HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWPRC 014 03/01/2011 2010-2012REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
DATE: March 1, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 104/Res. No. 41 -11
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 8:05
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation, to which was referred
Resolution 41 -11, reports as follows:
Resolution 41 -11, transmitted by Councilmember K. Angel Pilago, via Communication No. 104,
dated February 14, 2011, proposes the establishment of a water system improvement district for
the Kona Ocean View Properties Subdivision.
Included with the resolution is the "Manager's Report," Comm. 989, dated October 22, 2010,
from Milton Pavao, Manager and Chief Engineer of the Department of Water Supply, which
includes costs for the design and installation of a public water delivery system for the
improvement district.
Department of Water Supply Manager Milton Pavao, Deputy Manager Quirino Antonio, and
Civil Engineer Ryan Quitoriano, were present to answer questions from members of Your
Committee. Deputy Corporation Counsel Kathy Garson was also available should the need
arise.
Eleven (11) testifiers spoke in favor of establishing the improvement district, even those already
on water meters, because the project will include the installation of seven (7) fire hydrants in the
subdivision. Testifiers commented on their willingness to repay the loan for the new system,
which will benefit the whole community. One testifier presented two petitions signed by 44
residents in favor of the resolution, and commented on the problem with a "mish mash" of
"spaghetti water lines" that currently exists. However, one testifier who lives on the edge of the
proposed improvement district said he and others near him are already connected to the county
water system. He asked if they could be exempt from the assessment.
Deputy Manager Antonio commented that he was not sure if it were possible to exclude anyone
located within the defined geographic boundaries that have been established in the plan. Council
member Hoffmann commented that he worked on a similar project in Waikoloa where residents
shared those same concerns; he suggested the applicants or the Department of Water Supply
(DWS) consult with our Corporation Counsel to see if exemptions could be applied in this case.
PWPRC - 14
March 1, 2011 Page 2 Comm. 104, Res.41 -11
Deputy Manager Antonio added that the two main reasons for the DWS to do this right now is to
address the issue of the "spaghetti lines" that currently exist and the lack of fire hydrants in this
highly flammable area. He also stated that without the grant from the United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA) and loan funding by the USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) this type of
project would not be possible.
Project costs are $1,569,369 and three sources of funding have been identified as: $353,369 from
a USDA RUS grant; $1,169,000 from a RUS loan; and $47,000 required applicant contribution.
All the residents in the "improvement district" will have a fair share cost and will assume all
responsibilities to repay the loan and any debt service amounts required.
Council Member Hoffmann commended the community for their willingness to actively take
part and financial responsibility to improve their neighborhood.
Your Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Resolution No. 41 -11, and recommends its adoption.
bl
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS &
PARKS AND RECREATION
FRED BLAS, CHAIR
PWPRC REPORT NO. 14
ADOPTED: MAR 1 6 2511
AYES
NOES
A &E
EX
BLAS
X
FORD
X
HOFFMANN
X
IKEDA
X
ONISHI
X
PILAGO
X
SMART
X
YAGONG
X
YOSHIMOTO
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS &
PARKS AND RECREATION
FRED BLAS, CHAIR
PWPRC REPORT NO. 14
ADOPTED: MAR 1 6 2511