 717-OR, and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES A&E EX
FORD X
HIGA X
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X
PILAGO X
YAGONG X
YOSHIMOTO X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
BRENDA J. FORD, CHAIR
PW IRC REPORT NO. 91
ADOPTED: AUG T J
2