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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0358.010 2008-2010 William R Kenoi o°='•'_• , Mayor Nancy E. Crawford Director 66V1 Deanna S. Sako i Deputy Director Scott T. Knowles County of Hawaii Rtrk S4anagement6l~zicer RISK 14LaNaGMEMENI DIVISION Finance Department 25 Aupuni Stre'.t, Room 118 . Hilo, Hawaii 96720 (808)961-8068 Fax(808)961-8248 :v 0 0 co C- C= C: May 20, 2009 Emily Naeole County of Hawaii Councilwoman o b A RE. Risk inspection for steam vent property Emily, On 5/14/09 at the request of Roxanne Hampton, of your office, I viewed the above property with Roxanne and Sativa Sultan for risk assessment. Also present was Daryl Inaba and Mark Gushiken with COH Land Management Division. Permission had been granted by the owner, John Gray (seller), who currently lives in Florida. Debbie Hecht was also present for the viewing. When we arrived at the site there were several cars parked on the side of the road apparently belonging to visitors of the steam vents. (We did encounter several visitors during our visit). Sativa indicated it is not unusual for there to be multiple vehicles parked along the road by those visiting the steam vents. There is a widened shoulder which can accommodate some parking (7-8 vehicles) without cleating any parking/traffic issues. We walked and viewed the two lots (approx. 15 acres), one of which is a road remnant (approx. 3 acres). There was not a survey available nor were there any stakes or pins to identify lot boundaries, but Roxanne had a general understanding of the property limits. During the viewing we observed several large (5x7, 7x12, opening/depth) and many smaller vents and had the opportunity to climb into the vented areas (access to some vents would be limited depending on size of person). There was no disturbing smell associated with the steam at any of the vent locations and the steam itself had a moisturizing feeling on your skin. According to your staff, the steam is caused from combination of lava and aquifer. An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, silt, or clay). According to V Comm. No. o • u Ref. To: i rowel', comity a an equal opporfunrry ptor)oer and employer. Ref. UOIe JUN 0 Zang Sativa, eruption occurred in 1955 creating the lava presence. Location of the vents are not easily determined due to terrain and vegetation but can be accessed by paths. These paths can be considered a risk as the terrain is rocky, uneven and steep in places. Some of the larger vent;i are difficult to enter, ie. climbing through a small hole into a teepee like setting while another it is necessary to climb down a steep makeshift ladder. In its current state, due to rough terrain and some open holes at the top of steep vents, it would not be recommended for night viewing or at anytime for a physically challenged individual. According to your staff, during rainy periods more steam is created and there does not appear to be any ponding or water settlement that would create an issue, other than slick surfaces hiking to the vents. Information indicates the owner is interested in selling the two lots together as there are vents on each lot. Roxanne indicated the seller may consider consolidating the lots and then subdividing to allow all vents to be within the lot purchased thus avoiding the acquisition of property that did not include vents thereon. I would recommend survey be performed addressing. locations of vents and lot lines before making any decisions and would defer to Property Management for those considerations. Environmental assessment is recommended and I understand is being scheduled to address among other things, soil, air quality and sanitation issues. Since this location may have volcano/lava implications, I recommend Hawaii Volcano Observatory be contacted to evaluate previous and future considerations. I would also recommend hydro geologist opinion concerning aquifer status and future expectations regarding same. It may also be necessary to have an engineer evaluate the strength of the caves so as to absorb earthquake impacts as there are benches located within several vent caves. Information was not available concerning prior incidents at the site and therefore I would suggest obtaining this information from Police and Fire. The steam vents are a natural phenomenon that is visited regularly by tourists and locals alike. I understand, if purehased, the plan is to maintain the area in its current condition. This of course will create obligations of the County to include but not be limited to signage (recommendation of shoes and water, enter at own risk, no entry at night, etc.), security, management and maintenance. Appraisal is also being scheduled and is vital portion of this process as if the appraised value is less than seller will accept, all other matters may be moot. I would recommend that Corp Counsel review the liability issue to the County considering for both improved and unimproved conditions.